Industry Overview
Key metrics and compliance landscape.
Key Challenges
Critical security and compliance threats facing your industry.
CMMC Level 2 Required for ALL DoD Contracts
Department of Defense mandates CMMC Level 2 certification for all contractors and subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). No certification = loss of DoD contracts worth $5M-$100M+. 110 security controls from NIST 800-171 across 14 families required. C3PAO assessment verifies implementation with 3-year certification validity. Timeline reality: 18-24 months from gap assessment to certification.
CUI Protection Across Multiple Systems
Defense contractors handle CUI (technical data, export control, procurement sensitive) across multiple systems including ERP, CAD, email, and file shares. One unprotected CUI system = POA&M finding or failed C3PAO audit. NIST 800-171 requires encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access controls, audit logging, and 72-hour breach notification to DoD per DFARS 252.204-7012.
Subcontractor CMMC Flow-Down Requirements
Prime contractors require ALL subcontractors handling CUI to achieve CMMC Level 2. DFARS clauses 252.204-7019, 7020, 7021 mandate flow-down. Primes give subs 12-18 months to certify or find replacement subcontractors. No CMMC = supply chain ineligibility. Cost burden: $50K-$150K for CMMC implementation and C3PAO audit.
POA&M Gap Closure and DCMA Audits
92% of defense contractors have POA&Ms (Plans of Action & Milestones) for unfixed NIST 800-171 gaps. DCMA audits verify POA&M closure. Open POA&Ms beyond target dates = contract withholds or suspension. Requirements: document compensating controls, set target dates (6-18 months), monthly status updates, final closure evidence.
Regulatory Landscape
Mandatory and recommended frameworks with enforcement context.
Audit: Every 3 years via C3PAO assessment (assessments began 2025)
Audit: Annual self-assessment with SPRS score submission; C3PAO for CMMC
Audit: Contract-triggered, DCMA oversight
Audit: Annual DSS inspection, continuous monitoring
Recommended Solutions
Services mapped to your industry's specific challenges.
Proven Outcomes
Real results from organizations in your industry.
Aerospace contractor (280 employees, $45M revenue, 80% DoD) achieved CMMC Level 2 certification in 16 months after 47-control gap assessment. Retained $36M contracts, won $4M new business. Investment: $45K. ROI: 889:1.
Defense IT services contractor (95 employees) closed 23-item POA&M in 9 months with Fractional vCISO support. Passed DCMA audit, released $2.5M contract withhold. Investment: $102K. ROI: 24:1.
Small defense manufacturer (45 employees, 100% subcontractor work) achieved CMMC Level 2 in 16 months after prime flow-down requirement. Maintained supply chain eligibility, retained $8M annual subcontract revenue. Investment: $57K. ROI: 140:1.