Securing Your Supply Chain | MAD Security Webinar Recap

Q: How long does it take to get compliant?

If you have NIST 800-171 in place, it could take 30– 90 days . From scratch, it’s often 6– 18 months .

Watch the June MAD Security Town Hall Webinar replay 👇

Blue and White Modern Securing Digital Infrastructure Presentation-1 Defense contractors can no longer ignore their supply chain when it comes to CMMC 2.0. In our June 2025 Cybersecurity Town Hall, Adam Starnes (Account Manager at MAD Security) addressed the growing urgency around supply chain security and compliance for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

With primes passing strict requirements, subcontractors are under pressure to prove their readiness or risk being cut from critical contracts. This session walked through actionable steps to protect your business, validate your vendors, and ensure audit readiness across the board.

As a CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP and a top-ranked provider in the federal cybersecurity space, MAD Security is uniquely equipped to help defense contractors and their suppliers stay compliant and competitive.

Key Takeaways from the June Town Hall

MAD SEC - Website Images-1

Your Vendors Are Your Risk

Primes are no longer taking compliance at face value. They require real evidence from every entity in the supply chain that handles or can access Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

If one of your suppliers isn’t compliant, you could lose your eligibility to bid or continue working on DoD contracts.
Documentation like SPRS scores, System Security Plans (SSPs), and POA&Ms are now standard requirements not just for you, but for your vendors.

MAD SEC - Website Images (1)

CMMC Ready ≠ CMMC Certified

There’s a difference between being “ready” for CMMC and being certified.

Ready means you’ve completed internal assessments, closed gaps, and are prepared for a third-party audit.
Certified means you’ve been evaluated by a C3PAO and passed.

Several MAD Security clients, including MAD itself, have chosen to get certified ahead of requirements, giving them a significant competitive edge.

MAD SEC - Website Images (2)

Don’t Wait for Your Vendors to Catch Up

A common cause of CMMC delays? Non-compliant suppliers. Help them before it’s too late.

Send out structured questionnaires to gauge vendor readiness.
Share resources, make personal calls, and offer support.

Introduce them to MAD Security to guide their CMMC journey.

MAD Security Can Assist with Supply Chain Readiness

From custom questionnaires to direct supplier outreach, MAD provides a turnkey program to simplify supply chain compliance:

Evaluate documentation
Provide remediation recommendations
Offer affordable prep solutions
Track progress toward compliance

If you rely on them for business, help them stay in business with your contract protected.

Readiness Leads to Wins

We’ve seen compliant suppliers win contracts over more capable but unready competitors. Compliance isn’t just about risk it’s a competitive advantage that primes value today.

Q&A Highlights from Live Attendees

Do all vendors need to be CMMC Level 2 certified?

Only if they handle or can access CUI. If not, document why they’re out of scope.

What documents should I collect from suppliers?

Ask for their SPRS score, SSP summary, POA&M, and a letter of attestation from leadership or third party.

How long does it take to get compliant?

If you have NIST 800-171 in place, it could take 30–90 days. From scratch, it’s often 6–18 months.

What if a vendor refuses to comply?

You may have to replace them your contract could depend on it.

Why Defense Contractors Trust MAD Security

MAD Security brings unparalleled CMMC compliance and security support to the Defense Industrial Base:

	CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP
	Perfect SPRS Score of 110
	Top 250 MSSP (4 years in a row)
	U.S.-Based 24/7 SOC in Huntsville, AL
	Staffed by U.S. citizens
	15+ Years of cybersecurity and compliance
	Works with your existing stack: Microsoft, Fortinet, AWS, etc.
	Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
	The same team that passed our own audit helps clients pass theirs

We combine security operations and compliance consulting into one full-spectrum solution purpose-built for DoD contractors.

Why You Should Act Now Before Supply Chain Risk Escalates

CMMC 2.0 enforcement is happening in real time via DFARS 252.204-7012 flow downs. Delays are already stacking up:

	Primes are demanding documentation now
	C3PAO audit capacity is limited
	Non-compliant vendors are being cut from contracts
	Cyberattacks targeting smaller suppliers continue to rise

Supply chain readiness ensures:

	Secure vendor ecosystems
	Faster audit prep
	Fewer last-minute surprises
	Better odds of contract renewal and new awards

Don’t wait until a supplier delays your bid or prime replaces you. Prepare now.

Free Resources and Next Steps

MAD Security offers free tools to help your team hit the ground running:

	CMMC Master Bundle – 5 essential compliance documents to help with CUI enclave planning, gap identification, and compliance checklists
	CMMC Assessment Guide – A complete roadmap covering scoping, documentation, assessor expectations, and POA&M planning
	Free 31-Question Pre-Assessment – Instantly identify where you stand against all 110 NIST 800-171 controls
	Schedule a Free Consultation – Meet with our compliance team to discuss your organization’s unique CMMC challenges and supply chain needs

These resources are purpose-built for the Defense Industrial Base to simplify compliance, accelerate audit readiness, and safeguard your contract pipeline.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

CMMC success starts with securing not just your environment but your entire ecosystem. Your vendors matter. Their posture affects your posture.

Whether your assessment is months or weeks away, MAD Security is here to help. We’ve helped dozens of clients build, prove, and pass CMMC Level 2.

Cybersecurity isn’t a checkbox; it’s a journey. Let’s take the next step together.

Original Published Date:

By: MAD Security