Your Survival in the Defense Supply Chain Depends on This
If you are a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor or subcontractor, here’s the hard truth: CMMC 2.0 compliance isn’t optional and the clock is ticking. Beginning October 2025, new contracts will require it. Fall behind, and you risk being locked out of the defense industrial base.
At RPG Squarefoot Solutions, we understand how overwhelming compliance can be. However, with the right partner and planning, you can turn CMMC into a strategic advantage, especially with the support of a proven managed service provider who specializes in managed network services and cybersecurity alignment.
What Is CMMC 2.0?
Cybersecurity threats like intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, ransomware, phishing and all increasing. To avoid it, the DoD is embracing a trust-based model – CMMC 2.0.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) in the defense supply chain. In 2021, the DoD introduced CMMC 2.0 as a streamlined, three-tier model that replaced the original five-level structure.
CMMC 2.0 Levels
- Level 1 (Foundational): Tailored for companies handling only FCI, such as an office supplier for a DoD base. It requires basic safeguarding practices and aligns with 15 basic practices as per FAR 52.204-21. It allows self-assessment and requires no Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM).
- Level 2 (Advanced): Designed for contractors handling CUI, such as an aerospace parts manufacturer. This level aligns with 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2.0. Some critical contracts allow self-assessment, while non-critical CUI requires triennial third-party audits (C3PAO).
- Level 3 (Expert): Reserved for the most sensitive national security work featuring organizations that support critical DOD programs. This is suited for any prime contractor that provides classified systems to the DoD. This level aligns with all level 2 and 24 enhanced protocols from NIST SP 800-172. It requires government-led assessments conducted by Defense Contract Management Agency (DIBCAC).
What’s New in CMMC 2.0?
- Reduced Levels: CMMC 2.0 has three levels instead of five – Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
- Self-Assessments Are Now Allowed: Unlike the original model, CMMC 2.0 allows self-assessments for Level 1 and certain Level 2 contracts. If done properly, this change reduces compliance costs and accelerates preparation.
- POA&Ms Give You Breathing Room: Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms) are now permitted for minor gaps in compliance. This gives contractors time to address specific deficiencies after an assessment, without immediately losing eligibility.
- Streamlined Domains: CMMC 2.0 focuses on 14 core domains and provides a more focused approach to cybersecurity practices. These domains include – Access Control, Audit and Accountability, Awareness and Training, Configuration Management, Identification and Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Assessment, Security Assessment, System and Communication Protection, and System and Information Security.
- Final Rule Timeline Is Set: The final CMMC 2.0 rule was released in late 2023. The DoD will start including CMMC requirements in RFIs and RFPs by October 2025, with full enforcement by 2028. If you want to bid on DoD work in 2026 and beyond, your compliance clock starts now.
Why Delaying CMMC 2.0 Compliance Is a Business Risk
Failing to meet CMMC 2.0 requirements means:
- Disqualification for DoD contracts
- Lost revenue and sunk proposal costs
- Reputational damage
- Contractual and legal penalties
- Increased cybersecurity risks
- Removal from the defense supply chain
Many contractors wrongly assume they have time to “deal with CMMC later.” But after October 1st, it’ll be in your next RFP, and could be too late to prepare. The average time to full Level 2 compliance is 90–180 days. For most businesses, that means acting now to stay ahead.
Your CMMC 2.0 Readiness Checklist
To help you get started, we have created a downloadable CMMC 2.0 Readiness Checklist. Here’s a preview of what’s inside:
- Define your contract exposure: Identify which contracts involve FCI or CUI.
- Determine your required CMMC Level: Match your contract obligations to the appropriate tier.
- Perform a gap analysis: Assess how your current cybersecurity practices align with NIST 800-171 or 800-172.
- Document your system boundaries: Clearly define where CUI lives in your infrastructure.
- Remediate and document: Close compliance gaps, implement policies, and generate the evidence needed for assessment.
- Engage with a Registered Practitioner or C3PAO: Partner with a trusted third party for pre-assessment and certification, especially for Level 2 or 3.
RPG’s End-to-End CMMC 2.0 Compliance Support—Built for DoD Contractors
Our team offers end-to-end support to help you achieve CMMC 2.0 certification and maintain it — quickly and cost-effectively. As a leading Managed Service Provider, we specialize in cybersecurity, compliance, and scalable Managed Network Services for DoD contractors and subcontractors.
Here’s how we streamline and accelerate your entire path to CMMC compliance
- 30-Day Rapid Readiness for Level 2: We developed a proven process to have you audit-ready in as little as 30 days.
- Comprehensive GAP Assessments: We offer both remote and on-site pre-assessments to pinpoint vulnerabilities and help you remediate them before formal certification.
- Certified Partnerships with C3PAOs: Our relationships with approved assessors give our clients priority access with aggressive pricing.
- Real-Time Policy & Evidence Support: From system security plans through multi-factor authentication, our team helps you document exactly what your auditor needs to see.
Don’t Let CMMC 2.0 Shut You Out of the Defense Industry
The DoD has made it clear: CMMC is the future of federal contracting. Compliance is now a make-or-break requirement—not a competitive advantage, but a ticket to play. And the earlier you start, the smoother and more cost-effective your path will be.
Whether you are preparing for a Level 1 self-assessment or need full Level 2 certification support, RPG Squarefoot Solutions is your partner for compliance, security, and growth.
Start your free CMMC consultation today.
Let’s secure your future in the defense supply chain.
Blog Latest Posts
Your Survival in the Defense Supply Chain Depends on This
If you are a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor or subcontractor, here’s the hard truth: CMMC 2.0 compliance isn’t optional and the clock is ticking. Beginning October 2025, new contracts will require it. Fall behind, and you risk being locked out of the defense industrial base.
At RPG Squarefoot Solutions, we understand how overwhelming compliance can be. However, with the right partner and planning, you can turn CMMC into a strategic advantage, especially with the support of a proven managed service provider who specializes in managed network services and cybersecurity alignment.
What Is CMMC 2.0?
Cybersecurity threats like intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, ransomware, phishing and all increasing. To avoid it, the DoD is embracing a trust-based model – CMMC 2.0.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) in the defense supply chain. In 2021, the DoD introduced CMMC 2.0 as a streamlined, three-tier model that replaced the original five-level structure.
CMMC 2.0 Levels
- Level 1 (Foundational): Tailored for companies handling only FCI, such as an office supplier for a DoD base. It requires basic safeguarding practices and aligns with 15 basic practices as per FAR 52.204-21. It allows self-assessment and requires no Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM).
- Level 2 (Advanced): Designed for contractors handling CUI, such as an aerospace parts manufacturer. This level aligns with 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2.0. Some critical contracts allow self-assessment, while non-critical CUI requires triennial third-party audits (C3PAO).
- Level 3 (Expert): Reserved for the most sensitive national security work featuring organizations that support critical DOD programs. This is suited for any prime contractor that provides classified systems to the DoD. This level aligns with all level 2 and 24 enhanced protocols from NIST SP 800-172. It requires government-led assessments conducted by Defense Contract Management Agency (DIBCAC).
What’s New in CMMC 2.0?
- Reduced Levels: CMMC 2.0 has three levels instead of five – Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
- Self-Assessments Are Now Allowed: Unlike the original model, CMMC 2.0 allows self-assessments for Level 1 and certain Level 2 contracts. If done properly, this change reduces compliance costs and accelerates preparation.
- POA&Ms Give You Breathing Room: Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms) are now permitted for minor gaps in compliance. This gives contractors time to address specific deficiencies after an assessment, without immediately losing eligibility.
- Streamlined Domains: CMMC 2.0 focuses on 14 core domains and provides a more focused approach to cybersecurity practices. These domains include – Access Control, Audit and Accountability, Awareness and Training, Configuration Management, Identification and Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Assessment, Security Assessment, System and Communication Protection, and System and Information Security.
- Final Rule Timeline Is Set: The final CMMC 2.0 rule was released in late 2023. The DoD will start including CMMC requirements in RFIs and RFPs by October 2025, with full enforcement by 2028. If you want to bid on DoD work in 2026 and beyond, your compliance clock starts now.
Why Delaying CMMC 2.0 Compliance Is a Business Risk
Failing to meet CMMC 2.0 requirements means:
- Disqualification for DoD contracts
- Lost revenue and sunk proposal costs
- Reputational damage
- Contractual and legal penalties
- Increased cybersecurity risks
- Removal from the defense supply chain
Many contractors wrongly assume they have time to “deal with CMMC later.” But after October 1st, it’ll be in your next RFP, and could be too late to prepare. The average time to full Level 2 compliance is 90–180 days. For most businesses, that means acting now to stay ahead.
Your CMMC 2.0 Readiness Checklist
To help you get started, we have created a downloadable CMMC 2.0 Readiness Checklist. Here’s a preview of what’s inside:
- Define your contract exposure: Identify which contracts involve FCI or CUI.
- Determine your required CMMC Level: Match your contract obligations to the appropriate tier.
- Perform a gap analysis: Assess how your current cybersecurity practices align with NIST 800-171 or 800-172.
- Document your system boundaries: Clearly define where CUI lives in your infrastructure.
- Remediate and document: Close compliance gaps, implement policies, and generate the evidence needed for assessment.
- Engage with a Registered Practitioner or C3PAO: Partner with a trusted third party for pre-assessment and certification, especially for Level 2 or 3.
RPG’s End-to-End CMMC 2.0 Compliance Support—Built for DoD Contractors
Our team offers end-to-end support to help you achieve CMMC 2.0 certification and maintain it — quickly and cost-effectively. As a leading Managed Service Provider, we specialize in cybersecurity, compliance, and scalable Managed Network Services for DoD contractors and subcontractors.
Here’s how we streamline and accelerate your entire path to CMMC compliance
- 30-Day Rapid Readiness for Level 2: We developed a proven process to have you audit-ready in as little as 30 days.
- Comprehensive GAP Assessments: We offer both remote and on-site pre-assessments to pinpoint vulnerabilities and help you remediate them before formal certification.
- Certified Partnerships with C3PAOs: Our relationships with approved assessors give our clients priority access with aggressive pricing.
- Real-Time Policy & Evidence Support: From system security plans through multi-factor authentication, our team helps you document exactly what your auditor needs to see.
Don’t Let CMMC 2.0 Shut You Out of the Defense Industry
The DoD has made it clear: CMMC is the future of federal contracting. Compliance is now a make-or-break requirement—not a competitive advantage, but a ticket to play. And the earlier you start, the smoother and more cost-effective your path will be.
Whether you are preparing for a Level 1 self-assessment or need full Level 2 certification support, RPG Squarefoot Solutions is your partner for compliance, security, and growth.
Start your free CMMC consultation today.
Let’s secure your future in the defense supply chain.