CMMC in Federal Acquisition: Understanding the Impact of the New 48 CFR Final Rule on Defense Contractors

September 11th, 2025 by Jim Carlson CMMC Ruling

See how the 48 CFR final rule makes CMMC mandatory for DoD contracts. Learn contractor obligations, recertification timelines, and compliance enforcement details.

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CMMC Level 2 Templates for POA&M, Evidence Logs, and Reviews 2025
CMMC Templates
CMMC Level 2 Templates for POA&M, Evidence Logs, and Reviews 2025

September 26th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Learn how POA&M, evidence logs, and periodic review templates streamline CMMC Level 2 compliance and meet assessor expectations efficiently.
Passwords, MFA, and WiFi Security for CMMC Compliance in 2025
CMMC Compliance
Passwords, MFA, and WiFi Security for CMMC Compliance in 2025

September 26th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Understand the mandatory CMMC Level 2 requirements for passwords, multi-factor authentication, and WiFi security to protect controlled unclassified information.
CMMC 2.0 MFA Requirements for WiFi Connections in 2025
CMMC Requirements
CMMC 2.0 MFA Requirements for WiFi Connections in 2025

September 22nd, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Explore how CMMC 2.0 applies multifactor authentication requirements to WiFi connections and network access to protect Controlled Unclassified Information.
SIEM Requirements for CMMC Compliance in 2025
CMMC Compliance
SIEM Requirements for CMMC Compliance in 2025

September 17th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Explore how SIEM systems support CMMC compliance by meeting NIST 800-171 logging and monitoring requirements and practical alternatives in 2025.
CMMC Certification Timing for DoD Contract Awards in 2025
CMMC Compliance
CMMC Certification Timing for DoD Contract Awards in 2025

September 16th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn why CMMC certification must be in place at contract award for DoD contracts and how conditional certification affects contract eligibility.
Can You Win DoD Contracts with Only Conditional CMMC Status?
CMMC Compliance
Can You Win DoD Contracts with Only Conditional CMMC Status?

September 15th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

See how conditional CMMC status affects DoD contract bids. Learn 180-day limits, subcontractor acceptance, and steps to move from conditional to full compliance.
The CMMC 48 CFR Final Rule: What Small Defense Contractors Need to Know to Stay Competitive
Cybersecurity Compliance
The CMMC 48 CFR Final Rule: What Small Defense Contractors Need to Know to Stay Competitive

September 12th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Small defense contractors risk losing DoD contracts without CMMC 48 CFR certification. Get clear guidance on requirements, deadlines, and compliance strategies.
Can Google Workspace Meet CMMC Level 2 Compliance for Handling CUI?
Cybersecurity Compliance
Can Google Workspace Meet CMMC Level 2 Compliance for Handling CUI?

September 8th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Learn how Google Workspace can be configured to meet CMMC Level 2 compliance for handling Controlled Unclassified Information and practical steps involved.
Microsoft 365 GCC High Migration: Your Definitive Enterprise Implementation Roadmap
CMMC Compliance
Microsoft 365 GCC High Migration: Your Definitive Enterprise Implementation Roadmap

September 4th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Plan your Microsoft 365 GCC High migration with guidance on tenant rebuilds, automation, identity sync, and CMMC compliance to support defense contractors.
Is Vulnerability Data Controlled Unclassified Information? A Guide for Defense
CMMC Compliance
Is Vulnerability Data Controlled Unclassified Information? A Guide for Defense

September 3rd, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Find out when vulnerability data is classified as CUI and how defense contractors should secure it to meet CMMC and DoD cybersecurity compliance requirements.
What Evidence is Needed for a CMMC Level 2 Assessment?
CMMC Compliance
What Evidence is Needed for a CMMC Level 2 Assessment?

September 1st, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Learn what evidence is needed for CMMC Level 2 assessments, including policies, logs, configs, training records, and review proof to ensure compliance success.
Do I Need to Re-Certify Every Time I Change My Network? Navigating CMMC Compliance with Confidence
CMMC Compliance
Do I Need to Re-Certify Every Time I Change My Network? Navigating CMMC Compliance with Confidence

August 28th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Learn when CMMC re-certification is required for network changes, best practices for maintaining compliance, and how to manage your certification confidently.
Microsoft GCC vs GCC High: Choosing the Right Cloud for Small Defense Businesses
CMMC Compliance
Microsoft GCC vs GCC High: Choosing the Right Cloud for Small Defense Businesses

August 26th, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Compare Microsoft 365 GCC and GCC High for small defense contractors. Learn core differences, costs, ITAR rules, migration timelines, and Copilot availability.
When Is CMMC Actually Required for Contracts? Unlocking the Timeline and Requirements
Cybersecurity Compliance
When Is CMMC Actually Required for Contracts? Unlocking the Timeline and Requirements

August 22nd, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Understand when CMMC is required for DoD contracts. See the 2024–2028 rollout timeline, certification phases, subcontractor flow-downs, and renewal rules.
CMMC 2.0 Simplified: Essential Insights for Small Businesses Navigating DoD Cybersecurity Rules
Cybersecurity Compliance
CMMC 2.0 Simplified: Essential Insights for Small Businesses Navigating DoD Cybersecurity Rules

August 21st, 2025 by Matthew Locke

Simplify CMMC 2.0 for small businesses. Learn level differences, scoring, timelines, and compliance steps to prepare for DoD contracts with confidence.
System and Information Integrity in CMMC: How to Detect and Respond to System Issues Effectively
Cybersecurity Compliance
System and Information Integrity in CMMC: How to Detect and Respond to System Issues Effectively

July 21st, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to implement System and Information Integrity practices in CMMC to detect vulnerabilities, prevent threats, and stay compliant with Level 2 requirements.
System and Communications Protection: Securing Data for CMMC Compliance
CMMC Compliance
System and Communications Protection: Securing Data for CMMC Compliance

July 18th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to secure your data in transit and at rest with System and Communications Protection practices essential for CMMC Levels 2 and 3 compliance.
Mastering CMMC Domain 12: How Security Assessment Ensures Continuous Protection
Security Assessment
Mastering CMMC Domain 12: How Security Assessment Ensures Continuous Protection

July 16th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Master the CMMC Security Assessment domain with expert tips on continuous monitoring, remediation plans, and leveraging automation for compliance success.
Securing Physical Access in CMMC: Mastering the Physical Protection Domain
CMMC Compliance
Securing Physical Access in CMMC: Mastering the Physical Protection Domain

July 11th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Master the Physical Protection domain in CMMC by controlling facility access, using logs and badges, and applying compliance strategies for contractors.
Personnel Security for CUI: Ensuring Trusted Access under CMMC
Personnel Security
Personnel Security for CUI: Ensuring Trusted Access under CMMC

July 10th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to implement Personnel Security controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and meet CMMC Level 2 compliance requirements.
How to Protect Controlled Unclassified Information with CMMC Media Protection Controls
CMMC Media Protection
How to Protect Controlled Unclassified Information with CMMC Media Protection Controls

July 9th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information with CMMC Media Protection controls. Secure your physical and digital media for compliance.
Ensuring Secure IT System Maintenance with CMMC’s Maintenance Domain: What You Need to Know
CMMC Compliance
Ensuring Secure IT System Maintenance with CMMC’s Maintenance Domain: What You Need to Know

July 8th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to secure IT system maintenance with CMMC’s Maintenance domain. Discover essential controls, common pitfalls, and compliance tools at Level 2 certification.
Making CMMC Simpler
CMMC Compliance
Making CMMC Simpler

June 24th, 2025 by Kristian Locke

CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The most effective compliance platforms are built with real-world users in mind, focusing on usability, teamwork, and cost.
Incident Response Made Simple: Preparing for CMMC Compliance
Cybersecurity
Incident Response Made Simple: Preparing for CMMC Compliance

May 30th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to prepare and respond to cybersecurity incidents effectively to meet CMMC compliance with practical tips and tools for incident response readiness.
Identification and Authentication in CMMC: How to Verify User Identities and Secure Access
CMMC Compliance
Identification and Authentication in CMMC: How to Verify User Identities and Secure Access

May 29th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how Identification and Authentication strengthen CMMC compliance by verifying users, enforcing MFA, and protecting sensitive defense contractor data.
Mastering Configuration Management in CMMC: How to Control Your System Settings and Changes Securely
Cybersecurity
Mastering Configuration Management in CMMC: How to Control Your System Settings and Changes Securely

May 20th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to master Configuration Management in CMMC to control system changes securely and stay audit-ready. Key practices, tools, and compliance tips explained.
Building a Security-Aware Workforce: Mastering the Awareness and Training Domain of CMMC 32 CFR Part 170
CMMC Compliance
Building a Security-Aware Workforce: Mastering the Awareness and Training Domain of CMMC 32 CFR Part 170

May 19th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Master the Awareness and Training domain of CMMC 32 CFR Part 170 with tailored, ongoing cybersecurity education to protect your workforce and CUI.
Mastering Audit and Accountability in CMMC: Essential Practices for Compliance
CMMC Compliance
Mastering Audit and Accountability in CMMC: Essential Practices for Compliance

May 12th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how to master Audit and Accountability in CMMC Levels 2 and 3 with best practices, automation tips, and compliance strategies to protect your data.
Understanding the Access Control Domain in CMMC: What You Need to Know
CMMC Compliance
Understanding the Access Control Domain in CMMC: What You Need to Know

May 6th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn about the Access Control domain in CMMC, its 14 essential practices, and how to ensure compliance with effective cybersecurity controls.
The 14 CMMC Domains Explained: Beginner's Guide to Cybersecurity Compliance
CMMC Compliance
The 14 CMMC Domains Explained: Beginner's Guide to Cybersecurity Compliance

May 3rd, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Explore the 14 CMMC cybersecurity domains and how they impact compliance at each level. A clear, beginner-friendly guide for defense contractors.
Understanding CMMC Level 1 Requirements for Federal Contract Information Security
Cybersecurity Compliance
Understanding CMMC Level 1 Requirements for Federal Contract Information Security

April 26th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn about CMMC Level 1 requirements to protect Federal Contract Information with 15 essential practices, self-assessment, and DoD compliance.
How Organizations Are Tackling CMMC 2.0 Compliance: Real-World Insights and Strategies
Cybersecurity
How Organizations Are Tackling CMMC 2.0 Compliance: Real-World Insights and Strategies

April 8th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Discover how defense contractors are addressing CMMC 2.0 compliance, based on real poll data and insights.
What to Expect When Sitting Down With a C3PAO for a CMMC Assessment: Insights From the Internet
CMMC Assessments
What to Expect When Sitting Down With a C3PAO for a CMMC Assessment: Insights From the Internet

March 26th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Discover what to expect from a C3PAO CMMC assessment. Learn how to prepare, avoid common mistakes, and ensure your documentation is audit-ready.
Understanding the Role of CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) in Cybersecurity Compliance
CMMC Assessments
Understanding the Role of CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) in Cybersecurity Compliance

March 26th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how C3PAOs conduct CMMC Level 2 assessments to verify compliance with NIST SP 800-171 R2, ensuring defense contractors meet cybersecurity standards.
Key Changes from Previous Regulations in CMMC 32 CFR Part 170
CMMC Basics
Key Changes from Previous Regulations in CMMC 32 CFR Part 170

March 25th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

See how the CMMC 2.0 final rule differs from previous regulations, including DFARS self-attestation, and learn about new enforcement measures.
CMMC 2.0 Certification Levels & Requirements
CMMC Basics
CMMC 2.0 Certification Levels & Requirements

March 25th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Explore CMMC's three levels, the required NIST 800-171 controls, and how C3PAO or government assessments impact DoD contract eligibility.
Understanding the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
CMMC Basics
Understanding the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

March 10th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

The CMMC Program is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) initiative to enhance cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
The Impact of CMMC on Defense Contracts & Supply Chain
CMMC Impact
The Impact of CMMC on Defense Contracts & Supply Chain

March 10th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn how CMMC compliance requirements flow down to subcontractors, impact DoD contract awards, and strengthen the defense supply chain.
Handling Non-Compliance & Corrective Actions in CMMC
CMMC Assessments
Handling Non-Compliance & Corrective Actions in CMMC

March 9th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Learn what happens if you fail a CMMC assessment, how POA&Ms work, and the steps needed to regain compliance before losing DoD contracts.
Comparison of CMMC with Other Cybersecurity Frameworks
CMMC Basics
Comparison of CMMC with Other Cybersecurity Frameworks

March 9th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

See how CMMC differs from ISO 27001, FedRAMP, and NIST 800-171, including its unique certification process for defense contractors.
CMMC Assessment Process & Maintaining Certification
CMMC Assessments
CMMC Assessment Process & Maintaining Certification

March 9th, 2025 by Jim Carlson

Discover how self-assessments, third-party assessments, and DIBCAC reviews work, plus tips for keeping your CMMC certification active.