CMMC compliance for the defense supply chain
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the Department of Defense's framework for verifying that defense contractors protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). Starting in 2025, contractors must demonstrate compliance to win or retain DoD contracts.
CMMC has three levels, each building on the last. Most small and mid-size contractors need Level 1 or Level 2. Level 3 applies to organizations handling the most sensitive programs.
Foundational
17 practices based on FAR 52.204-21. Basic cyber hygiene for companies handling FCI. Self-assessment allowed.
Advanced
110 practices aligned to NIST SP 800-171. Required for companies handling CUI. Third-party assessment required for critical programs.
Expert
110+ practices from NIST SP 800-172. Government-led assessment for the most sensitive defense programs.
Who needs CMMC?
Prime contractors
If you hold DoD contracts directly, CMMC certification is required to bid on and retain work. The level depends on the sensitivity of information you handle.
Subcontractors
CMMC flows down through the supply chain. If your prime requires it, you need it. Many subcontractors are caught off guard by this requirement.
Companies entering defense
Breaking into the defense market? CMMC certification gives you a competitive edge and opens doors that stay closed to non-compliant companies.
How we get you there
CMMC readiness is not a one-time project. It requires building security practices into how your organization operates every day. That is exactly what we do.
Gap assessment
We assess your current security posture against CMMC requirements and give you a clear, prioritized roadmap to certification.
NIST 800-171 implementation
We implement the 110 security controls required for CMMC Level 2, covering access control, incident response, audit logging, and more.
CUI scoping & data flow
We identify where CUI lives in your environment, map the data flows, and reduce your assessment scope to minimize cost and complexity.
Policy & documentation
We develop the System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), and supporting policies that assessors require.
Technical controls
We configure and harden your infrastructure: identity management, encryption, endpoint protection, network segmentation, and monitoring.
Assessment preparation
We prepare your team for the C3PAO assessment, conduct mock assessments, and make sure every control is documented and operational.
What we do vs. what the assessor does
The C3PAO assesses your compliance. We build it. These are two different roles, and you need both.
Cloud Sentry
- ✓Gap assessment and remediation planning
- ✓NIST 800-171 control implementation
- ✓SSP, POA&M, and policy documentation
- ✓Infrastructure hardening and configuration
- ✓Employee training and awareness
- ✓Mock assessments and readiness verification
- ✓Ongoing compliance maintenance
C3PAO Assessor
- ✓Independent evaluation of your security controls
- ✓Formal CMMC certification determination
- ✓Reporting assessment results to the DoD
The assessor verifies compliance. We build it. You need the foundation in place before the assessor arrives.
Frequently asked questions
When does CMMC go into effect?
CMMC 2.0 rulemaking finalized in late 2024, with enforcement beginning in 2025. DoD contracts are already starting to include CMMC requirements. If you work with the DoD, the time to prepare is now.
Which CMMC level do I need?
Level 1 if you only handle Federal Contract Information (FCI). Level 2 if you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which is the majority of defense contractors. Level 3 is for the most sensitive programs and requires government-led assessment.
How long does it take to get CMMC ready?
For most Level 2 organizations, 3 to 6 months depending on your starting point. We begin with a gap assessment to give you a realistic timeline and prioritized roadmap.
Can I self-assess for CMMC?
Level 1 allows annual self-assessment. Level 2 requires a third-party assessment (C3PAO) for critical national security programs, though some Level 2 contractors may self-assess for non-critical programs.
How is CMMC different from NIST 800-171?
CMMC Level 2 is based on NIST 800-171, so the controls are the same. The difference is verification. Under DFARS 252.204-7012, self-attestation was sufficient. CMMC requires independent assessment and certification.
Maintained, and in view
Achieve certification, then keep it in one place.
CMMC is not a one-time push. We build the controls and documentation, then maintain them in the platform, where your SSP, your evidence, and the live state of the program stay organized and ready for your C3PAO and for every year after.
Don't wait for the contract to require it.
CMMC certification takes months, not weeks. Start now so you are ready when the requirement lands in your next RFP.