CMMC Preparation and Compliance Consulting Services

Security Defense Contractors

Meet Your CMMC Compliance Requirements

We work with DoD Contractors (the Defense Industrial Base) nationwide to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and ensure adherence to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Our information risk and cybersecurity services align your internal processes and leadership's expectations with CMMC requirements.

CMMC Requirements

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the protection of sensitive unclassified information within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Introduced to address the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting defense contractors, CMMC establishes a tiered model of cybersecurity practices and processes that organizations must implement based on the type and sensitivity of the information they handle. The model is designed to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are adequately safeguarding critical data that supports national security and defense operations.

Who Does CMMC Apply To

CMMC applies to all contractors and subcontractors within the DIB that process, store, or transmit CUI or Federal Contract Information (FCI) on behalf of the DoD. This includes over 220,000 companies, ranging from large prime contractors to small businesses in the lower tiers of the supply chain. Compliance with CMMC is a condition for contract eligibility, meaning organizations must achieve the required certification level to bid on or maintain DoD contracts.

What is FCI and CUI

The CMMC framework is specifically designed to protect two types of information: Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

FCI is information provided by or generated for the government under a contract that is not intended for public release. It typically includes data related to the delivery of products or services to federal agencies but does not include classified or sensitive national security information. FCI must be protected under basic safeguarding requirements outlined in FAR 52.402-21.

CUI is sensitive information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls according to federal laws, regulations, or government-wide policies. It includes data such as health records, legal documents, and technical drawings that, while not classified, could cause harm if improperly disclosed. CUI protection requirements are more stringent than those for FCI and are governed by DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST SP 800-171.

Some CMMC Requirements Explained

SPRS Score

A key component of CMMC compliance is the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score, which reflects an organization's implementation of NIST SP 800-171 security requirements. Contractors must conduct a self-assessment and submit their score to SPRS, with higher scores indicating stronger cybersecurity postures. These scores are used by the DoD to evaluate a contractor's risk level and determine eligibility for certain contracts. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date SPRS score is essential for demonstrating compliance and competitiveness in the defense marketplace.

Certification Assessment

CMMC certification assessments are conducted at three levels, each corresponding to the sensitivity of the information handled. Level 1 requires an annual self-assessment for basic safeguarding of FCI. Level 2, which applies to contractors handling CUI, requires a third-party assessment every three years, unless the DoD permits self-assessment for select programs. Level 3, intended for the most sensitive environments, involves government-led assessments. These assessments verify threat organizations have implemented the required practices and processes to protect DoD information effectively.

NIST 800-171 Controls

At the core of CMMC Level 2 and Level 3 requirements is NIST SP 800-171, a set of 110 security controls designed to protect CUI in non-federal systems. These controls cover areas such as access control, incident response, system integrity, and configuration management. Organizations must implement and maintain these controls to achieve certification, and their effectiveness is evaluated during CMMC assessments. NIST SP 800-171 serves as the technical foundation for CMMC, ensuring that cybersecurity practices are aligned with federal standards.

Community

The BorderHawk Community, composed of security and compliance professional, offers strategic value to leadership and risk management teams. Within the community, leaders gain access to real-time insights on emerging threats, regulatory updates, and proven mitigation strategies - shared by BorderHawk experts and peers who face similar challenges.

This collective intelligence accelerates decision-making, enhances incident response readiness, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. For compliance officers and CISOs, the ability to benchmark practices, validate interpretations of complex regulations, and source solutions to nuanced problems reduces isolation and increases confidence in their programs.

Ultimately, the BorderHawk community strengthens organizational resilience and ensures that security and compliance efforts are both proactive and aligned with industry best practices.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are essential for any organization aiming to maintain strong security and compliance postures. They provide a structured approach to identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating potential threats, and understanding the impact of security incidents on sensitive information.

By regularly conducting risk assessments, organizations can prioritize resources effectively, implement targeted safeguards, and demonstrate due diligence in meeting their regulatory, contractual, and internal requirements. Risk assessments not only reduce the likelihood of data breaches and compliance violations, but also build trust with patients, partners, and regulators by showing a proactive commitment to protecting sensitive information.

In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, risk assessments are not just a regulatory checkbox - they are a strategic necessity.

Overwatch Compliance Framework

A detailed compliance framework is critical for organization to navigate the complex landscape of regulatory and contractual mandates. Such a framework provides a structured, repeatable approach to managing policies, processes, incident response, and security controls - ensuring that every aspect of compliance is addressed systematically.

The rigor the Overwatch Framework brings helps eliminate gaps, reduce human error, and align internal practices with external expectations. Moreover, a well-documented framework enhances accountability, simplifies audits, and enables faster adaptation to regulatory changes.

The Overwatch Framework transforms compliance from a reactive obligation into a proactive, strategic asset that supports operational excellence and builds stakeholder trust.