⚠️ Phase 2 enforcement: November 2026

CMMC Compliance — Done Right, On Time

BrightWorks IT takes defense contractors from gap assessment to CMMC 2.0 certification. We implement every control, write every policy, and prepare you for the C3PAO assessment — so you keep your DoD contracts.

  • Full NIST 800-171 gap assessment & SPRS scoring
  • 110 security controls implemented & documented
  • SSP, POA&M, and full policy library
  • C3PAO assessment prep & mock audits
Call: (844) 333-2948

Get Your Free CMMC Consultation

Find out where you stand — and what it takes to get certified.

No obligation. We'll review your situation and provide a clear roadmap within 48 hours.

200K+
Companies Affected
Only 8%
Currently Certified
6–18 Mo
Typical Certification Timeline
Nov 2026
Phase 2 Deadline

No CMMC = No DoD Contracts

The Department of Defense is enforcing cybersecurity requirements across the entire defense supply chain. Here's why most contractors are struggling:

110+ security controls to implement

CMMC Level 2 requires full implementation of every NIST SP 800-171 control — access control, audit logging, encryption, incident response, and more. Partial implementation doesn't pass.

Certification takes 6–18 months

Phase 2 starts November 2026. C3PAO availability is already limited. If you haven't started, your real deadline is now — not next year.

Documentation is a full-time job

System Security Plans, POA&Ms, incident response plans, evidence packages. Most companies underestimate the documentation burden by 3–5x.

Your primes are already asking

CMMC flows down the supply chain. Prime contractors need their subs certified — and they're asking about your compliance status right now.

Talk to a CMMC Expert →

Does CMMC Apply to Your Company?

If you answer "yes" to any of these, you need CMMC certification:

You are a prime contractor to the Department of Defense
You are a subcontractor in the DoD supply chain (any tier)
You handle Federal Contract Information (FCI)
You process, store, or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
You supply products or services to a DoD prime contractor
You are bidding on new DoD contracts in 2026 or beyond

The DoD estimates 65% of the Defense Industrial Base — over 200,000 companies — will need CMMC certification.

End-to-End CMMC Compliance Services

We don't just advise — we implement, document, and manage your entire compliance journey.

CMMC Readiness Assessment

Full evaluation of your cybersecurity posture against all CMMC requirements with a detailed findings report and SPRS score.

Gap analysis • SPRS scoring • Executive summary

Gap Analysis & Remediation Roadmap

A prioritized, budgeted plan to close every compliance gap — with quick wins identified and realistic timelines.

Prioritized plan • Timeline • Budget projections

Security Control Implementation

We deploy and configure all technical controls — MFA, encryption, SIEM, access controls, endpoint protection, and network segmentation.

All 110 NIST 800-171 controls

SSP & Documentation

We build your System Security Plan, POA&M, incident response plans, and complete policy library — audit-ready from day one.

Complete documentation • Evidence packages

C3PAO Assessment Preparation

Mock assessments, evidence review, team coaching, and dry runs so there are no surprises when the assessor arrives.

Mock audit • Readiness validation • Team prep

Ongoing Compliance Monitoring

Continuous monitoring, regular security assessments, and managed services to keep you compliant between certification cycles.

24/7 monitoring • Posture reviews • Maintenance

CMMC 2.0 Levels at a Glance

Most defense contractors handling CUI need Level 2. That's where we focus our expertise.

Level 1: Foundational Level 2: Advanced ⭐ Level 3: Expert
Data TypeFCICUISensitive CUI
Controls15 practices110 controls (NIST 800-171)110+ (NIST 800-172)
AssessmentSelf-assessmentC3PAO third-partyGovernment-led
Timeline1–3 months6–18 months12–24 months
Who Needs ItAll DoD contractorsMost CUI handlersCritical programs

The Clock Is Already Ticking

CMMC enforcement is phased — but the timeline is aggressive. Certification takes 6–18 months, and C3PAO availability is limited.

Nov 2025
PHASE 1 ✅
Self-assessment (active now)
Nov 2026
PHASE 2 ⚠️
C3PAO required for Level 2
Nov 2027
PHASE 3
Level 3 enforced
Nov 2028
PHASE 4
ALL contracts require CMMC

If you haven't started, your real deadline is NOW.

Book Your Free Consultation →

Trusted by Defense Contractors

★★★★★
"We needed CMMC Level 2 certification to keep a Department of Defense contract worth $3M annually. BrightWorks IT took us from a 60% SPRS score to full compliance in under 6 months. We passed our assessment on the first try."
Robert Chen
VP of Operations, Mid-Atlantic Defense Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CMMC 2.0?
CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is the Department of Defense's framework for verifying that defense contractors meet specific cybersecurity standards. It's required for companies that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) under DoD contracts.
Who needs to be CMMC certified?
Any company in the Defense Industrial Base that handles FCI or CUI — including prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers at every tier of the supply chain. The DoD estimates over 200,000 companies are affected.
What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 covers basic cyber hygiene (15 controls) for companies handling only FCI, with annual self-assessment. Level 2 requires 110 security controls aligned with NIST SP 800-171 for companies handling CUI, and will require third-party assessment starting November 2026.
How long does CMMC certification take?
It depends on your starting point. Level 1 can be achieved in 1–3 months. Level 2 typically takes 6–18 months, including gap assessment, remediation, documentation, and the formal assessment. Starting early is critical — C3PAO availability is already limited.
How much does CMMC compliance cost?
Costs vary based on company size, current security posture, and required CMMC level. A readiness assessment is the best first step to scope the effort. BrightWorks IT offers free initial consultations to help you understand the investment required.
Do we need Microsoft GCC High?
If you process or store CUI in Microsoft 365, GCC High is strongly recommended and may be required. Standard commercial tenants don't meet all FedRAMP Moderate requirements. We assess your specific situation and handle GCC High migration when needed.
Can an MSP like BrightWorks IT help us get certified?
Absolutely. While we don't perform the formal C3PAO assessment (that's done by an independent certified assessor), we handle everything else: readiness assessment, gap analysis, control implementation, documentation, and assessment preparation. We're your compliance partner from start to finish.

Don't Risk Your DoD Contracts

Partner with BrightWorks IT and get ahead of the CMMC deadlines with confidence. Free consultation — no obligation.

📞 Call Now: (844) 333-2948