The Importance of CMMC 2.0 Compliance
CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0) is a three-level model that was designed to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI), and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) shared with contractors and subcontractors.
Why Is a CMMC 2.0 Certification Needed?
CMMC 2.0 is paramount for maintaining cybersecurity within the defense supply chain. This makes it a required accreditation for defense suppliers if they want to work or bid on DoD contracts or receive Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
For defense contractors, certified CMMC 2.0, CUI is clearly marked on DoD contracts and outlines strict handling and safeguarding guidelines. These CMMC 2.0 requirements define how a DoD contractor can share and process CUI data and information.
The accreditation ultimately ensures that critical DoD and government information, data, schematics, and secrets aren’t susceptible to foreign agents, network and data breaches, cyberspace warfare, and other online adversaries.
The Three Levels of CMMC 2.0
CMMC 2.0 levels outline specific cybersecurity protocols for a defense contractor within a network for up to 17 different domains. These domains can be laptops, printers, servers, and desktop computers employees use when interacting with CUI data and information.
The three levels of CMMC 2.0 are explained below.
CMMC Level 1: Foundational
To successfully attain CMMC Level 1 (Foundational), DoD defense contractors must first implement 17 NIST SP 800-171. After that, CMMC Level 1 requires that defense contractors perform an annual review and assessment of their IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. That assessment must then be signed and attested to by a corporate representative of the company.
Attaining CMMC Level 1 means a company has met the elementary requirements to receive Federal Contact Information (FCI). However, they cannot receive CUI data or information or bid on any DoD contracts requiring CUI information.
CMMC Level 2: Advanced
DoD contractors pursuing CMMC Level 2 Advanced must adhere to the 110 requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171. Once successful, the DoD contractor must have a third-party assessment of their cybersecurity protocols every three years.
These assessments or audits are performed by a third-party C3PAO (independent service provider) which then provides its results to the DoD. After review, the contractor is awarded certification from the DoD. CMMC Level 2 Advanced relies upon the security protocols outlined in NIST SP 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012.
CMMC Level 3: Expert
Securing CMMC Level 3 Expert requires DoD contractors to fully comply with NIST 800-171 and NIST 800-172. Like CMMC Level 2 Advanced, Level 3 Expert requires an independent audit every three years. However, the assessment is not performed by a third-party C3PAO but is instead conducted by the government.
A DoD contractor that has secured this level has demonstrated robust cybersecurity protocols throughout their company. These cybersecurity protocols are not tied to a certain number of domains but apply to all domains within the company’s entire network.
Barron Industries Meets CMMC 2.0 Requirements
Barron Industries is proud to be an award-winning investment casting manufacturer for defense contractors. Our reputation for success is largely due to our commitment to meeting and exceeding the stringent regulatory standards set by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the government. In addition to being NADCAP-accredited, SAM and ITAR-registered, and AS 9100- and ISO 9001-certified. Barron Industries is also compliant with CMMC Level 2 Advanced. Our in-house capabilities allow us to be a one-stop shop for castings, material selection, mold design, machining, manufacturing, finishing, and NADCAP-certified non-destructive testing.
Contact us today to learn more about our investment casting capabilities or to request a quote.