Doing business with the Department of Defense (DoD) means protecting America’s sensitive information. At AFORGE LLC and other DoD contracting companies, we understand that it is absolutely crucial to keep information safe- that’s where the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) comes in.
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a security standard created by the DoD to make sure companies handling government contracts are protecting sensitive information. Essentially, CMMC is a rulebook that ensures contractors are taking proper steps to keep the nation’s data safe from hackers and foreign threats.
There are three main levels of certification, with Level 2 (L2) being the most critical for small and mid-sized businesses like AFORGE. Level 2 focuses on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): information that isn’t top secret, but could still harm national security if it gets into the wrong hands.
Why CMMC Level 2 Matters
Lots of DoD contracts require at least Level 2 certification. Without it, companies can’t even compete for certain projects. In other words: if you want to work with the DoD in any meaningful way, you need CMMC L2.
At AFORGE, we see it as a way of showing that we take our role in national defense seriously. Protecting data is just as important as delivering great service to our partners.
What Companies Have to Do to Attain CMMC L2
Follow NIST 800-171: This is a set of 110 security practices covering everything from password policies and access controls to how you store, share, and protect files.
Pass an Outside Audit: For CMMC L2, you can’t get awarded the certificate from self assessment alone. An independent assessor comes in to review your systems and confirm that you meet the standard.
Staying Compliant: This certification isn’t one-and-done. Companies must keep their systems secure every day, because cyber threats never stop evolving. CMMC L2 companies but self-audit every year, and renew their CMMC L2 certificate every three years.
For many businesses, this means tightening IT policies, upgrading systems, training employees on safe practices, and documenting every step. It can be a big lift, but it’s necessary to earn the trust of the DoD.
Why AFORGE Invests in It
For us, achieving CMMC Level 2 is about proving to our partners (and to the country) that we are dependable, dedicated to our craft, secure, and prepared to meet the highest standards. By protecting CUI, we help ensure the safety and strength of the entire defense supply chain.
