The clock is ticking for defense contractors across the nation. The long-awaited final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is expected to drop soon, and organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) need to be ready. For many small and mid-sized contractors, compliance isn’t just another checkbox — it’s the key to keeping their contracts and staying competitive in the DoD supply chain.
As an IT provider serving defense contractors, we’ve been guiding clients through every phase of their CMMC readiness. Here’s what you need to do before the final rule becomes law.
1. Understand Where You Stand Today
The first step in your CMMC journey is knowing your current security posture. Start by conducting a readiness assessment against the existing NIST SP 800-171 controls, since CMMC Level 2 directly aligns with those requirements.
At ISM, we help organizations:
- Perform a comprehensive gap analysis to identify security and compliance shortfalls.
- Develop a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to prioritize remediation.
- Build or refine a System Security Plan (SSP) that accurately documents your current controls and practices.
Understanding your baseline now means you won’t be scrambling once certification requirements are enforced.
2. Prioritize Quick Wins and Critical Fixes
Not every control takes months to implement. ISM helps clients identify quick wins that deliver immediate security and compliance benefits, including:
- Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems.
- Patching and updating all software and operating systems.
- Reviewing access control policies to limit access to CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information).
- Encrypting data both in transit and at rest.
These practical steps not only move you closer to compliance but also strengthen your overall cybersecurity resilience.
3. Implement Continuous Monitoring and Documentation
CMMC compliance isn’t a one-time event — it’s an ongoing commitment to protecting sensitive information. ISM helps organizations implement continuous monitoring and automated reporting so you can maintain compliance day in and day out.
We help our clients:
- Deploy tools for real-time system and event monitoring.
- Automate log collection, vulnerability scans, and incident alerts.
- Keep documentation up to date — because if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.
Our managed services ensure you always have visibility into your compliance status and can produce evidence during audits.
4. Partner with Experts Who Know CMMC Inside and Out
Preparing for CMMC on your own can be overwhelming — especially as the framework evolves. Partnering with a team that understands both IT infrastructure and DoD compliance requirements can save you time, reduce costs, and minimize risk.
ISM’s cybersecurity and compliance experts:
- Interpret evolving rule changes as they’re finalized.
- Manage your CMMC roadmap from readiness to certification.
- Implement technical controls like secure configuration, endpoint protection, and data encryption.
- Provide ongoing support, reporting, and documentation updates.
We act as an extension of your internal team — ensuring nothing slips through the cracks as the final rule approaches.
5. Prepare for Certification — Not Just Readiness
Once the final rule drops, many contractors will move from self-attestation to third-party certification. ISM helps clients get audit-ready with:
- Mock audits and assessor-style reviews.
- Documentation validation for your SSP, POA&Ms, and incident response plans.
- Guidance on closing residual gaps before assessors arrive.
Getting certified will soon be mandatory for most DoD contracts — being ready early ensures your business doesn’t get left behind.
6. Stay Agile — The Rules Will Keep Evolving
Even after the final rule is published, CMMC will continue to evolve as cybersecurity threats change. ISM helps clients stay ahead of these shifts through ongoing advisory services, quarterly reviews, and continuous improvement programs.
We recommend:
- Subscribing to DoD and CMMC-AB updates.
- Scheduling regular security and compliance reviews with ISM.
- Embedding cybersecurity awareness into your company culture.
Don't Wait!
CMMC isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about protecting our national defense data and building a stronger cybersecurity foundation. As the final rule approaches, contractors who prepare early will be the ones who thrive.
If your organization needs help closing compliance gaps, preparing documentation, or managing IT controls, now’s the time to act.
At ISM, we specialize in helping aerospace and defense contractors understand their CMMC obligations and build a roadmap to compliance. Our services include:
- CUI scoping assessments
- Gap analysis against NIST SP 800-171
- Remediation planning and implementation
- Documentation and evidence preparation
- Ongoing compliance support
We don’t just help you check boxes—we help you build a secure, resilient infrastructure that meets DoD expectations and supports your business goals.
Schedule Your Complimentary CMMC Readiness Meeting
ISM is offering a free one-hour consultation to help you determine if you’re in scope and what steps to take next. Whether you’re just starting or already on the path to compliance, we’re here to help.
