Updates on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0

With CMMC 2.0 set to be enforced in 2025, federal contractors must ensure their cybersecurity policies align with the new requirements. Non-compliance could result in losing eligibility for government contracts, making preparation essential for businesses engaged in federal procurement.

Overview of CMMC 2.0 Changes and Deadlines

CMMC 2.0 streamlines the original framework, reducing the number of compliance levels while aligning with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requirements. Key changes include:

• Three-Tiered Structure: CMMC 2.0 has simplified compliance into three levels instead of five.


• Self-Assessments for Level 1: Companies handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) can perform annual self-assessments.


• Third-Party Certification for Level 2: Businesses dealing with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must undergo assessments by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).


• Government-Led Audits for Level 3: Contractors working with highly sensitive information will be subject to government-led evaluations.


• Alignment with NIST 800-171: The new framework directly aligns with NIST’s existing cybersecurity standards.


• Enforcement Timeline: CMMC 2.0 is expected to be implemented in contracts by late 2025.

Steps to Ensure Your Business is Compliant

To maintain eligibility for federal contracts, businesses should take the following steps:

• Understand Your Required Compliance Level: Determine whether your business needs Level 1, 2, or 3 certification.


• Conduct a Cybersecurity Assessment: Perform an internal audit to identify gaps in compliance.


• Implement Necessary Security Controls: Align cybersecurity practices with NIST 800-171 standards.


• Prepare for Third-Party Assessments: If required, engage a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to validate compliance.


• Maintain Continuous Monitoring: Regularly review security practices to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

How GovPointe Can Assist with Cybersecurity Readiness

GovPointe offers expert guidance to help businesses navigate CMMC 2.0 compliance. Services include:

• Readiness Assessments: Identifying compliance gaps and developing a tailored remediation plan.


• Implementation Support: Assisting with security control integration and policy development.


• Third-Party Audit Preparation: Ensuring your business is prepared for C3PAO assessments.


• Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: Providing continuous oversight to maintain cybersecurity compliance.

With CMMC 2.0 enforcement approaching, federal contractors must act now to secure compliance. Partnering with cybersecurity experts like GovPointe can streamline the process and ensure your business remains eligible for government contracts.

For more information, visit SAM.gov and USAspending.gov.