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Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a comprehensive program to enforce conformance with the NIST 800-171 security controls for non-government organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The program has a three tiered requirements structure based on the nature and sensitivity of information an organization handles. Certification is a condition of award for government contractors who transact with the Department of Defense (DoD) and ensures their ongoing ability to bid on and receive contracts. 

Navigating Common CMMC Challenges

While the path to successful compliance is challenging, learning about common CMMC roadblocks, and potential solutions, can help you form an effective strategy for navigating it.

CUI Identification and Protection

CMMC requires Defense Industry Base (DIB) contractors to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) which is sensitive data below the classified level but still sensitive enough to warrant protection. Many organizations find it challenging to accurately identify CUI, know where it’s stored, and determine who’s accessing and handling it. Different government agencies may have different requirements for handling and protecting CUI, which adds to the confusion. As a result, some adopt unnecessarily complex and costlier strategies with a broader approach.

If your organization faces this challenge, partnering with an expert in CMMC is an excellent solution. Companies like NeoSystems can help you identify and categorize CUI and develop simplified, cost-effective protection approaches.

Time-Intensive Implementation and Certification

Committing the time required for successful implementation and certification is one of the top CMMC compliance challenges. The NIST 800-171 framework encompasses 320 individual requirements within 110 controls, all of which must be satisfied and documented. Many of the controls must be addressed by policies and supported by documented procedures. The time required to implement security controls, create and implement policies and procedures, and create the audit trails and objective evidence of compliance required for a certification assessment may require several months, often more than a year..

Start planning for CMMC as soon as possible to protect your company’s reputation and bottom line. Working with an experienced certification partner is ideal since they have the skills to assess your readiness and design a tailored strategy to help you achieve compliance.

Inadequate Documentation Policies

CMMC requires that security controls, policies, and procedures are thoroughly documented. Documentation must be both adequate and sufficient. Many organizations don’t thoroughly understand CMMC’s documentation requirements..

The System Security Plan (SSP) is a written, formal document that describes how each and every one of the 320 requirements within the 110 controls is addressed by the organization. The SSP details the entire infrastructure within scope, provides an inventory of all assets, shows how data flows across the organization, what risks exist, and what measures and policies a company has implemented to address those risks. Again, many organizations don’t thoroughly understand what CMMC requires in the SSP.

Those responsible for coordinating CMMC efforts should fully understand what constitutes adequate and sufficient documentation, what must be included in an SSP, and what objective evidence is required to demonstrate conformance. Additionally, organization should understand how information should be curated to enable assessors to quickly find the information they will be looking for during a certification assessment

Post-Certification Complacency

CMMC compliance is an ongoing journey. CMMC requires your organization to invest in continuous monitoring and improvement while also mandating periodic assessments, with the CMMC tier level determining the frequency and what types of assessments and affirmations are necessary.

Pairing advanced data security solutions with a culture of cybersecurity awareness is the foundation for maintaining ongoing post-certification compliance.

Financial Considerations

Financial considerations also rank among the top CMMC challenges for government contractors since the related expenditures vary widely. Factors influencing the final cost include organizational size, the CMMC level your organization must achieve, and your organization’s existing cyber maturity.

Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent unnecessary costs. Carefully understand what level of CMMC compliance you are required to achieve, understand what FCI and CUI your organization handles and how it flows through your organization to determine and minimize scope, and rely on compliant solutions without making unnecessary modifications. Achieving CMMC compliance with a proven partner like NeoSystems can be a more cost-effective solution than using in-house expertise.

Why Trust Us?

As experts in regulatory requirements and compliance, NeoSystems has helped government agencies address their compliance requirements for over 20 years. As a leading CMMC Managed Service Provider, we provide government contractors an accelerated, affordable, low-risk path to CMMC compliance readiness. 

NeoSystems has specialized in compliance for government contractors since our founding in 2003. Understanding complex compliance frameworks, regulatory standards and reporting requirements is in our DNA. We approach CMMC from a 360-degree view of data security to help design and implement tailored strategies to meet the guidelines and maintain certification. Today, we assist hundreds of DIB contractors nationwide with professional CMMC services to help them protect CUI, their livelihoods and their reputations as trusted, compliant DoD business partners.

Resolve Common CMMC Challenges With NeoSystems

NeoSystems provides an accelerated, affordable, low-risk path to CMMC compliance. Integrate our comprehensive CMMC services with our full suite of innovative and scalable back-office solutions to hone your competitive edge and support your organizational growth.

Take the first step by contacting us online today!