CMMC compliance for DoD contractors will now be another gatekeeper. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 isn’t just another regulatory hurdle, it’s a business necessity  for government contractors. Yet, many companies are treating it as an annoying compliance task, rather than leveraging it as a competitive advantage.

With the Final Rule now published and enforcement starting in 2025, the time for “waiting to see what happens” is over. The Department of Defense (DoD) is making compliance a prerequisite for contracts, and companies that prepare now will be ahead of the pack while others scramble.

Here’s what you need to know (and why taking action now is a strategic move, not just a compliance checkbox).

For years, DoD contractors were required to follow NIST SP 800-171 security controls under DFARS 7012. But there was a loophole: self-attestation, a fancy way of saying, “Trust us, we’re compliant.”

CMMC 2.0 changes that.

• CMMC Level 1 (Foundational) → 17 security practices, annual self-assessment.
• CMMC Level 2 (Advanced) → 110 security controls from NIST 800-171, but third-party certification (C3PAO) is required.
• CMMC Level 3 (Expert) → For highly sensitive DoD work, requiring DoD-led assessments.

Key Takeaway: If your contracts contain DFARS 7012, expect to need CMMC Level 2 certification to stay eligible. No more self-attestation. Exceptions for will be difficult to obtain.

The DoD isn’t just suggesting CMMC, they’re phasing it into new contracts now. By 2026, the requirement will be in almost every DoD contract involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Here’s what’s happening right now:
– Prime contractors are requiring CMMC compliance from their subs.
– Investors are asking about compliance during due diligence.
– Companies waiting until the last minute are paying more because they are rushing implementations.

Reality Check: If you wait until the contract requires it, you may not have time to get compliant before losing eligibility.

Government contracts are already highly competitive, CMMC is about to create an even bigger divide between companies that are prepared and those who aren’t.

Here’s how the smartest contractors are using CMMC to their advantage:
– Winning Contracts Sooner: Primes are prioritizing pre-certified subs to avoid risk.
– Commanding Higher Prices: Being CMMC-certified allows you to charge more, because compliant vendors are harder to find.
 Reducing Cyber Insurance Costs: Proving strong cybersecurity controls can lower premiums.
– Attracting Investors & Buyers: Companies with security gaps are risky acquisitions, those with CMMC are low-risk, high-value targets.

The Biggest Myth: “We don’t need to worry about CMMC until it’s in our contract.” Wrong.

• Compliance takes months, not weeks. Waiting until the last minute could leave you without a valid certification, and without contracts.
• Prime contractors and RFPs will ask for proof BEFORE you bid. If you’re not ready, you won’t even be considered.
• CMMC certification lasts for 3 years. Getting ahead now means you’ll be ready when competitors are panicking.
  
  

  Most companies fail CMMC assessments because they assume they’re already compliant, until an auditor proves otherwise.

  Here’s how proactive companies are handling it:

  Step 1: Conduct a Readiness Assessment – Identify gaps before a C3PAO does.
  Step 2: Build a Compliance Roadmap – Fix vulnerabilities without the last-minute rush.
  Step 3: Prepare Documentation – Your System Security Plan (SSP), POA&M, and risk assessments must be audit-ready.
  Step 4: Get Certified – Once gaps are closed, schedule your CMMC audit.

  Companies that treat CMMC as a business enabler will win more work, charge more, and stay ahead of their competitors. Companies that wait will scramble, and many will lose contracts they assumed were secure. CMMC compliance for DoD contractors is now a business priority. Contact us today for inquiries.