If your business supports the Department of Defense in any way — as a contractor, subcontractor, or vendor — then meeting CMMC requirements isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 sets the standards for how defense partners must protect sensitive government data.
Whether you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Federal Contract Information (FCI), or both, knowing what CMMC expects of you is the first step toward protecting your business and securing future opportunities.
At MAD Security, we walk alongside you at every stage of that journey. Let’s break it all down.
If you’re working on defense contracts, you’re expected to meet the level of CMMC that matches the sensitivity of the information you manage. Non-compliance can delay or disqualify you from opportunities. Being prepared means protecting national security, meeting contract terms, and staying competitive in the defense sector.
CMMC focuses on two critical types of information:
This includes any non-public information provided by or generated for the government as part of a contract. Think pricing, project schedules, and supplier lists.
CUI is more sensitive. It includes technical drawings, design specifications, and other defense-related information that isn’t classified but still needs to be protected.
If you work with either of these, you’re in scope for CMMC.
CMMC 2.0 introduced a simplified model with three cybersecurity maturity levels. Each one has its own set of requirements based on the data you handle.
Requirements:
Requirements:
Requirements:
Most contractors will fall into Level 1 or Level 2. Knowing which level applies to your work is an important first step.
If you’re a subcontractor, CMMC still applies. The level you need to meet depends on what kind of data you handle:
Prime contractors are responsible for ensuring their subs meet the right level. That means flow-down requirements will show up in your contracts, and non-compliance could cost you your spot on the team.
CMMC assessments help determine whether your organization is doing what it says it's doing to protect data.
If your assessment uncovers any issues, you’ll need to create a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). This is a formal plan that shows how you’ll close the gaps.
Each plan should include:
At Levels 2 and 3, all POA&Ms must be resolved within 180 days. After that, continuous monitoring is expected to maintain your compliance over time.
CMMC is being implemented in phases between 2024 and 2028. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
Since certification can take a year or more to prepare for, the best time to begin is now.
CMMC certification isn’t just about avoiding risk. It creates real advantages for your business:
We’re not just consultants. MAD Security is CMMC Level 2 Certified, has a perfect SPRS score of 110, and serves as a Registered Provider Organization (RPO). We’ve helped both contractors and C3PAOs navigate the path to certification and stay ready long-term.
Our services include:
We don’t leave you guessing. We walk with you every step of the way.
If CMMC applies to your business — and it likely does — now is the time to get ahead. Preparing early puts you in a strong position when contracts start requiring certification.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free CMMC consultation with MAD Security. We’ll help you assess your current posture, understand what level you need to meet, and create a clear path to certification.