The defense supply chain had a problem: self-attestation wasn't stopping data breaches, and SMBs were left without the security tools or services they needed. CMMC—the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification—fixes that. It's the DoD's framework for verified cybersecurity across the entire defense industrial base, giving contractors a clear roadmap for how to prove your environment can be trusted. This guide covers what CMMC means for your business, which level you need, and how to get certified without derailing operations.
CMMC is the DoD's program requiring DIB contractors to prove they can protect sensitive information, like FCI and CUI.
It uses a tiered framework, with three levels (foundational, advanced, and expert) to assess your cybersecurity maturity.
But the meaning of CMMC goes beyond simple compliance checkboxes; it requires defense companies to verify they're protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through independent assessment, not just self assessment.
It builds on NIST 800-171 and DFARS cybersecurity requirements but adds accountability. For Founders and COOs, here's what matters: CMMC protects your contracts and proves to partners you won't be the weak link that costs them a contract or causes a costly breach. It's not red tape, it's the standard that separates trusted defense partners from security liabilities.
CMMC compliance keeps you in the DoD ecosystem, but it's not just about contracts, it's about security that works against real threats. Here's why CMMC matters for defense contractors:
All DoD contractors and subcontractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) need certification, and the CMMC certification requirements apply regardless of size. Whether a 10-person shop or major prime, if you're processing, storing, or transmitting sensitive government information, CMMC for DoD contractors is mandatory.
Your required level depends on what you handle:
Exceptions are narrow, so assume CMMC applies until proven otherwise. Check contract language and ask your contracting officer if uncertain.
CMMC 2.0 levels simplified the original five maturity levels into three, each aligned with information sensitivity. Understanding CMMC levels helps you match your certification to what you handle. Our team has outlined the requirements so you can determine the level that is right for you.
CMMC Level 1 covers basic cyber hygiene for FCI-only contractors.
CMMC Level 1 requirements include 15 security practices from FAR 52.204-21:
CMMC Level 1 certification uses annual self-assessment without third-party audit, but you still need documented practices and evidence. "We're doing it" isn't enough. Our CMMC Level 1 Template Toolkit provides 25+ customizable templates including a sample Systems Security Plan to help you implement without reinventing the wheel.
CMMC Level 2 is where most DoD contractors land.
CMMC Level 2 requirements include all 110 NIST SP 800-171 security practices across 14 domains—including:
These are all to protect CUI from nation-state actors and sophisticated cybercriminals.
CMMC Level 2 certification demands triennial assessment by a certified third-party assessor (C3PAO). Assessors examine actual implementations and want evidence like:
Most contractors need 90-180 days for proper implementation. With the right partner providing managed services, you get capabilities deployed without building an in-house team. What doesn't work: policies in a binder and hope.
CMMC Level 3 protects the DoD's most sensitive programs, critical weapons systems, classified information, programs where compromise threatens national security.
CMMC Level 3 requirements include 24 enhanced security requirements from NIST SP 800-172 beyond Level 2's 110 controls, focused on defending against Advanced Persistent Threats and well-resourced nation-state actors.
The CMMC expert level certification requires government-led assessments and applies to limited high-priority programs. If you're moving into more sensitive work, understand Level 3 builds on Level 2 maturity. Master Level 2 first, demonstrate sustained compliance, then tackle enhanced Level 3 controls.
The CMMC certification process isn't a one-time project—it's building security practices you can sustain over time. Understanding how to get CMMC certified means breaking this into manageable phases. Our Managed Compliance Adherence service guides you through each step.
Identify whether you handle FCI, CUI, or both by reviewing contract clauses carefully.
Most defense contractors handling anything beyond basic admin data deal with CUI, meaning Level 2.
RADICL is a CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO), meaning our experts are certified to guide you through the entire compliance process. Our platform automates assessments, documentation, and progress tracking while our RPO-certified experts guide you through every step. We combine managed security with compliance expertise:
RADICL's managed services directly address 29 of the most costly and difficult CMMC Level 2 controls, meaning you get critical technical capabilities deployed from day one—endpoint protection, logging, monitoring, incident response—without building an in-house security team.
See The RADICL Xperience to understand how we make CMMC achievable and sustainable.
Compare your current state against NIST 800-171 requirements. A real gap assessment examines technical controls (endpoint protection, network security, logging) and administrative controls (policies, procedures, training).
Your assessment should produce what's missing, realistic remediation costs, and implementation timeline. Most contractors have some controls but significant gaps in incident response, vulnerability management, and logging.
Deploy security controlsin two main areas:
Prioritize based on your gap assessment—you can't do effective incident response without logging, and you can't manage vulnerabilities without scanning infrastructure.
Your System Security Plan (SSP) documents how you implement each required control. The Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) documents incomplete controls with timelines and responsible parties. RADICL's platform automates documentation generation and evidence collection. Our CMMC Toolkit includes sample Systems Security Plans and 25+ customizable templates to accelerate your preparation.
The scope of CMMC assessment you need differs based on level:
Assessment involves:
Organizations maintaining good documentation, collecting evidence continuously, and monitoring compliance on an ongoing basis have smoother assessments. Start preparing months before assessment, not weeks.
RADICL doesn't just help you pass an assessment, we become your security operations partner. As a CMMC solutions provider, we believe compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. CMMC proves you meet minimum standards, but staying secure against motivated adversaries requires ongoing vigilance and partnership lasting beyond assessment day. Our CMMC compliance services include:
CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It's the DoD's framework verifying defense contractors implemented appropriate cybersecurity controls to protect sensitive government information—proving it through independent assessment, not just attesting.
CMMC is mandatory now. The DFARS 48 CMMC rule became effective November 10, 2025, and DoD contracts are already including CMMC clauses. Full program operation expected by 2028. If you're waiting for a future deadline, you're already behind. Start now.
Depends on starting point and required level. Mature security organizations might achieve Level 1 readiness in 30-60 days. Level 2 typically requires 90-180 days for proper implementation, plus assessment time. Working with an experienced partner accelerates significantly. Rushing at the last minute when contracts demand certification? Timelines blow out and costs spiral.
Only Level 1 allows self-certification through annual attestation. Level 2 requires triennial assessment by certified third-party assessor (C3PAO). Level 3 requires government-led assessment. Self-certification doesn't mean no accountability—maintain documentation and evidence supporting attestation.
NIST 800-171 is the 110 security requirements for protecting CUI in non-federal systems. CMMC incorporates those requirements at Level 2 but adds assessment and certification. Think NIST 800-171 as security standard, CMMC as verification program ensuring contractors actually implemented it.
Failed assessment means detailed report identifying inadequately implemented controls. Remediate findings and schedule reassessment. Failed assessments delay contract awards and damage credibility with primes. Working with experienced partners like RADICL before assessment helps identify and address potential issues early, significantly increasing first-attempt pass rates.
CMMC compliance doesn't have to derail operations or overwhelm your team. As a CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO), RADICL combines managed security services with expert CMMC consulting—delivering technical capabilities and compliance guidance together. We've helped organizations achieve CMMC readiness efficiently, providing the security infrastructure, documentation support, and expert guidance that makes compliance achievable.
We don't just get you through an audit and disappear. We become an extension of your security operations—deploying capabilities protecting against real threats through our 24x7 virtual SOC, maintaining compliance through POA&M management and continuous monitoring, preparing you for self-assessments and reassessments. Enterprise-grade security at accessible pricing, complete transparency into what's protecting you, partnership lasting beyond certification day.
Ready to protect your contracts and simplify compliance? Talk to a RADICL expert today.