CMMC Certification for CUI: A Brief Guide for Contractors and Sub-contractors

Contractors and sub-contractors in the unclassified networks that have to receive, handle, process and store CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) or federal contract information will require the CMMC certification. Whether a company is involved in the developing or manufacturing of COTS software and products, they Dept. of Defense have incorporated CMMC certification for awarding contracts.

Why CMMC framework by the Dept. of Defense?

The framework is setup for safeguarding and protecting data within the industry for national defense. CMMC ensures cyber hygiene and protection of CUI by validating safeguards and practices. Though the Dept. of Defense is working to implement this for the industrial base, but there are huge chances of a company getting disqualified for not having a CMMC certification.

What kind of certification would your company need?

With the prevalent information available, it’s quite natural and confusing for a company owner to think about the CMMC certification at the same time. However, the CMMC levels depend on the sensitivity of information accessed or stored by the company. The Dept. of Defense specifies the CMMC level in RFPs and RFIs.

• Level 1 or Foundational certification requires a DIB Company for self-assessments.

• Level 2 or Advanced certification may require third-party or self-assessments.

• Level 3 or Expert certification gets assessed by government officials.

CMMC certification covers various domains, including access control, audit and accountability, personnel management and so on as specified in the NIST 800-171 standard.

Is it okay to hire a CMMC consultant?

Preferably, yes. As a defense contractor or subcontractor, a business needs to prepare for CMMC certification to save valuable time and costs. Hiring a CMMC consultant addresses a variety of requirements, which includes learning and understanding the regulations, acquire training, develop processes in compliance with CMMC. So, whenever a CMMC assessment for the company gets carried out, the business has a ready background through necessary tools, procedures and documentation for receiving the certification.

Is it worth investing in CMMC preparation?

For the uninitiated, Dept. of Defense allows CMMC preparation and certification and reimburses the cost for their projects. Indeed, a company that has a long involvement in CUI and defense industry does require a CMMC certification and it’s every worth of penny for investment.

What are the major components covered in this preparation?

In terms of a major workaround, the following components include:

• NIST 800-171, DFARs and CMMC compliance training. Reviewing current information systems and assessing for CMMC requirements to identify gaps for remediation.

• Develop policies and plans for CMMC level requirements. Identify best practices for information security and management.

• Run through performance audits, assist on customer requirements and complaints, improve processes, and continue education and training.

CMMC level certification not only helps contractors and subcontractors improve their processes and reach a standard level, but also instills faith of accomplishing higher objectives of delivering the best quality solutions for the defense industry.

As a company, you can invest in a CMMC consultant to help you understand the requirements and throttle your way to achieve the certification.

Author Info:-

Linqs Group writes about CMMC certification for contractors and subcontractors, as per Dept. of Defense requirements for CUI management. He recommends companies to hire a CMMC consultant for getting the knowledge of necessary tools, procedures and documentation required to receive the certification.

Linqs Group's objective is to provide businesses and organisations with a comprehensive range of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) consultancy services. Cybersecurity management, global export restrictions, and ISO/AS Quality Management Systems