CMMC 2.0 is no longer “coming”—it’s here

The Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is no longer a future concern—it's here and effective, fundamentally reshaping the landscape for small defense contractors. With the final rule published in October 2024 and mandatory CMMC language in all new DoD contracts (except COTS-only buys) starting October 1, 2025, compliance is now a critical reality.

But what does this mean for your small business? Our podcast delves into the steep costs and resource demands small firms face, with Level 2 third-party certification estimated at $100,000–$105,000 every three years. We'll explore why readiness surveys show a significant gap, with many contractors admitting they are not prepared, and how flow-down requirements impact subcontractors who handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

While the DoD emphasizes CMMC 2.0 streamlines requirements and offers assistance programs like APEX Accelerators and NCODE enclaves, industry groups voice concerns about execution challenges, staffing shortages, and the potential for CMMC to become a barrier to entry for thousands of small firms.

Ignoring CMMC is no longer an option—no certification, no contract. This episode will provide a crucial action plan for small contractors, covering:

• Assessing your current posture with a NIST 800-171 gap analysis.
• Leveraging free DoD resources to lower compliance costs.
• Strategic communication with prime contractors on CUI flow-down and enclave approaches.
• Investing in fundamental cybersecurity controls and documentation.
• Budgeting for certification costs and exploring cost-effective solutions.
• Marketing your CMMC readiness as a competitive advantage in a changing defense marketplace.

Don't let CMMC become a roadblock. Tune in to understand the challenges, seize the opportunities, and ensure your small business remains a trusted partner in government contracting.