No Compliance, No Contracts: Why CMMC 2.0 Is a Top Security Priority
Scott Ray
Chief Operations Officer
Cybersecurity is a must-have for every organization, perhaps nowhere more so than in the defense industry. Even unclassified information can be highly sensitive, with devastating potential in the wrong hands: espionage, theft of intellectual property, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, supply-chain sabotage, or financial extortion, for example. With attacks on the defense industry on the rise1, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requires Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) to be handled with great care.
To compete for defense contracts, government contractors and subcontractors must now comply with the DoD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, a set of strict cybersecurity requirements that ensures adequate protections for sensitive data have been implemented. The DoD has begun a phased rollout of its new CMMC 2.0 framework in contracts starting in the second half of 2025, giving organizations time to bolster their security skills and pass assessments to prove compliance and protect their eligibility for new and existing contracts.
Achieving CMMC 2.0 readiness can be challenging for any defense company, especially those that handle large volumes of CUI and FCI. If you’re a government contractor or subcontractor, preparing for CMMC 2.0 is both necessary and complex. Let’s look at how CMMC 2.0 and the surprising benefits it might hold for your business.
Why Is CMMC 2.0 Important?
Cybersecurity is a critical need not only for the DoD but for all federal and state agencies, and ensuring compliance among all contractors and subcontractors helps secure supply chains and data against threats and exploitable vulnerabilities. The DoD requires any system to be secured to the level of the most sensitive data in that system, based on a framework called Impact Levels (ILs) to categorize data by sensitivity and potential impact if compromised. Sensitivity can range from public data to higher-sensitivity CUI (such as biometric data), all the way up to the highest levels of classified information.
With this in mind, CMMC 2.0 was purposefully designed to safeguard sensitive defense data handled by entities holding government contracts. It also encourages contractors to continuously improve their security posture and proactively stay ahead of regulatory changes and potential breaches. Aligned with NIST standards (most notably NIST 800-171), CMMC 2.0 requires all contractors and subcontractors to identify all systems that would be processing, storing, or sending sensitive data, including third-party providers. Any security gaps or missing requirements must be addressed (although contractors can be granted conditional status pending full compliance).
The revised CMMC 2.0 departs from the original CMMC 1.0 framework in a couple of important ways:
- Streamlined framework: CMMC 2.0’s three-tier framework was reduced from five tiers in CMMC 1.0. Level 1 stipulates basic cybersecurity practices for FCI, not CUI. FCI and CUI are both covered in Level 2. Level 3 compliance must be achieved by companies working with highly sensitive unclassified information. Level 3, which is still being finalized, also requires a DoD assessment.
- Self-assessments: Levels 1 and 2 now allow for self-administered assessments depending on the type of information being handled. Annual affirmation of compliance is required for all three levels, verified by third-party audits.
Why CMMC 2.0 Matters for Contractors
CMMC 2.0 is a business necessity for companies to compete for federal contracts, but it isn’t only a set of regulations vital to national security—it’s also a catalyst for honing differentiation. The majority of defense contractors are not prepared to meet compliance standards2, so companies that are ahead of the curve may gain an edge over lagging competitors. Achieving CMMC 2.0 certification at any level signals competence and credibility, making contractors and subcontractors more trustworthy and attractive to prime contractors and DoD agencies.
Beyond competitive advantage, achieving CMMC 2.0 readiness also reinforces the security postures of contractors and subcontractors, whose access to CUI and FCI make them prime targets for cyberattacks. Defense supply chains are complex, and a single weak link can expose breaches and compromise security postures across an entire network. Smaller companies often lack the security resources and capabilities of larger contractors, making them even more susceptible to attacks. CMMC 2.0 compliance ensures that security vulnerabilities are addressed before sensitive data is accessed.
The Clock Is Ticking
CMMC 2.0 is the latest regulatory framework aimed at securing the defense industrial base, protecting supply chains, and safeguarding sensitive data. Defense contractors and subcontractors can safeguard national security interests as well as their business interests by attaining compliance to win and keep more DoD business.
NexusTek is proactively achieving CMMC 2.0 readiness in 2025—well ahead of the January 2026 rollout—so organizations can fast-track cybersecurity initiatives and compete more effectively in the defense, federal, and government sectors.
To learn more about NexusTek’s commitment to CMMC 2.0 compliance, read our latest press release here: NexusTek Announces 2025 Commitment for CMMC 2.0 Compliance
Sources
- Tucker, Patrick. DefenseOne. “Attacks against defense industrial base increasing, NSA chief warns.” Jun 2024.
- Luckenbaugh, Josh. National Defense. “Few Companies Ready for CMMC Compliance, Study Finds.” Oct 2024.
About the Author
Scott Ray
Chief Operations Officer, NexusTek
Scott Ray is a seasoned executive with a 25-year track record of success across startups and global enterprises, excelling in leadership, acquisitions, and IT services. He has demonstrated expertise in roles spanning sales to delivery for MSPs, consistently driving growth and operational excellence. From aerospace to cloud operations, Scott has led five acquisitions, enhanced profitability in data centers, and built high-performing teams that deliver exceptional customer service. His ability to align business strategy with technology solutions has positioned him as a trusted leader in the industry.