For the approximately 220,000 companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), the CMMC Final Rule has shifted from a future requirement to a present-day operational reality. As of late 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) has begun a phased rollout of CMMC requirements into new solicitations and contracts.
For defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), achieving CMMC Level 2 Readiness is the critical hurdle. This guide provides a strategic framework for ensuring your organization is prepared for the transition from self-attestation to verified assessment.
What Does the Final CMMC Acquisition Rule Mean for You?
CMMC Level 2 is anchored to the 110 security requirements of NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2. While Revision 3 has been released, the DoD has locked current CMMC requirements to Revision 2 to ensure stability for the initial rollout.
- Under the Cyber Accreditation Board (Cyber AB) rules, a firm cannot “grade its own work.” This means the same organization is prohibited from providing both the readiness consulting/remediation and the official certification assessment.
- Auditwerx serves exclusively as a CMMC Readiness Partner. As a Candidate C3PAO, we use our deep understanding of the assessment methodology to help contractors identify gaps, implement controls, and organize evidence. This ensures you are fully prepared before you engage an independent third-party C3PAO for your final certification.
Speak to a Compliance Specialist.
The Four Pillars of Contractor CMMC Readiness
Success in a CMMC assessment is not just about having the right technology; it is about providing “objective evidence” for every one of the 110 controls. Our readiness process focuses on four key areas:
1. Scoping and Boundary Definition
Many contractors over-invest by attempting to secure their entire enterprise. We help you define a CUI Boundary—segmenting your network to isolate systems that process, store, or transmit sensitive data. A smaller scope leads to a faster, less expensive, and more manageable assessment.
2. Gap Evaluation and SPRS Scoring
We conduct a technical review to identify “Not Met” controls. This evaluation allows you to submit an accurate score to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), a mandatory requirement for bidding on current DoD contracts.
3. Documentation and System Security Plans (SSP)
The SSP is the primary document an assessor will review. Our specialists assist in drafting and refining your SSP, ensuring it clearly describes how each control is implemented. We also help manage the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for any remaining gaps, keeping in mind the strict 180-day closeout window mandated by the Final Rule.
4. Evidence Lifecycle Management
Assessors look for “persistent and habitual” implementation. We help you set up the internal processes to collect and retain artifacts—such as logs, screenshots, and training records—that prove your security measures are active and effective.
The Auditwerx Commitment: 100% U.S.-Based Workforce
In the defense sector, the personnel handling your security data are just as important as security itself. Auditwerx maintains a 100% U.S.-based workforce. We never outsource our analysis, document preparation, or remediation guidance to international third parties. This commitment ensures that your sensitive network diagrams, System Security Plans, and proprietary business information remain within the United States and are handled by personnel who understand the security requirements of ITAR and EAR.
Why CMMC Readiness Cannot Wait
With Phase 1 of the rollout now active as of November 10, 2025, contractors are already seeing CMMC self-assessment requirements in RFPs. By the time Phase 2 begins in late 2026, third-party assessments will become the standard for Level 2.
Starting your CMMC Readiness journey today allows you to:
- Remediate Gaps on Your Timeline: Avoid the “panic-buying” of security tools when a contract bid is due.
- Build a Relationship with an Advisor: Work with a seasoned practitioner who understands the manufacturing, aerospace, or tech-service niche of the defense industry.
- Ensure Contract Eligibility: Maintain your status as a “Responsible Contractor” in the eyes of the DoD.
Auditwerx provides the specialized, secure, and localized guidance defense contractors need to navigate the complexities of CMMC Readiness.
Are you prepared for your next DoD solicitation? Contact Auditwerx today to schedule a CMMC Readiness evaluation and secure your place in the Defense Industrial Base.
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