What is CMMC Level 2?
If your organization works with the Department of Defense (DoD) and handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), then CMMC Level 2 is a serious milestone in your cybersecurity journey.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed by the DoD to ensure that contractors are effectively protecting sensitive government data against evolving cyber threats. CMMC Level 2 is designed for organizations that manage CUI and require full implementation of the 110 security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171, the foundational standard for this level.
Whether you're a prime contractor or a subcontractor, understanding what CMMC Level 2 requires is essential for staying eligible to compete for defense contracts. This guide will walk you through the core requirements, why they matter, and how MAD Security can help you prepare with confidence.
What Makes CMMC Level 2 So Important?
CMMC Level 2 is more than just a cybersecurity benchmark. It is a contractual requirement that directly affects your eligibility to work on defense programs involving CUI. While Level 1 focuses on safeguarding less sensitive Federal Contract Information (FCI), Level 2 is designed to protect critical data that, if compromised, could put national security at risk.
Here’s why it matters:
- Most companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) fall under Level 2
- It requires you to prove your compliance, not just claim it
- Certification is often required before contract award or renewal
- Prime contractors are increasingly requiring their subs to meet Level 2 readiness early
What Does CMMC Level 2 Require?
CMMC Level 2 is based on the full implementation of 110 security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171. These controls are grouped into 14 families and cover a wide range of topics, from access control and incident response to system integrity and personnel training.
Key Requirements at a Glance:
- Access Control: Limit system access to authorized users
- Audit and Accountability: Track and review system activity
- Configuration Management: Establish and enforce secure settings
- Identification and Authentication: Ensure users are who they say they are
- Incident Response: Detect and respond to cybersecurity events
- Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate security risks
- System and Communications Protection: Secure your network traffic and data
- System and Information Integrity: Monitor and remediate threats in real time
Organizations must implement these controls fully, maintain supporting documentation like System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and be prepared to demonstrate their effectiveness.
Who Needs to Be Certified at Level 2?
Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for the DoD will need to meet Level 2 requirements. This includes:
- Prime contractors handling sensitive technical, engineering, or logistics data
- Subcontractors who access or generate CUI as part of their deliverables
- Critical vendors within the DoD supply chain who provide software, infrastructure, or specialized services
Even small and mid-sized businesses must comply if they are exposed to CUI. Level 2 is not reserved for large defense primes — it is widely applicable across the DIB.
Assessment Types: Third-Party or Self?
There are two assessment paths under CMMC Level 2, and which one applies depends on the contract.
1. Self-Assessment
For lower-risk contracts involving non-prioritized CUI, organizations may complete a self-assessment. These must:
- Be completed annually
- Be submitted to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)
- Be accompanied by a senior official affirmation
- Include documentation such as the SSP and POA&M
Self-assessment is not a shortcut. The DoD expects accurate, well-supported results.
2. Third-Party Assessment (C3PAO)
For contracts involving prioritized CUI, a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) must evaluate your organization.
- Reviews all 110 controls across NIST SP 800-171
- Validates implementation, effectiveness, and documentation
- Required every 3 years
- Must be passed prior to contract award
If your organization must undergo a third-party assessment, proper planning and preparation are critical.
What is a POA&M and Why Does it Matter?
If there are gaps during your assessment, you will need to create a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). This document outlines:
- What needs to be fixed
- How it will be addressed
- Who is responsible
- When it will be completed
At Level 2, the DoD allows POA&Ms for a limited number of controls, and all remediation must be completed within 180 days. Keeping your POA&M accurate and up to date is essential for staying compliant and contract-eligible.
Continuous Monitoring and Annual Affirmations
Achieving CMMC Level 2 is not a one-time event. Once certified, you must:
- Conduct annual self-assessments or affirmations
- Maintain up-to-date documentation
- Monitor your systems for threats and incidents
- Keep your SSP and POA&M current
- Prepare for reassessments every 3 years
This ongoing work is where many organizations fall short. That’s why MAD Security emphasizes continuous compliance, not just point-in-time certification.
How Long Does it Take to Get CMMC Level 2 Certified?
In most cases, organizations need 12 to 18 months to fully prepare for a Level 2 assessment. Factors that affect your timeline include:
- Existing cybersecurity maturity
- Size and complexity of your network
- Internal resources available for implementation
- Whether you pursue a self-assessment or third-party assessment
Starting early ensures you have time to fix gaps, mature your practices, and document your compliance efforts.
How MAD Security Helps You Achieve CMMC Level 2
At MAD Security, we bring a unique perspective to CMMC Level 2. We are a CMMC Level 2 Certified External Service Provider, a Registered Provider Organization (RPO), and have achieved a perfect SPRS score of 110. Our team has helped DoD contractors and even C3PAOs navigate the complexities of CMMC — and pass with confidence.
Our services include:
- CMMC Gap Assessments
- Mock Audits and Readiness Reviews
- System Security Plan (SSP) and POA&M Development
- Virtual Compliance Management (VCM)
- 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) for continuous monitoring
- Incident Response and Policy Advisory Services
We do more than check boxes. We help you embed compliance into your organization’s culture, operations, and technology — all while minimizing disruption to your business.
Ready to Start Your CMMC Level 2 Journey?
Whether you're aiming for a third-party assessment or managing your first self-assessment, getting CMMC Level 2 ready takes planning, commitment, and the right partner.
Let MAD Security help you take the guesswork out of CMMC Level 2. Our team will guide you through every requirement, help you close compliance gaps, and prepare you to pass your assessment with confidence.
Schedule Your Free CMMC Level 2 Consultation TODAY
Frequently Asked Questions about CMMC Level 2
