For companies that work with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or its contractors, cybersecurity compliance is no longer optional. Frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) are transforming how businesses secure their systems and prove that they are protecting sensitive data.
But for many organizations (especially small and midsized businesses), the process can be confusing, expensive, and far more complex than expected.
In the latest episode of Trust Issues, Raymond King, a Senior Customer Success Manager, reveals what the process actually looks like and why many businesses underestimate what it takes.
Listen now:
Here are the takeaways from this episode:
One of the biggest misconceptions about CMMC is that it only affects companies directly building military equipment. In reality, the requirements reach much further across the defense supply chain.
As Raymond reveals, organizations affected by these rules can include companies that:
Essentially, even businesses that seem far removed from defense operations can still fall under compliance requirements if they are connected to a government contract. Many companies are surprised to learn they must comply even if they believe they do not directly handle sensitive information.
For years, many organizations relied on selfattestation to claim they were meeting cybersecurity standards. This often meant internal teams reviewing a spreadsheet and confirming they were following best practices.
But as Raymond points out, self-assessments are rarely accurate. Companies frequently assume that purchasing security software automatically makes them compliant. But buying tools alone doesn’t guarantee anything if they’re not properly configured or monitored. As a result, many businesses that believed they were compliant later discovered major gaps when preparing for formal certification.
Raymond emphasizes that CMMC compliance is not a quick project. It is a long process that often takes well over a year from start to finish. In some cases, companies spend around 18 months preparing before they are ready for an audit. In fact, even after preparation, the assessment itself can take weeks. A typical timeline includes:
This level of scrutiny means companies must demonstrate that their security controls are operating effectively.
Raymond reveals that compliance is continuous a fact that many overlook. For CMMC Level 2 organizations, companies must conduct:
These recurring reviews ensure that security practices remain in place rather than becoming outdated after certification.
One of the most powerful takeaways is Raymond’s take that the biggest difference between successful and struggling organizations isn’t technology. It's actually the mindset.
Companies that treat compliance as a simple checkbox often move slowly and encounter major gaps. Those that treat security as a core part of their culture tend to move faster and achieve stronger results.
When leadership, operations, HR, and IT all participate in the process, compliance becomes much easier to maintain. In contrast, organizations that leave it entirely to the IT team often struggle because CMMC impacts the entire company.
For some companies, the cost and effort required for CMMC have led them to reconsider whether government contracts are worth it. Some organizations have even shifted their business models away from federal work entirely after realizing how much compliance requires.
However, for companies that commit early and complete certification, there may be a major competitive advantage. With hundreds of thousands of businesses potentially affected but relatively few certified so far, organizations that complete the process early could gain an edge in winning future contracts.
This entire conversation points to one thing: CMMC compliance is reshaping cybersecurity expectations across the defense supply chain. What many companies initially assume is a simple certification process often turns into a longterm transformation of how they manage security.
Organizations that start early, involve leadership, and treat security as an ongoing discipline will be far better positioned to succeed. Further, as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: cybersecurity compliance is no longer optional. It’s becoming a core requirement for doing business with the government.
1. What is CMMC compliance?
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a cybersecurity framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that contractors and suppliers can adequately protect sensitive government information. It focuses on safeguarding Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from cyber threats.
2. Who needs to be CMMC compliant?
Any organization that works with the DoD, or plans to, must comply with CMMC requirements. This includes prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers across the entire defense industrial base (DIB).
Even small businesses and startups are affected. If your company handles FCI or CUI at any point in a contract, you’ll be required to meet a specific CMMC level. Prime contractors are also responsible for ensuring their subcontractors meet the appropriate requirements, making compliance a supply chainwide responsibility. Learn more at Who Needs CMMC Compliance?
3. What are the different CMMC levels?
CMMC 2.0 is structured into three levels, each based on the sensitivity of the information your organization handles:
Level 1 (Foundational): Focuses on basic cybersecurity practices to protect FCI. Requires an annual self-assessment.
Level 2 (Advanced): Applies to organizations handling CUI and requires implementation of all 110 security controls from NIST SP 800171. May require a third-party assessment every three years.
Level 3 (Expert): Designed for companies handling highly sensitive data. Builds on Level 2 with additional controls from NIST SP 800172 and require government led assessments.
Read more at What are the levels of CMMC
4. How long does it take to get CMMC certified?
The timeline for achieving CMMC compliance varies depending on your current cybersecurity maturity, resources, and the level you need to achieve.
For many small and midsized businesses, reaching Level 2 can take several months to over a year. This includes time for gap assessments, remediation, documentation, and audit preparation. In some cases, organizations underestimate the effort required—especially when implementing all 110 NIST controls.
Starting early is critical. Delays in preparation can impact your ability to bid on contracts once CMMC requirements are fully enforced.
5. How much does CMMC compliance cost?
CMMC costs can vary widely based on your organization’s size, complexity, and current security posture. Expenses typically include:
Gap assessments and consulting
Technology upgrades (security tools, infrastructure)
Internal resources and training
third-party assessment fees (for Level 2 and above)
For small businesses, costs can range from a few thousand dollars for basic readiness to significantly higher investments for full Level 2 implementation. Get a full breakdown in our article How Much Does CMMC Certification Cost?
6. What is the difference between CUI and FCI?
Understanding the difference between CUI and FCI is essential because it determines your required CMMC level:
FCI (Federal Contract Information): Basic, nonpublic information related to government contracts. Requires Level 1 protections.
CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information): More sensitive data that must be protected under federal regulations, such as technical drawings or export-controlled information.
Organizations handling CUI must meet stricter security requirements under Level 2, including full implementation of NIST SP 800171 controls.
7. Is CMMC mandatory?
CMMC is becoming a mandatory requirement for DoD contracts. As the program is phased into contracts, companies will need to demonstrate compliance at the required level to be eligible for awards.
Without the appropriate CMMC certification, organizations may be disqualified from bidding or renewing contracts. This makes compliance not just a security initiative, but a business necessity for companies in the defense ecosystem.
8. What happens if you don’t comply with CMMC?
Failure to comply with CMMC requirements can have serious consequences, including:
Loss of eligibility for DoD contracts
Contract termination or delays
Reputational damage
Potential legal and financial penalties
As enforcement increases, noncompliant companies risk being excluded from the defense supply chain altogether. In a competitive market, compliance is quickly becoming a differentiator—not just a requirement.