April 25, 2025
Then you've probably heard whispers about something called "CMMC compliance."
It might sound intimidating, but I'm here to break it down in simple terms.
Today, I'll walk you through what CMMC really means for your small team.
No complex jargon or confusing government-speak.
Just practical information you can actually use.
In this article, you'll learn:
CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.
It's the Department of Defense's standard for protecting sensitive information across their supply chain.
Think of it as the DoD's way of making sure everyone handling their data is keeping it safe.
Why does this matter to you?
Because starting in early 2025, the DoD will require CMMC certification for any organization that handles what they call Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
No certification? No contracts.
It's that simple.
For small teams, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
The challenge is implementing security practices that were often designed with larger organizations in mind.
The opportunity is standing out from competitors by getting compliant early.
CMMC has three distinct levels, each building on the previous one:
Level 1 - Foundational Practices
This level applies if you handle Federal Contract Information (FCI).
It includes 15 basic requirements from FAR 52.204-21.
These are fundamental cybersecurity practices that most businesses should already be doing.
Level 2 - Advanced Practices
This is required if you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
It includes 110 requirements based on NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2.
This is where things get more complex for small teams.
Level 3 - Expert Practices
This level adds additional controls for organizations handling CUI that faces higher risks from Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
Only needed for the most sensitive defense work.
Most small contractors will need to achieve Level 1 or Level 2 compliance.
Let's be honest about what you're facing.
For small teams, CMMC presents two major hurdles:
First, it can be expensive to implement proper security controls.
Background checks alone can cost around $30 per employee.
And that's just one tiny piece of the compliance puzzle.
Second, many requirements were designed with large organizations in mind.
They don't always translate well to a five-person shop.
But here's the good news: you can optimize your approach.
Want to know the secret weapon for small teams approaching CMMC?
It's all about scope management.
Your "CMMC scope" defines where your controlled documents can be and how they're limited to that area.
By carefully defining this scope, you can potentially exclude portions of your business from CMMC requirements completely.
This means:
The key is to minimize assets within your CMMC scope without compromising your ability to handle DoD information properly.
This isn't about cutting corners—it's about being strategic.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Let's break this down into manageable first steps:
1.Determine which CMMC level applies to you
Do you handle CUI or just FCI? This determines whether you need Level 1 or Level 2.
2. Conduct a readiness assessment
Before spending money on solutions, understand your gaps.
This will help you develop a realistic budget and timeline.
3. Define your CMMC scope
Identify which systems and people absolutely need access to DoD information.
The smaller your scope, the easier compliance becomes.
4. Document your existing practices
You may already be doing many things right without realizing it.
Document these practices as evidence for your assessment.
5. Create a prioritized action plan
Focus on the highest-risk gaps first, then work your way down the list.
CMMC compliance isn't something you can throw together in a week or two.
It requires thoughtful planning and implementation.
But for small teams willing to put in the work, it's absolutely achievable.
Remember that while CMMC might feel like just another regulatory burden, it's actually making your business more secure.
And in today's threat landscape, that's something worth investing in.
What you've learned today is just the beginning of your CMMC journey.
The path might seem challenging, but with the right approach, your small team can navigate it successfully.