Blog
News, insights, and updates on CMMC compliance.
From Readiness to Reality: Why 18 Months Is Not Enough to Prepare for Your CMMC Level 2 Assessment
With C3PAO wait times stretching beyond six months and only 0.5% of defense contractors certified, the math is brutal. Here is what a realistic CMMC Level 2 preparation timeline actually looks like.
Beyond DoD: How the FAR CUI Rule Could Bring CMMC-Level Protection to Every Federal Contract
A proposed FAR rule would require any federal contractor handling controlled unclassified information to implement NIST 800-171 controls, regardless of whether they work with DoD. Here is what it proposes, who it affects, and how it compares to CMMC.
FIPS 140-2 Sunsets on September 21, 2026: How to Transition to FIPS 140-3 Without Disrupting Your DoD Contracts
After September 21, FIPS 140-2 validated modules move to historical status. Defense contractors have a short window to verify their products and update to FIPS 140-3 validated versions before their CMMC assessment.
What Activates CMMC? A Quick Guide for Defense Contractors
CMMC is not required for every DoD contractor. Whether it applies, and at what level, depends on the type of data you handle and the contract clauses in your agreements. Here is the breakdown.
Post-Quantum Readiness: What FIPS 203/204/205 and FedRAMP 20x Mean for Your CMMC Program
NIST finalized FIPS 203, 204, and 205 in August 2024. Here is what the new quantum-resistant cryptography standards mean for defense contractors and how they connect to your CMMC compliance program.
NIST 800-171 Rev 3: What Changes for Defense Contractors in 2026
NIST published SP 800-171 Rev 3 in May 2024. DoD is still using Rev 2 for CMMC Level 2, but Rev 3 is coming. Here is what changed and how contractors should prepare for the transition.
DoD Contract Tracker: How to Find CMMC-Ready Opportunities Before Your Competitors
Use the CMMC Ready Now DoD contract tracker, SAM.gov alerts, and DFARS clause monitoring to find CMMC-required solicitations early and build a visibility advantage over your competition.
CMMC Phase 2 Is Here: What Every Defense Contractor Needs to Know
CMMC 2.0 became a DFARS contract clause on June 11, 2025, and Phase 2 is now in force. Here is what contractors need to know about C3PAO assessments, SPRS scores, and what to do this quarter.
Why Machine Shops Are the Most Vulnerable Link in the Defense Supply Chain
Machine shops handling defense contracts face unique cybersecurity vulnerabilities that make them prime targets for foreign adversaries seeking to compromise American defense capabilities.
CMMC for Electronics Manufacturers: Your PCB Schematics Are Controlled Information
Electronics manufacturers handling defense contracts must understand that PCB schematics, component specifications, and circuit designs are controlled unclassified information requiring CMMC protection.
Aerospace Parts Suppliers: AS9100 Does Not Cover CMMC
AS9100 certification covers quality management for aerospace suppliers, but CMMC Level 2 addresses entirely different cybersecurity requirements for protecting controlled unclassified information.
Engineering Firms and CMMC: Every CAD File Is CUI
Engineering firms must understand that every CAD file, technical drawing, and design document they create or modify for defense projects is controlled unclassified information requiring CMMC protection.
Testing Labs and CMMC: Why Your Calibration Reports Need Federal Cybersecurity Protection
Testing and calibration laboratories serving defense contractors must protect test results, calibration reports, and measurement data as controlled unclassified information under CMMC.
CMMC Ready Now Sponsors $500,000 in Gap Assessment Grants for Small Defense Contractors
100 in-kind grants valued at $5,000 each, donated to Cyber Grants Alliance to help small and mid-sized defense contractors prepare for the November 2026 CMMC Level 2 deadline.
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