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CMMC Compliance Guide

CMMC 2.0 Compliance Automation

Prepare for CMMC 2.0 certification with AI-powered compliance automation. Aristiun helps defense contractors implement NIST 800-171 controls, manage CUI protection, and achieve the maturity level required for DoD contracts.

What is CMMC?

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) 2.0 is the Department of Defense's framework for ensuring defense contractors protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). CMMC 2.0 streamlined the original model from 5 levels to 3, aligning with NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172. Starting in 2025, CMMC certification is being phased into DoD contracts, making it essential for the 300,000+ companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

CMMC Key Requirements

The core areas you need to address for CMMC compliance.

Level 1 — Foundational (FCI)

17 basic cyber hygiene practices from FAR 52.204-21. Self-assessment required annually. Protects Federal Contract Information.

Level 2 — Advanced (CUI)

110 security requirements from NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2. Third-party assessment (C3PAO) required for critical programs. Protects Controlled Unclassified Information.

Level 3 — Expert (High-Value CUI)

110+ requirements from NIST SP 800-172. Government-led assessment required. For programs with highest sensitivity.

POA&M Management

Plan of Action and Milestones for addressing gaps. Limited POA&Ms allowed with specific closeout timelines.

Scoping & Asset Categories

Categorize assets as CUI Assets, Security Protection Assets, Contractor Risk Managed Assets, or Specialized Assets.

CMMC Compliance Checklist

Step-by-step checklist to achieve and maintain CMMC compliance.

1
Determine your required CMMC level based on DoD contract requirements
2
Identify and document all CUI data flows and storage locations
3
Categorize all assets within your CMMC assessment scope
4
Implement NIST 800-171 controls across all 14 domains
5
Create System Security Plan (SSP) documenting your environment
6
Develop Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) for any gaps
7
Implement FIPS-validated encryption for CUI at rest and in transit
8
Deploy multi-factor authentication for all CUI access
9
Establish continuous monitoring and incident response procedures
10
Prepare for C3PAO assessment (Level 2) or government assessment (Level 3)
11
Ensure all subcontractors/suppliers meet flow-down CMMC requirements

How Long Does CMMC Compliance Take?

Typical timeline with Aristiun's compliance automation platform.

Scoping & Gap Analysis

2-3 weeks

AI-powered CUI discovery and NIST 800-171 gap assessment. Aristiun identifies your SPRS score automatically.

SSP & POA&M Development

2-4 weeks

Automated System Security Plan generation and POA&M tracking.

Control Implementation

6-12 weeks

Implement missing NIST 800-171 controls. Aristiun prioritizes by SPRS score impact.

Assessment Preparation

2-4 weeks

Evidence packaging and mock assessment preparation for C3PAO review.

Continuous Compliance

Ongoing

Continuous monitoring, annual affirmation, and POA&M closeout tracking.

How Much Does CMMC Compliance Cost?

Typical cost ranges depending on organization size and complexity.

Small Contractor (Level 1)

$5,000 - $20,000

Self-assessment compliance with 17 basic practices. Aristiun's automation makes this quick.

Mid-Size Contractor (Level 2)

$50,000 - $200,000

Full NIST 800-171 implementation plus C3PAO assessment fees ($30K-$100K+).

Large DIB Company (Level 2-3)

$200,000 - $1,000,000+

Enterprise-scale CMMC program across multiple enclaves and subsidiaries.

CMMC Compliance FAQ

Common questions about CMMC compliance and automation.

When is CMMC required for DoD contracts?

CMMC 2.0 is being phased into DoD contracts starting in 2025 through the DFARS rulemaking process. Phase 1 requires self-assessment for Level 1 and some Level 2 contracts. Phase 2 adds C3PAO assessments for Level 2. Full implementation is expected by 2028. Companies should start preparation now to be competitive for DoD contracts.

What's the difference between CMMC levels?

Level 1 (Foundational): 17 basic practices, self-assessment, protects FCI. Level 2 (Advanced): 110 NIST 800-171 controls, C3PAO assessment for critical programs, protects CUI. Level 3 (Expert): 110+ controls from NIST 800-172, government assessment, for highest sensitivity programs.

How does Aristiun automate CMMC compliance?

Aristiun automates CMMC through AI-powered CUI discovery and scoping, NIST 800-171 gap analysis with SPRS score calculation, automated SSP generation, POA&M tracking and closeout management, continuous monitoring, and C3PAO assessment preparation. Cross-framework mapping with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 reduces duplicate effort. Powered by Ayurak AI.

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