The Department of Defense (DoD) isn’t waiting around and neither should you.

The long-anticipated rollout of CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is officially moving forward, and contractors who fail to meet compliance requirements will soon be locked out of new federal contracts and potentially lose the ones they already have.

Whether you’re a subcontractor, prime, or somewhere in between, the message is clear:

CMMC is no longer optional. It’s your ticket to staying in business with the DoD.

So, are you prepared?

What’s Happening and Why It Matters Right Now

CMMC 2.0 introduces a more streamlined, tiered system with three levels of cybersecurity maturity. Depending on what type of federal information you handle (especially Controlled Unclassified Information or CUI), you’ll need to meet one of these levels and prove it.

Here’s the kicker:

  • CMMC requirements are being written into contracts as early as this year
  • Some contracts will require third-party certification
  • Without it, you simply won’t be eligible to bid, renew, or execute DoD contracts

For many small to midsize contractors, this means: Act now, or risk getting left behind.

Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

Still thinking of “waiting until it’s official?”

Here’s why that’s dangerous:

  • CMMC compliance takes time sometimes months to close gaps, implement controls, and gather documentation
  • You’ll need to prepare for audits, especially at Level 2 (the most common requirement)
  • Prime contractors are already prioritizing partners with compliance readiness
  • Missing CMMC compliance could eliminate your eligibility mid-contract

Even if you’re not seeing it in your contracts yet, rest assured: It’s coming.

What You Should Be Doing Right Now

To stay eligible and competitive you should:

  1. Identify Your CMMC Level
    Most defense contractors working with CUI will need Level 2, which aligns with NIST SP 800-171 requirements.
  2. Perform a Gap Assessment
    Figure out where your current cybersecurity posture falls short. This includes everything from access controls to incident response policies.
  3. Build a System Security Plan (SSP)
    Document how your systems meet CMMC/NIST requirements this is a must-have during audits.
  4. Create a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
    If there are gaps, show how you’re actively closing them and on what timeline.
  5. Work with Experts to Accelerate the Process
    CMMC isn’t DIY. Get help from a trusted provider who understands compliance, security, and audit readiness.

How Intelecis Keeps You DoD-Eligible and CMMC-Ready

At Intelecis, we specialize in helping government contractors and manufacturers secure their networks and pass CMMC audits with confidence.

We help you every step of the way:

  • CMMC Readiness Assessments to quickly identify compliance gaps
  • Implementation of required controls, from MFA and access management to vulnerability scanning and endpoint protection
  • Audit-ready documentation including your SSP, POA&M, and incident response plans
  • Ongoing security management so your compliance doesn’t slip over time

Whether you’re preparing for Level 1 self-assessment or Level 2 third-party certification, we’ll guide you through exactly what needs to be done and how to get it done fast.

CMMC Is Coming. Will You Be Ready in Time?

You’ve worked too hard to lose your DoD contracts now.

The faster you act, the smoother the process will be and the more doors will stay open.

Book Your Free CMMC Readiness Consultation with Intelecis
Let’s protect your eligibility, secure your data, and give you the confidence to move forward