CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
US Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements for contractors
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the US Department of Defense's framework for assessing and certifying the cybersecurity practices of defense contractors. CMMC 2.0 defines three levels of cybersecurity maturity.
Level 1 (Foundational) requires 15 basic cyber hygiene practices. Level 2 (Advanced) aligns with NIST SP 800-171 requiring 110 security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Level 3 (Expert) adds controls from NIST SP 800-172.
CMMC is a contractual requirement embedded in DoD contracts. Defense contractors must achieve the appropriate CMMC level to bid on and perform DoD contracts involving Federal Contract Information (FCI) or CUI.
Key Highlights
- Mandatory for US Department of Defense contractors
- Three maturity levels: Foundational, Advanced, Expert
- Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 (110 requirements)
- Assessed by CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs)
- Protects Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Required in DoD contracts through DFARS clauses
Why is CMMC Important?
Defense contractors handling FCI or CUI must achieve CMMC certification to continue doing business with the Department of Defense. Without certification, organizations cannot bid on or perform DoD contracts requiring CMMC.
DoD Market Access
Maintain eligibility to bid on and perform Department of Defense contracts requiring CMMC certification.
CUI Protection
Implement proven security controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information from cyber threats.
Supply Chain Trust
Demonstrate to prime contractors and DoD that your cybersecurity meets required maturity levels.
Competitive Position
Early CMMC certification positions your organization ahead of competitors still working toward compliance.
Security Maturity
Build a mature cybersecurity program that protects your organization beyond just DoD requirements.
How CMMC Works
CMMC compliance requires implementing security practices at the appropriate maturity level and passing assessment by a certified assessor.
Scope Definition
Define the CUI boundary, identify all systems that process, store, or transmit CUI, and establish the assessment scope.
Gap Analysis
Evaluate current cybersecurity practices against the target CMMC level requirements (NIST SP 800-171 for Level 2).
System Security Plan
Develop or update the System Security Plan (SSP) documenting all security requirements and their implementation.
Control Implementation
Implement required security controls across access control, awareness training, configuration management, incident response, and other domains.
POA&M Development
Create Plans of Action & Milestones for any requirements not yet fully implemented, with realistic remediation timelines.
Self-Assessment
Conduct internal self-assessment and submit scores to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) as required.
C3PAO Assessment
Engage a certified C3PAO for the formal CMMC assessment at Level 2 or Level 3.
How Srida IT Helps You Achieve CMMC
Our end-to-end consulting process takes your organization from initial assessment to successful certification and ongoing compliance.
Gap Assessment
We evaluate your cybersecurity practices against CMMC requirements at your target level, identifying gaps in NIST SP 800-171 controls.
Understanding the Business
We map your CUI flows, system boundaries, contractor relationships, and DoD contract requirements to define the assessment scope.
Risk Assessment
We conduct risk assessments focused on CUI protection, identifying threats to defense information in your environment.
Policies Writing & Alignment
We develop the System Security Plan (SSP), security policies, incident response plans, and POA&Ms aligned with CMMC requirements.
Controls Implementation
We implement NIST SP 800-171 controls including multi-factor authentication, encryption, audit logging, and CUI handling procedures.
Controls Validation
We validate controls through internal testing, vulnerability scanning, and SPRS score calculation before formal assessment.
Mock Audit
We conduct a pre-assessment simulating the C3PAO audit to identify and resolve any findings before certification.
Certification Audit Support
We provide on-site support during the C3PAO assessment and help address any findings or corrective actions.
Annual Internal Audits
We conduct annual self-assessments, update SPRS scores, and verify ongoing compliance with CMMC requirements.
Documentation Support
We maintain the SSP, POA&Ms, training records, incident reports, and all CMMC assessment evidence.
Industries That Benefit from CMMC
Related Frameworks
NIST CSF
The leading cybersecurity risk management framework
FedRAMP
US government security authorization for cloud service providers
ISO 27001
The global gold standard for information security management
SOC 2
The industry standard for demonstrating operational security and trust
Ready to Achieve CMMC Compliance?
Get a free gap assessment and discover how Srida IT can guide your organization through CMMC implementation and certification.