CMMC Certification

The DoD works with a network of tens of thousands of private companies that collectively make up the defense industrial base (DIB). These companies handle sensitive government information, and if that data falls into the wrong hands, it could threaten national security. To mitigate this risk, CMMC was developed to ensure all DoD contractors follow cybersecurity best practices based on the level of risk their work involves.

CMMC was specifically designed to protect two types of sensitive information:

• Federal Contract Information (FCI): This includes communications related to government contracts, such as contract details, RFPs, and other collaborative documents.
• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): This includes sensitive but unclassified government information, such as technical schematics, research data, and procedural documents. While not technically classified as “secret” or “top-secret,” CUI still presents a national security risk if exposed.

By enforcing cybersecurity maturity across the DIB, CMMC ensures that companies working with the U.S. military take cybersecurity seriously.

CMMC compliance is required for all defense contractors and subcontractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) who work with the Department of Defense (DoD). This includes organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI). Achieving CMMC compliance ensures these organizations meet the necessary cybersecurity and data protection standards outlined by the DoD to safeguard sensitive information and maintain eligibility for defense contracts.

A CMMC consultant is an expert who specializes in guiding organizations through the process of achieving CMMC compliance. They provide services such as readiness assessments, gap analysis, and remediation planning to ensure that contractors meet the required security framework standards and are prepared for an official CMMC audit. BARR’s expert CMMC consultants are experienced in guiding clients through their CMMC compliance journey. Our team assists clients with a full range of CMMC consulting needs, from pre-assessment to post-certification.

No, while the two are related, NIST 800-171 and CMMC are not the same. NIST 800-171 is a voluntary framework outlining cybersecurity best practices for protecting CUI. CMMC uses NIST 800-171 as a baseline, building the best practices and additional requirements into a tiered maturity model. CMMC also requires third-party assessments by a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) to ensure compliance.

The CMMC framework establishes three levels of compliance, each incorporating security requirements from existing regulations and guidelines:

• Level 1 requires organizations to complete an annual self-assessment and an annual affirmation of compliance with the 15 security requirements outlined in FAR clause 52.204-21.
• Level 2 requires an annual affirmation and verification of compliance with the 110 security requirements in NIST SP 800-171. Organizations at this level must also undergo a self-assessment or external assessment by a CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) every three years, depending on what the DoD requires in their contract.
• Level 3 requires organizations to undergo an assessment every three years by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC). Organizations at this level must also provide an annual affirmation verifying compliance with the 24 identified requirements from NIST SP 800-172, which expand on the requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171.

Even if you don’t yet have a government contract, beginning the CMMC readiness process now—including conducting a gap assessment and understanding how your environment aligns with the DoD’s requirements—can help you secure future opportunities.

With deep expertise in cybersecurity and government contracting, BARR Advisory simplifies the CMMC process with end-to-end consulting, including gap analysis, implementation support, and ongoing compliance maintenance. Our expert CMMC consultants guide you every step of the way, helping you meet DoD standards and grow your government contracting opportunities.