The Department of Defense (DoD) relies on contractors to perform different tasks to complete their objectives. Many of the tasks the DoD outsources requires government contractors to handle what’s known as controlled unclassified information (CUI). Although CUI is technically labeled unclassified, the information is only meant to be seen by the government and the contractor they chose to work with.
To make sure this information stays private, the DoD only picks vendors that can prove they take cyber security seriously. However, it’s not enough to simply have strong cyber security, contractors must also achieve cyber security maturity model certification (CMMC). But what is CMMC and how can you reach CMMC compliance? In this blog, we are going to answer those questions and how RCS Secure can help you in your mission.
What Is CMMC?
There was a time when some government organizations would have different network security requirements than other organizations. In an attempt to streamline operations, the DoD has introduced a new security model, the CMMC. The CMMC brings regulations like the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology 800-171 (NIST 800-171) all under one umbrella.
Outside of unifying security standards across the federal government’s defense industrial base (DIB), the main goal of the CMMC is to assess a contractor’s ability to keep data secure. Specifically, they take a look into your capabilities, readiness, and sophistication in the area of cyber security. Think of it as a tool the DoD uses to verify that you follow the appropriate practices and procedures to protect CUI.
When Do These Requirements Take Effect?
The measure was first announced in January 2020 and the DoD has begun issuing requests for information regarding CMMC requirements as early as September 2020. CMMC is expected to be in full effect by the year 2026. After this point, if you want to be considered for a contract with the DoD, compliance has to be proven before you can submit a proposal.
Additionally, the interim rule for DFARS regulation went into effect in November 2020. However, since it’s a major rule change, it still must go through congressional review.
Who Do These Standards Apply To?
Once CMMC becomes a requirement, it’s expected to affect two groups. First and foremost, these rules apply to “prime” contractors. A prime contractor is any company that receives a contract and interacts with the DoD directly. The second group are subcontractors that earn a contract with a prime contractor for fulfilment and execution duties.
By the beginning of 2026, some level of certification is expected from any party working on a contract. This means some contracts may only require a low level of certification and others may require a high level.
Who Performs the CMMC Assessment?
To become CMMC certified, an authorized and accredited CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) has to perform an assessment. These assessors can be found on the CMMC-AB Marketplace website. Once you pick a C3PAO, you can begin coordinating with them to plan out the audit and complete contractual agreements. If the assessment shows no deficiencies, you are clear to give your CMMC certificate to a DIB company for certification.
Any assessment done by self-certification won’t be seen as valid. However, contractors are encouraged to perform self-certification checks to prepare for the approved certification test. Performing a self-assessment can greatly increase your chances of becoming certified. Here is where the team at RCS Secure can help.
How RCS Helps You Reach Compliance
RCS Secure is an industry-leading managed service provider that specializes in cyber security compliance. As your partner, we use a complete toolkit to assess your entire infrastructure. From penetration tests to cloud security compliance, our team takes a look at every nook and cranny of your IT environment to ensure nothing is missed.
After performing a round of thorough assessments, we analyze the results. If we find anything that could keep you from certification, we can provide recommendations to plug up those security holes. We don’t just provide recommendations, however, our team can also step in and help you implement the solutions you need.
Become CMMC Compliant Before It’s Too Late
At RCS Secure, we offer a range of IT solutions designed to help our customers achieve their IT goals. Whether you need security monitoring, breach detection, an assessment, or some other cyber security solution, we have you covered.
Contact us today to learn more about this topic and the services we provide.
How RCS Helps You Reach Compliance
RCS Secure is an industry-leading managed service provider that specializes in cyber security compliance. As your partner, we use a complete toolkit to assess your entire infrastructure. From penetration tests to cloud security compliance, our team takes a look at every nook and cranny of your IT environment to ensure nothing is missed.
After performing a round of thorough assessments, we analyze the results. If we find anything that could keep you from certification, we can provide recommendations to plug up those security holes. We don’t just provide recommendations, however, our team can also step in and help you implement the solutions you need.
