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Why Now Is the Time to Prepare for CMMC 2.0 Certification
In August 2025, MAD Security hosted an in-depth cybersecurity panel discussion with strategic partner Sentar, bringing together top CMMC assessors, compliance leads, and security operations experts. The discussion focused on practical advice for defense contractors navigating CMMC 2.0, DFARS 7012, and NIST 800-171 requirements.
For organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), the window to prepare for third-party assessments is shrinking. With the CMMC final rule likely going into effect by end of 2025, contractors who delay will face higher costs, limited assessor availability, and potential loss of contract eligibility.
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion
Smart Scoping Is the Foundation of Success
Every panelist agreed: incorrect scoping is the #1 mistake that derails CMMC Level 2 readiness.
“If you get scope wrong, everything else is wrong.” – Steve Pratt, CISO & CMMC Lead Assessor, Sentar
Your scope must define where CUI lives, how it flows, and what systems, users, and processes interact with it. A misaligned enclave or overly restrictive boundary can cripple operations and lead to non-compliance.
MAD Security’s approach? Every gap assessment starts with CUI data flow mapping and boundary definition not as an add-on, but as the foundation.
Smart Scoping Is the Foundation of Success
“If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.” CMMC assessments require:
| An up-to-date System Security Plan (SSP) | |
| Clear segmentation documentation | |
| Supporting policies and procedures | |
| SRMs/CRMs for cloud vendors and MSPs |
And yes, you must define and document the frequency for all “periodic” activities in NIST 800-171A. Undefined = failed control.
Shrink Your Scope with Segmentation
| Reduce compliance costs | |
| Minimize attack surface | |
| Speed up assessment readiness |
Options include:
| Using GCC High or Prevail enclaves |
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| Network segmentation via VLANs |
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| Limiting access to CUI-handling teams only |
MAD Security supports both GCC High and Prevail environments—and has helped clients successfully certify under both.
Start Early. Really Early
Brad Proctor, Director of Operations at MAD Security, emphasized that even “fast-track” clients need 6–12 months for realistic readiness.
“You may think you’re ready, but unless you’ve done a dry run: mock assessments, document reviews, system tests you’re not.”
Gap assessments, mock audits, and evidence walkthroughs take time. The earlier you begin, the more control you have over your timeline, costs, and assessment outcome.
MSSPs and Supply Chain Risk Are Under the Microscope
Don’t assume your MSP or software vendor is “good to go.” You need:
| Shared Responsibility Matrices (SRMs) | |
| Vendor security documentation |
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| Clarified roles for assessment support |
“If your MSP isn’t CMMC-certified, you may have to pay for their environment to be assessed too.” – Tamara Hall, Cybersecurity Evangelist, Sentar
And if you’re a subcontractor, expect primes to demand proof of CMMC readiness fast.
Why This Matters: Your Future Contracts Depend on It
The CMMC 2.0 rule is coming, and with it, thousands of companies will be racing to book assessments. MAD Security and Sentar warned that C3PAO capacity is already tight and prices are expected to rise dramatically once the rule becomes enforceable.
Failing to prepare now puts your company at risk for:
| Contract loss |
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| False Claims Act violations |
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| Federal audit findings | |
| Non-competitive status in proposal evaluations |
Final Thoughts
CMMC 2.0 is not optional. It’s inevitable. Contractors who act early will control their path to compliance and keep their revenue streams intact. Whether you are a prime or sub, if you handle Controlled Unclassified Information, CMMC is your responsibility.
Let MAD Security help you:
| Define your scope |
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| Map your CUI data flows |
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| Segment your systems | |
| Get audit-ready |
We’ve done it ourselves. We’re certified. And we’re helping contractors just like you pass their assessments and win contracts.
Original Publish Date: September 25, 2025
By: MAD Security
