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If your company expects a DFARS 252.204-7012 clause in upcoming government contracts, you need to know the timelines for when you need to have your CMMC certification.
Not getting CMMC in place in time could put your government contracts at risk. Read on to learn how long you have to get CMMC in place.
Upcoming CMMC Changes:
Compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 mandates adherence to NIST SP 800-171 standards.
The final rule for CMMC was published on October 15, 2024 and took effect on December 16, 2024. The rule establishes the framework for assessing and certifying the cybersecurity practices of defense contractors.
Self-attestation was enough in the past. Now, the Department of Defense (DoD) is transitioning to a more rigorous verification process. Level 2 and Level 3 of CMMC will require an outside audit process.
→ Learn how to speed up your CMMC process
CMMC Implementation Timeline:
The DoD plans to implement CMMC requirements in a phased approach over several years:
- Phase 1 (Starting in 2025): Certain contracts will begin to include CMMC Level 2 requirements, which may involve self-assessments (level 1) or third-party assessments (levels 2 and 3). We expect to see this sometime in late spring, early summer of 2025.
- Phases 2-4: Each subsequent phase will commence one year after the previous, gradually increasing the number of contracts requiring CMMC certification. By Phase 4, all applicable contracts are expected to mandate the appropriate CMMC level.
FYI: Some C3PAOs are already have assessments booked out until late summer 2025. You could face an uncomfortably tight timeline if you delay your your CMMC implementation.
→ The most efficient path to CMMC: request a free demo of Paramify
When to Start CMMC:
Given the timeline, we suggest you begin preparations for CMMC certification as soon as possible.
You’ve probably heard that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the 2nd best time is now. Well, CMMC is just like that.
Getting CMMC compliant is a process that will likely take several months to complete. The best time to start was 2 years ago, but, if you didn’t, the next best time is right now.
Starting ASAP will allow your company to address any gaps in compliance and ensure readiness for upcoming contract opportunities that include CMMC requirements.
Some businesses have held out thinking maybe things will change, but it’s clear – you’re going to need CMMC to keep your contracts.
You can find detailed guidance on achieving CMMC compliance, by consulting official DoD resources, engaging with a certified third-party assessment organization (C3PAO), or by setting up an inexpensive gap assessment with Paramify to discover your gaps and possible implementation solutions.
Achieve CMMC Faster with Paramify
Whether you use an MSP, like most CMMC organizations, or have an in-house compliance team, you can improve your security, move faster, and spend less with Paramify.
Your one-of-a-kind, living gap assessment from Paramify includes a dashboard with your real-time SPRS score. You’ll know exactly what needs to be done and receive guidance on potential solutions.
Our unique Risk Solutions system allows you to generate your compliance documentation in several hours rather than wasting months preparing documentation full of human errors that cause delays in assessment.
CMMC solutions need to have FedRAMP to work with information in your SSP. Paramify is FedRAMP High Ready.
→ Get your Gap Assessment today
Get Started Today
Compliance for CMMC can’t be done overnight – no matter how you approach it. Now that you know the timelines, it’s wise to get going before your contracts are at risk.
CMMC can be much simpler with Paramify. Feel free to reach out with any questions, check out our pricing, or request a demo to see if Paramify is the best fit for your business and compliance goals.
Request a demo below to see how Paramify works:
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