Pentagon Enforcement of CMMC Begins: What Small and Mid-Size DoD Contractors Need to Know
The Department of Defense has officially started to enforce the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements for all contractors and subcontractors in its supply chain. This milestone is critical news for small and mid-size businesses doing business with the DoD, as readiness gaps exposed in recent assessments highlight risks to contract eligibility and compliance.
Why Enforcement Matters
The Pentagon’s enhanced enforcement means that contractors can no longer treat cybersecurity as a checkbox exercise. CMMC compliance—inclusive of NIST SP 800-171 controls—is now a gating factor for contract awards and continued performance. Failure to meet these standards risks contract disqualification and negative SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System) scores.
Readiness Gaps Impacting Smaller Suppliers
Many smaller contractors face several challenges:
- Limited internal cybersecurity resources and expertise
- Incomplete or outdated policies and procedures
- Insufficient technical controls or monitoring
- Difficulty navigating complex compliance requirements under time pressure
What You Should Do Today
- Perform a Gap Assessment: Identify where your current practices fall short of CMMC requirements.
- Develop a Remediation Plan: Prioritize actions to address gaps efficiently.
- Implement Controls and Policies: Apply technical and administrative controls to meet required maturity levels.
- Prepare for Third-Party Assessments: Be ready for formal audits that will validate your compliance.
Why Act Now?
With enforcement underway, the risk of contract loss or business disruption grows daily. Early action can improve your SPRS scores, demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity, and enhance your competitive edge.
How RoadMap IT Can Help
At RoadMap IT, we specialize in assisting defense contractors like you to understand CMMC requirements, perform readiness assessments, and build compliance roadmaps that fit your unique business needs.
Conclusion
The Pentagon’s move to enforce CMMC is a wake-up call for the defense supply chain. Small and mid-size contractors must act decisively to secure their business and future government partnerships.
For more guidance and expert support, visit RoadMap IT CMMC Services.