CMMC is a contracting framework that puts cybersecurity at the top of the priority list. Under this model, a company must achieve CMMC level 3 certification to be eligible for DoD contracts. The CMMC model will regulate all companies, including prime contractors and subcontractors, not just those that handle CDI. The CMMC level 1 and 2 will be mandatory for all DoD suppliers, and will eliminate multiple agencies performing security assessments on the same entity. Independent evaluations will unify standards, and allow companies to take advantage of larger contracts. Here, the role of CMMC consulting Virginia Beach firms will become vital in helping DoD vendors become compliant with the regulation.
The CMMC is divided into five levels: Levels 1 to 3, which are the minimum requirements, and Levels 4 and 5. These are the higher-level standards and are meant for companies with more sensitive information. The new standards will be introduced in CMMC 2.0, which will introduce the concept of waivers for mission-critical work. This waiver will be time-limited, and only senior DOD personnel will be allowed to grant them.
To achieve each level, contractors will have to pay for third-party assessments. Two assessors have been approved by the DOD. They will be able to evaluate contractors based on their compliance programs. For example, the first level of the CMMC will require basic cybersecurity measures. Although the reasoning behind the CMMC program is valid, some people are concerned about the timelines. Ultimately, CMMC certification will be a must for all companies that want to work with the DoD.
The DoD is already using CMMC for its procurement processes. The DoD started issuing RFPs that contain CMMC specifications in September 2020. By 2026, new DoD requests for proposals will include CMMC as a requirement. The CMMC certification will make a significant impact on the defense industry, as many companies will be in the defense sector. With the DOD investing $507 billion on defense projects, the benefits of these contracts are substantial. In the coming years, CMMC certification will be mandatory for all government contracts.
Companies obtaining CMMC cyber certification must have written consent from DoD to store the data they collect on eMASS. DoD plans to store the data collected on eMASS. It will not include the CMMC requirements in its RFPs. This requirement will be required of every contractor. There are several different levels of CMMC. Some of them are required for all companies, while others are only required to comply with the second.
The new CMMC version 1.0 has a different approach to cybersecurity. The framework still relies on NIST 800-171 as a standard. CMMC 2.0 is a more complex framework. The new model focuses on a multi-level structure for a secure network. It is important to ensure that the system is asymmetrically secure to prevent cyber attacks. By integrating a multi-layered architecture, CMMC will ensure that all components are protected against malicious software.
CMMC cybersecurity 1.0 introduces the concept of a five-level certification model, with each level increasing the number of cybersecurity practices. This model will also help organizations to improve their capabilities in compliance with CMMC standards, but concerns are related to the timeline. The CMMC does not have a certification process, so organizations must make their own cybersecurity assessments to ensure compliance. But if they want to be certified, it should be done by a qualified third party.
The CMMC 2.0 standard has a number of implications for contractors and CMMC consultant. For example, the new standards will force contractors to certify their systems and networks in accordance with CMMC levels. However, the CMMC certification levels are cumulative, meaning that compliance with one level will require the same security standards as a lower level. Moreover, the higher a company is certified, the higher the security standards. Despite the advantages, CMMC certifications have many drawbacks.
Not only is CMMC certification mandatory for prime contractors, but it also applies to subcontractors. For example, a prime contract must use CMMC certification. A subcontractor’s certification level will depend on the type of information flowed down from the prime contract. For COTS products, a vendor will not need CMMC certification. Nevertheless, CMMC standards will improve the security of a company.
