CMMC Resource Center
A comprehensive repository of information pertaining to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, specifically developed for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors.
OSIbeyond’s CEO is a GovCon Wire Expert contributor on CMMC.
Payam Pourkhomami serves as president and CEO of OSIbeyond, a leading provider of managed IT and cybersecurity services headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. Founded in 2004 by Pourkhomami, OSIbeyond specializes in assisting small and medium-sized enterprises address ongoing challenges from rapidly changing technologies. With over two decades of experience in technology and business management, Pourkhomami has demonstrated expertise guiding organizations through digital transformation and securing their IT infrastructure. Pourkhomami has extensive knowledge of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification and is a CMMC Registered Practitioner. In addition, as a Registered Practitioner Organization, OSIbeyond has assisted numerous DOD contractors with assessment preparation.
ISOO CUI Registry vs. DOD CUI Registry: What’s the Difference?
Controlled unclassified information, or CUI, is of paramount importance to government contractors because their ability to achieve compliance with regulations often hinges on how it is handled, stored and protected.
However, many contractors struggle to navigate the complexities surrounding CUI, especially when it comes to the difference between the Information Security Oversight Office, or ISOO, CUI Registry and the Department of Defense CUI Registry.
DOD GovCons Face Rising Whistleblower Risk Under CMMC
The Department of Defense’s Dec. 16, 2024 final rule on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program marks a decisive shift in how defense contractors must approach cybersecurity compliance.
Under the CMMC clause (DFARS 252.204-7021), contractors must meet one of three certification levels based on the sensitivity of the information they handle. Level 1 requires annual self-assessments for basic Federal Contract Information, or FCI, while Level 2 demands either self-assessments or third-party certification for Controlled Unclassified Information, or CUI. The most stringent, Level 3, requires Department of Defense assessments for critical programs and high-value assets.
OSIbeyond CEO & CISO Discuss NIST 800-171 Compliance Process
The CMMC 2.0 Program Final Rule fundamentally changes how defense contractors must approach cybersecurity by, among other things, establishing NIST 800-171 compliance as a mandatory prerequisite for CMMC certification. Starting in 2025, contractors without demonstrable NIST 800-171 compliance will be unable to bid on new DOD contracts.
As a managed service provider—or MSP—and registered practitioner organization—or RPO—committed to supporting our government contractor clients, OSIbeyond has achieved NIST 800-171 compliance in August 2024 and is on track to obtain CMMC Level 2 certification by Q2 2025.
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Key Changes in CMMC Program Final Rule
The Department of Defense released its long-awaited Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program final rule (32 CFR Part 170) on October 11.
Announced in 2019 by the Pentagon as a response to growing cybersecurity threats targeting sensitive defense information, the CMMC program aims to establish a comprehensive framework to verify that defense contractors and subcontractors across the entire supply chain have implemented appropriate security controls for federal contract information, or FCI, and controlled unclassified information, or CUI.
Choose the Right CSP for CMMC Compliance
For Department of Defense contractors working toward Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification compliance, much of the effort tends to focus on internal systems and processes. However, one critical aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked is the selection of external service providers, particularly cloud service providers, known as CSPs, which can make or break your compliance efforts.
Breaks Down Costs of CMMC Assessment & Certification
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements are here, and the clock is ticking for organizations affected by them. Per the Department of Defense’s estimates, starting in Q1 2025, all new DOD contracts will require self-assessment at CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 before award. By Q3 2027, CMMC requirements will be included in all solicitations and contracts.
Analyzes Differences Between CFR 32 & CFR 48
As the implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program draws closer, Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors should be considering not only how to prepare for a CMMC 2.0 assessment, but also how to maintain ongoing CMMC 2.0 compliance.
Reveals Keys to Ongoing CMMC 2.0 Compliance
Recently, we shed light on the intricacies of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 third-party assessments and their role in strengthening the cybersecurity framework for Department of Defense contractors. However, achieving initial compliance is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in maintaining this compliance amidst the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape and regulatory updates.
The Intricacies of CMMC Third-Party Assessments
In a previous article in our CMMC series, we explored the key differences between the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification and past Department of Defense cybersecurity initiatives, namely the NIST SP 800-171. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of mandatory third-party assessments for achieving CMMC compliance.
How to Prepare for a CMMC Assessment
To ensure adequate preparation for a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 assessment, the Cyber AB advises contractors to start preparing for it at least six months in advance, depending on their current cybersecurity readiness and resources. In OSIbeyond’s experience, most organizations require 12-18 months to advance from a typical small business cybersecurity posture to one that is assessment-ready.
The CMMC Accreditation Ecosystem Explained
Those familiar with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, especially its updated 2.0 version, know that its most significant shift from earlier Department of Defense cybersecurity efforts lies in the introduction of a tiered certification process. Unlike past standards, such as NIST SP 800-171, CMMC 2.0 mandates both self- and third-party assessments whose rigor depends on the sensitivity of data a contractor handles.
Explains the Difference Between NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0—Part 2
NIST SP 800-171 does not require a formal certification process. Contractors self-assess their compliance with the framework’s 110 security requirements and implement necessary measures to meet these standards. This self-assessment approach allows for flexibility but has led to inconsistencies in the implementation and enforcement of cybersecurity measures across the defense industrial base.
The Difference Between NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0—Part 1
The Department of Defense has been battling digital threats for decades, striving to fortify the defense industrial base. To achieve this, numerous cybersecurity requirements have been introduced for organizations that process or store controlled unclassified information, or CUI. Among these requirements are NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0, which, while similar in many ways, also have distinct differences in their approach.
Into the New Era of DOD Cybersecurity With the Proposed CMMC 2.0 Rule (Part Two)
For smaller contractors, who often rely on a combination of internal IT staff and outsourced resources, the new rules regarding managed services providers, or MSPs, and managed security services providers, or MSSPs, are of particular importance. The updated regulations require these service providers to be third-party certified to the same CMMC level as the contractor they are serving. This directive aims to create a uniformly secure environment across all echelons of service and supply to guarantee that cybersecurity standards are not compromised at any tier of service provision.
The New Era of DOD Cybersecurity With the Proposed CMMC 2.0 Rule (Part One)
We live in an era where the security of the United States extends far beyond the conventional battlefield. Both state and non-state actors are engaged in hybrid warfare tactics that target physical assets and digital infrastructures. Therefore, robust cybersecurity measures are indispensable for safeguarding national security, protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of defense operations.
Download CMMC Supporting Documents
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DoD Contractor’s Guide to CMMC Compliance
The road to CMMC compliance may seem long and difficult, but this guide makes it much less daunting by explaining each and all steps contractors need to take to prepare for it, achieve it, and maintain it.
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CMMC Compliance Starter Manual
Download the CMMC Compliance Starter Manual for a step-by-step checklist to identify and gather the required information before beginning the CMMC compliance process.
Ready to get started? Our experts will walk you through the step-by-step process, guiding you from start to full compliance!
Ensure that as a government contractor, your company remains competitive by meeting government contracting cybersecurity requirements and reducing the risks associated with operating as a contractor.
Contact us to get started with improving the security of your company’s sensitive information and ensuring your IT systems are in compliance.
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