CMMC is live. Defense contractors need a readiness plan now.

CMMC is now an active requirement path for the Defense Industrial Base. Contractors should treat it as a readiness program, not a last-minute documentation exercise.

The timeline matters

The rollout gives organizations time to understand which level applies, prepare evidence, and engage the right assessment path. That time should be used to close real security gaps, not just prepare for an assessment day.

Contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information need to know where CUI lives, which systems are in scope, and how controls are monitored over time.

Know your level

Level 1 focuses on basic cybersecurity hygiene. Level 2 focuses on protecting CUI and aligns with NIST SP 800-171. Level 3 adds advanced requirements for higher-risk environments.

• Review current and future contract language.
• Confirm CUI scope and assessment level.
• Build a roadmap for remediation, evidence, and monitoring.

Readiness is a business issue

CMMC affects competitiveness. Organizations that can prove readiness early will be better positioned for future defense work and less exposed to schedule risk when requirements appear in solicitations.