This guide is designed to be the middle path: accurate, practical, and manufacturer-specific—without hype or fear tactics.
This page is the cornerstone of the Micro Solutions CMMC Authority Hub. It is meant to be the canonical reference our other CMMC resources point back to.
What CMMC 2.0 Is (Plain English)
CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a U.S. Department of Defense framework designed to ensure that organizations handling sensitive defense information can consistently protect it.
At a practical level, CMMC asks one operational question:
Can this organization reliably safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)?
CMMC does not measure intent. It verifies behavior: whether cybersecurity is defined, implemented, followed, documented, repeatable, and provable over time.
That is why CMMC is less about "buying security" and more about building disciplined, auditable operating habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the type of information you handle:
- Level 1: If you only handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) - basic information like contract terms, pricing, delivery schedules. This requires 17 basic security practices.
- Level 2: If you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) - technical data, engineering drawings, specifications, or export-controlled information. This requires 110 practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171.
Most manufacturers in the defense supply chain handling technical specifications, drawings, or proprietary designs will need Level 2. Check your contract requirements or look for CUI markings on documents you receive.
If you fail an official CMMC assessment, here's what typically happens:
- You'll receive a detailed report of gaps and deficiencies
- You cannot bid on or receive new DoD contracts requiring that CMMC level
- You'll need to remediate the gaps and schedule a re-assessment
- Re-assessment costs are additional (typically $15K-$40K depending on scope)
- There's no "penalty" beyond being unable to compete for contracts
The key: Work with experienced partners to conduct a gap assessment BEFORE your official assessment. This identifies issues while you can still fix them without losing contract eligibility.
Technically, you can do it yourself, but here's the reality:
You might handle it internally if:
- You have dedicated IT staff with cybersecurity expertise
- You have time to learn NIST SP 800-171 in depth (110 controls)
- You can implement and maintain technical controls (SIEM, encryption, MFA, etc.)
- You're comfortable creating System Security Plans and documentation
Most manufacturers benefit from outside help because:
- Expertise gap: CMMC requires specialized knowledge most IT teams don't have
- Time: Internal teams are already stretched managing daily operations
- Risk: One missed control can mean failed assessment and lost contracts
- Efficiency: Experienced partners know the fastest path to compliance
- Ongoing maintenance: CMMC isn't one-and-done; it requires continuous monitoring
A hybrid approach often works best: leverage outside expertise for gap assessment, complex implementations, and assessor readiness, while building internal capability for day-to-day maintenance.
CMMC certification is valid for 3 years from the date of your assessment. However:
- You must maintain compliance continuously during those 3 years
- You may need to provide evidence of ongoing compliance if asked
- Some contracts may require annual self-assessments
- After 3 years, you'll need to be re-assessed by a C3PAO
Think of CMMC less as a "certificate you earn" and more as a "standard you maintain." The assessment validates you're meeting the standard at that point in time, but you need to stay compliant every day.
They're closely related but serve different purposes:
NIST SP 800-171:
- A set of 110 security requirements published by NIST
- Previously required self-attestation (companies certified themselves)
- Honor system with minimal verification
CMMC 2.0:
- Builds on NIST SP 800-171 requirements
- Requires third-party assessment by certified C3PAOs
- Provides independent verification and certification
- Adds assessment methodology and maturity framework
In practice: CMMC Level 2 uses the exact same 110 controls as NIST SP 800-171, but CMMC adds the certification requirement. If you're already compliant with NIST SP 800-171, you're mostly ready for CMMC—you just need to prove it to an assessor.
CMMC requirements are being phased in gradually:
- Current status: Some contracts already include CMMC requirements in RFPs
- 2025-2026: Expect increasing CMMC requirements in new DoD contracts
- Full implementation: The DoD is working toward full CMMC integration across the defense industrial base
Our recommendation: Don't wait for it to be required in your specific contract. Prime contractors are increasingly asking suppliers about CMMC readiness before contracts are even awarded. Starting now gives you:
- Competitive advantage in bidding processes
- Time to implement controls properly (not rushed)
- Ability to maintain existing customer relationships
- Better negotiating position with primes
CMMC applies to your CUI environment—the systems, networks, and processes where Controlled Unclassified Information is stored, processed, or transmitted.
You have two options:
Option 1: Protect everything (full network scope)
- Apply CMMC controls across your entire IT environment
- Simpler to implement and maintain
- No need to segment or track data movement
- Best for smaller organizations or those heavily integrated with defense work
Option 2: Create a defined CUI boundary (enclave approach)
- Segment CUI systems from the rest of your network
- Apply CMMC controls only to the CUI environment
- Requires strict controls on data movement across boundaries
- More complex but potentially lower cost
- Best for larger organizations with limited defense work
Most manufacturers find full network scope easier and more cost-effective than trying to maintain perfect segmentation over time.
📘 Free Guide: CMMC 2.0 Compliance for Manufacturers
Get the complete roadmap to CMMC compliance without the guesswork. Our comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what manufacturers need to know.
CMMC Readiness Quick Assessment
🎯 Are You Ready for CMMC Certification?
Answer these 8 critical questions to gauge your current readiness level. This takes about 2 minutes.
Why CMMC Exists (Why Manufacturers Are in Scope)
Manufacturers are targeted because they hold valuable IP, connect digitally to primes, and operate systems attackers want to disrupt.
Threat actors frequently exploit smaller suppliers as indirect entry points into larger defense programs.
CMMC exists to reduce supply-chain cyber risk, protect national security data, prevent ransomware-driven downtime, and standardize security expectations across vendors.
CMMC 2.0 Levels: Level 1 vs Level 2
Level 1: Foundational Cyber Hygiene (FCI)
Level 1 applies to organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). It focuses on baseline safeguards like basic access control, password practices, malware protection, and entry-level security awareness.
Level 2: Protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
Level 2 applies to organizations handling CUI. It aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and requires 110 controls across 14 domains.
Level 2 represents a formal cybersecurity program that can withstand external validation.
CMMC Is Not an IT Project
The most common failure mode is treating CMMC like a technical upgrade or a checklist sprint.
In reality, CMMC touches leadership accountability, operations, HR onboarding/offboarding, vendor management, policies, and day-to-day employee behavior.
When organizations want stability and predictability—not constant fire drills—CMMC alignment tends to be strongest when supported by
fully managed IT services
that enforce consistent standards, patching, monitoring, and documentation habits across the environment.
If you're trying to build repeatable controls without piling on complexity, start by centralizing ownership. Our
vCISO services for manufacturers
are designed to translate requirements into a workable operating rhythm—governance, documentation, and evidence that stays organized.
What CMMC Assessors Actually Validate
CMMC assessments are evidence-based. Assessors validate written policies and procedures, system configurations, identity and access controls,
logging/monitoring records, training documentation, incident response readiness, and asset inventories.
Rule of thumb: If it isn't documented, repeatable, and provable, it won't count.
This is why organizations often formalize a repeatable program through
CMMC compliance management services
that keep controls, ownership, and evidence from drifting over time.
What the Controls Are Designed to Do
- Ensure only the right people have access: Access is granted intentionally and removed promptly when no longer needed.
- Protect sensitive data everywhere it exists: Endpoints, servers, email, backups, cloud platforms, and removable media.
- Detect and respond to security events: Monitoring plus a defined incident response plan.
- Reduce human-driven risk: Training, phishing resilience, and clear data-handling expectations.
- Keep systems secure and predictable: Patch, harden, and standardize configurations.
- Prove security is ongoing: Security must be operational—not symbolic.
Many of these outcomes depend on strong segmentation, visibility, and monitoring—which is why
network security for manufacturing environments
is a foundational part of the control ecosystem.
Manufacturing-Specific Examples (ERP, CNC, Shop Floor, Suppliers)
ERP Systems (Epicor, NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Who can access job cost data, customer records, and contract documentation?
- Where does CUI appear in workflows (quotes, POs, drawings, attachments, shared folders)?
- Are access rights reviewed on a schedule—and documented?
- Are exports (CSV, PDF, report downloads) controlled and auditable?
CNC & Shop-Floor Systems
- Are controllers connected to the network? If yes, is segmentation enforced?
- Are USB drives used to load job files—and is removable media controlled?
- Are operator workstations locked down with individual logins (not shared accounts)?
- Are production PCs patched and monitored like "real endpoints," not exceptions?
Engineering & CAD/CAM Environments
- Where are drawings stored and who can copy/export them?
- Is sensitive data encrypted and access controlled?
- Are file transfers to suppliers intentional, secure, and auditable?
Supplier & Vendor Access
- Which suppliers have portal access, VPN access, or shared drive access?
- Are vendor accounts governed and reviewed?
- Is sensitive data shared through controlled channels—or informally?
Common Failure Patterns We See
- Shared logins on shop-floor computers
- Excessive admin privileges "just to keep things moving"
- Unknown or untracked laptops, tablets, or USB drives
- Security tools installed but not actively monitored
- Policies written but not enforced
- No tested incident response plan
- Vendors with access but no governance
- Good intentions without evidence
These issues are usually structure problems—not negligence. They happen when ownership is unclear and standards are inconsistent.
If you want to reduce switching risk and stabilize operations, a disciplined baseline through
proactive managed IT services
often becomes the difference between repeating the same issues and actually eliminating them.
What Strong Implementation Looks Like
- Clear executive ownership of cybersecurity outcomes
- Defined governance and accountability
- Visibility into assets, users, and sensitive data
- Controlled identity and access management
- Documented, practiced incident response procedures
- Ongoing employee security training
- Risk-based prioritization instead of reactive spending
- Documentation that reflects real operational behavior
In mature environments, security becomes routine—not reactive.
This is the operating rhythm we build through our
Compliance program
and
vCISO oversight.
Realistic Timelines for Manufacturers
Timelines depend on complexity and starting posture:
- Smaller environments (low complexity): 3–6 months
- Mid-sized manufacturers (ERP + legacy + shop-floor integration): 6–12 months
- Larger or highly regulated environments: 9–18 months
Organizations move faster when they establish structure before tools, prioritize high-impact gaps, assign accountable owners, and avoid overengineering early decisions.
If you're weighing a phased approach, a lighter entry point through
remote IT support for manufacturers
can help standardize monitoring and patching while your compliance program matures.
🎥 Watch: CMMC Compliance Video Series
Get expert insights on navigating CMMC 2.0 compliance for manufacturing. Our video series breaks down complex requirements into actionable steps.
What CMMC Compliance Actually Costs (And What Non-Compliance Costs More)
The most common question we hear: "What will this cost?" The better question is: "What does non-compliance cost?"
Here's the honest breakdown that most consultants won't show you.
Cost of Non-Compliance
The true cost of failing to achieve or maintain CMMC compliance:
- Lost contracts: Immediate disqualification from DoD opportunities
- Data breach: Average cost of $4.45M per incident (IBM 2023)
- Ransomware downtime: 2-4 weeks of production loss
- Insurance premiums: 30-50% higher without compliance
- Customer trust: Long-term relationship damage
- Legal/regulatory: Potential fines and litigation
Investment in Compliance
Typical investment for mid-sized manufacturers (50-150 employees) over 6-12 months:
- Gap assessment: $10K - $25K
- Technology upgrades: $30K - $80K (MFA, encryption, monitoring)
- Policy development: $15K - $35K
- Training & awareness: $5K - $15K
- Ongoing managed services: $2K - $8K/month
- C3PAO assessment: $15K - $40K
Return on Investment
What manufacturers gain beyond just compliance checkboxes:
- New contract access: Qualify for $500K+ DoD contracts
- Reduced downtime: 60-80% fewer security incidents
- Insurance savings: 15-25% lower premiums
- Competitive advantage: Stand out in RFP processes
- Operational efficiency: Better IT systems overall
- Business valuation: Higher multiples in M&A
Bottom line: Most manufacturers break even within 12-18 months through a combination of new contracts, reduced incidents, and lower insurance costs.
The question isn't whether you can afford CMMC compliance—it's whether you can afford not to comply.
Business Value Beyond Compliance
Strong CMMC alignment often results in:
- Reduced ransomware and breach risk
- Fewer production disruptions
- Lower cybersecurity insurance friction
- Greater trust from customers and primes
- Competitive advantage in regulated markets
- More predictable IT and security operations
- Improved valuation and acquisition readiness
In manufacturing, predictability is an accomplishment. A stable environment is not "luck"—it is the output of clear ownership and consistent controls.
Practical Next Steps
- Confirm scope: Identify whether you handle FCI only or CUI (Level 1 vs Level 2).
- Map where CUI lives: ERP, shared drives, email, engineering files, supplier transfers.
- Establish ownership: Assign accountable owners for controls, evidence, and governance.
- Standardize the basics: Identity, access, patching, monitoring, segmentation, logging.
- Document what you do: Policies and procedures must match real behavior.
- Build an evidence rhythm: Reviews, audits, training, access recertification, vendor checks.
If you want a structured path forward, start with a conversation focused on scope and priorities.
You can talk with our team here.
