How Aerospace and Defense Contractors Can Prepare for Level 2 Compliance
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is no longer just a concept—it’s becoming a contractual reality. With the final rule expected to be published in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) under 48 CFR by late summer or early fall 2025, defense contractors must prepare now to meet the requirements for Level 2 CMMC compliance.
This post breaks down what’s coming, what it means for your business, and how ISM can help you navigate the path to certification.
What Is CMMC and Why Does It Matter?
CMMC is a framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that contractors and subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) meet specific cybersecurity standards. Level 2 compliance is required for organizations that handle CUI and will involve a third-party assessment once the rule is finalized.
The goal? To protect sensitive defense data from cyber threats and ensure the integrity of the defense supply chain.
What’s Happening with 48 CFR?
The 48 CFR is the section of the FAR that governs federal procurement. The final CMMC rule will be added here, making compliance a formal requirement for many DoD contracts.
Once published, contractors will need to:
- Undergo third-party assessments for Level 2 certification.
- Demonstrate implementation of NIST SP 800-171 controls.
- Maintain ongoing compliance through documentation, monitoring, and remediation.
The rule is expected to trigger a wave of urgency across the defense sector, especially among small and mid-sized contractors who may not yet be prepared.
What Does Level 2 Require?
Level 2 CMMC aligns with 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171, covering areas such as:
- Access control
- Incident response
- System and communications protection
- Risk assessment
- Configuration management
Unlike Level 1, which allows self-assessment, Level 2 requires a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to validate your compliance.
Why Aerospace and Defense Contractors Must Act Now
If your organization:
- Handles CUI
- Is part of the DoD supply chain
- Bids on contracts that will include CMMC clauses
…then you’re in scope for Level 2. Waiting until the rule is finalized could mean missing out on contracts or scrambling to meet requirements under pressure.
How ISM Helps You Get Compliant
ISM specializes in supporting aerospace and defense contractors with tailored Managed Service Provider (MSP) solutions that align with CMMC requirements. Here’s how we help:
- Gap Assessments: Identify where your current cybersecurity posture falls short.
- Remediation Planning: Build a roadmap to meet all 110 controls.
- Documentation Support: Ensure your policies, procedures, and evidence are audit-ready.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Maintain compliance with continuous oversight and updates.
- Audit Preparation: Get ready for your third-party assessment with confidence.
We don’t just check boxes—we build resilient, secure environments that meet DoD expectations and protect your business.
Complimentary One-Hour CMMC Readiness Meeting
ISM is offering a free one-hour consultation to help you assess your current readiness and plan your path to Level 2 compliance. Whether you’re just starting or need help finalizing your documentation, we’re here to guide you.
