CMMC compliance is a term that’s been brought up a great deal lately, especially as there have been some updates to the standards.
If you’ve heard this term or come across it in your pursuit of government contracts, you might have some questions.
The following are some of the most common ones asked.
What Exactly is CMMC Compliance?
One of the most common questions asked is, “What is CMMC compliance?”
It’s not quite as complicated as it may sound. When an organization wants to contract its products or services to the DoD, it becomes a partnership. During this partnership, certain information might need to be shared with the contractor. For example, they may need blueprints to build an item.
While such information is not classified, it’s not something that just anyone needs to get their hands on. It’s labeled as “Controlled Unclassified Information” or CUI for short. It’s sensitive, but not top secret.
Contractors that have access to such information must store it in secure systems. CMMC compliance means that the system is secure enough for the information that will be stored there.
Why Are There Different Levels of CMMC Compliance?
It’s important to understand that not every contractor will have access to the same level of sensitive information. Therefore, there are actually five levels of CMMC compliance, according to the type of work you’ll be doing. The specifics have recently been updated in CMMC Version 2.0.
Who Needs to Comply With CMMC?
Anyone who wants to be a contractor for the DoD should obtain CMMC compliance.
You’ll have to submit an SSP or System Security Plan that describes and outlines the standards you meet and your plan of action to achieve any standards you have not yet met.
While a documented plan of action can help you win a DoD contract award, you still need to put that plan in place as soon as you possibly can manage it.
Can I Obtain CMMC Compliance On My Own?
Yes. CMMC compliance is not some secret code that you have to dissect or be an expert to figure out. And the government offers plenty of information to help you meet the standards set forth.
However, if you’re not familiar with IT or don’t know someone who is, you’ll need to make a decision. You can either spend a great deal of time researching and implementing the standards, or you can consider outsourcing the job to a specialist that is familiar with CMMC compliance.
The bottom line is that you can certainly take the necessary steps on your own, but you have to decide if you have the time to invest in the process.
Is There Help Achieving CMMC Compliance?
Yes, there are plenty of organizations out there today with the knowledge and expertise to help you get your systems compliant. If you’re concerned about the cost, that’s understandable.
Updating system security always comes at a cost. However, you should also consider what you’ll be gaining.
First and foremost, your systems will be more secure for your regular business operations. And as hacking and data breaches can cost companies billions of dollars, investing in security is always worth it.
Additionally, achieving this compliance opens the doors for government contracts. This can be very lucrative for your company. Don’t look at it as an expense – look at it as an investment in your company’s future.
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