With new requirements arriving under CMMC 2.0, heightened expectations across NIST 800 171, and rising scrutiny throughout the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), this topic was timely and essential. Contractors across aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, and government services attended to understand the operational demands of maintaining compliance over time.
MAD Security emphasized that ongoing readiness is not optional. It is a permanent part of business for any organization that handles Controlled Unclassified Information. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and federal oversight expands, organizations must shift from passing an assessment to sustaining a strong security posture throughout every stage of their compliance lifecycle.
CMMC Compliance Is an Ongoing Lifecycle and Not a One-Time MilestoneThe most important message from the webinar was that compliance continues long after the assessment is complete. Organizations must maintain a perfect SPRS score of 110, keep documentation updated, monitor systems continuously, and ensure evidence aligns with all 320 CMMC Level 2 objectives. Because of changing tools, staff transitions, network adjustments, and vendor replacements, many organizations fall out of alignment without realizing it. Continuous readiness not only ensures alignment with CMMC 2.0 and NIST 800 171 standards but also strengthens cybersecurity resilience across the DIB. |
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Annual Attestations Carry Serious Liability if Submitted IncorrectlyEvery year, company leadership must verify that compliance remains intact by signing an annual attestation. If the attestation is inaccurate, organizations risk:
Accurate evidence, documentation validation, and a steady maintenance routine help reduce legal exposure and maintain a defensible SPRS score. This is now a key component of long-term assessment preparation. |
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Documentation and Evidence Must Be Updated ContinuouslyJaclyn explained that documentation must be revised whenever the environment changes. Examples include:
If documentation is not updated as systems evolve, organizations risk failing their next CMMC assessment. Many contractors who paused routine maintenance later faced the expensive task of rebuilding their compliance program from scratch. |
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Partnering with a Certified MSSP Strengthens Assessment Readiness
Avoid costly missteps by reducing the assessment scope early. The team discussed: A certified MSSP helps contractors interpret evolving CMMC requirements, monitor operational changes, and maintain evidence in real time. This support is especially valuable because most internal IT teams already manage heavy workloads. Organizations that partner with a proven provider are better prepared for assessment cycles, better aligned with DFARS 252.204 7012, and better positioned to meet expectations from prime contractors throughout the supply chain. |
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Delaying Preparation Leads to Higher Costs and Increased RiskPostponing CMMC work until the next assessment cycle can lead to:
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When it comes to CMMC 2.0, NIST 800-171, and DFARS 7012, MAD Security leads the way:
| CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP with a perfect SPRS score of 110 | |
| Ranked among the Top 250 MSSPs globally for four consecutive years | |
| Cyber AB Registered Practitioner Organization with extensive assessment support experience | |
| United States based 24 by 7 SOC located in Huntsville Alabama and staffed exclusively by credentialed United States citizens | |
| Same Experts Same Assessment model where the same team that passed MAD’s assessment helps clients pass theirs | |
| Purpose built for NIST 800 171 and DFARS 252.204 7012 compliance | |
| More than 15 years of cybersecurity and compliance leadership | |
| No rip and replace approach that integrates with Microsoft, Fortinet, and existing toolsets | |
| Comprehensive services including GRC, SOCaaS, MDR, VCM, penetration testing, and risk assessments | |
| Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with mission driven leadership |
CMMC 2.0 timelines, evolving federal expectations, and increasing cyber threats create urgency for every organization handling CUI. Waiting to begin post assessment work increases the risk of:
| Compliance drift | |
| Contract Loss | |
| Emergency remediation expenses | |
| Evidence gaps | |
| Scheduling delays with assessors | |
| Pressure from primes requiring early proof of readiness |
Starting now helps organizations increase maturity, reduce operational risk, maintain competitiveness, and avoid the stress of last-minute preparation.
MAD Security offers several free resources to support your compliance journey:
| CMMC Master Bundle with essential templates and guides |
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| CMMC Assessment Guide with detailed process insights |
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| Free Pre-Assessment with 31 readiness questions |
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| Free Consultation with MAD’s compliance experts |
CMMC; it is not a one-time task but a continuous journey.
Maintaining readiness after certification requires consistent monitoring, documentation updates, and specialized support. You are not alone in this effort. MAD Security is ready to help your organization strengthen its posture and maintain assessment readiness across every phase of the compliance lifecycle.
If you are ready to simplify compliance and build long term resilience, our team is here to guide you.
Original Published Date: August 27,2025
By: MAD Security