CMMC Compliance Becomes Urgent as DoD Finalizes Cybersecurity Rules

With the Department of Defense’s new cybersecurity requirements set to appear in contracts by mid-2025, defense contractors must act swiftly to achieve compliance or risk losing eligibility for future work.

The Department of Defense has finalized the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, turning what was once a long-discussed initiative into an operational mandate for companies in the defense industrial base. With this move, the clock has officially started ticking. Contractors aren’t in a panic—yet—but the realization is setting in: time is now a critical factor.

The CMMC framework, officially effective as of December 2024, was designed to improve cybersecurity across the defense supply chain. It introduces a tiered model requiring companies that handle government data to implement and validate cybersecurity protections. These range from basic cyber hygiene to highly advanced controls aligned with national standards. For many companies, the most pressing concern isn’t technical—it’s timing.

CMMC 2.0, as it’s known, has streamlined the original model down to three certification levels:

Level 1 (Foundational) is intended for organizations that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI). It requires only an annual self-assessment of 17 basic security practices.

Level 2 (Advanced) is a significant step up, focused on Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It aligns with the 110 security requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171. While some Level 2 contractors may still be eligible for self-assessments, the majority will need third-party certifications conducted by an accredited Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).

Level 3 (Expert) is reserved for contractors managing the most sensitive government information and includes additional controls from NIST SP 800-172. These assessments will be performed by the federal government itself.

While the rule is now in place, enforcement won’t begin immediately. The DoD is expected to start including CMMC requirements in new contracts as early as mid-2025. But that doesn’t mean contractors can afford to wait. Achieving compliance—especially at Level 2—can take 9 to 12 months, factoring in gap assessments, remediation, documentation, and formal third-party evaluations. Companies that don’t start preparing soon may find themselves unable to bid on contracts when the requirements kick in.

What’s changing now is not just regulation, but posture. Contractors are beginning to understand that CMMC is no longer theoretical. It’s law. And it’s tied directly to their ability to win business. For companies that have been “waiting to see,” this is the moment to shift gears.

To prepare, contractors should begin by identifying the CMMC level that applies to their organization. A gap analysis can then reveal where their current practices fall short of the required controls. The next step involves documenting a System Security Plan (SSP) and a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to chart a course toward full compliance. For Level 2 and above, early coordination with a C3PAO is also recommended, as assessment resources may become limited closer to the enforcement date.

CMMC compliance is no longer just a box to check—it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that can demonstrate cyber resilience will be better positioned not only for government contracts, but for broader trust in the marketplace. And with geopolitical tensions and supply chain attacks on the rise, the stakes for security have never been higher.

Defense contractors don’t need to be desperate—but they do need to be deliberate. The window to prepare is open, but it won’t stay that way for long.

Don’t wait for the contract language to appear—by then, it may already be too late.

Start your compliance journey now with a readiness assessment, strategic remediation plan, and expert guidance tailored to your specific CMMC level. Whether you’re unsure where to begin or already deep into NIST 800-171 implementation, Cyber Defense Advisors can help you close the gaps, streamline your documentation, and prepare for a successful certification.

Contact Cyber Defense Advisors today to schedule a consultation—because in cybersecurity and compliance, timing isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.