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CMMC compliance for Defense Contractors

Simplify compliance with a CMMC Level 2 Certified partner
focused on the Defense Industrial Base.

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CMMC Compliance Made Simple, Seamless, and Sustainable

CMMC can feel like a moving target, especially for businesses trying to balance compliance, cybersecurity, and day-to-day operations. ISI is purpose-built to solve that challenge.

We integrate compliance, cybersecurity, and managed IT into one convenient solution. This gives you a single, accountable partner who can guide you through every stage of your compliance journey.

Whether you are determining your CMMC level, preparing for initial certification, or maintaining compliance long term, we handle the heavy lifting. Our experts keep you contract-ready, secure, and confident as regulatory frameworks evolve.

CMMC Command Center

Our Unique Expertise

Certified by Cyber-AB

We are CMMC Level 2 certified and a leading Registered Provider Organization (RPO).

Qualified CCPs and CCAs on Staff

Get expert assistance on preparation for your CMMC certification.

220+ NIST Assessments Completed

We are highly skilled in completing this crucial step to achieving CMMC compliance.

900+ Customers

ISI is trusted nationwide by small and midsize businesses in the DIB.

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Designed with you in mind

As a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) with our own CMMC Level 2 Certification, ISI guides companies to achieve and maintain compliance with confidence. From tool selection to policy creation, we keep your CMMC status at the forefront while helping you control costs, reduce risk, and eliminate guesswork. If you’re building your budget, our CMMC Budget Guide outlines practical ways to reduce compliance spend by up to 40%.

Our curated security stack delivers up to 65% compliance during the onboarding and initial phase alone. Backed by a proven track record and a highly experienced team, we make your compliance journey smooth and efficient so you can focus on growing your business.

Your path to CMMC compliance

Defense contractors will need to meet the compliance requirements of NIST 800-171 to prepare for their CMMC certification – and ISI will be there through every critical step.
Dig Deeper: Steal our CMMC Level 2 Readiness Strategy

  • Selecting CMMC provider (commonly referred to as an RPO)
  • Identifying your CMMC level
  • Specifying your CMMC assets
  • Selecting a technical design
  • Ensuring cloud compliance
  • Planning, recording, and adopting
  • Achieving certification
  • SelectingCMMC provider (commonly referred to as an RPO)
  • Identifying your CMMC level
  • Specifying your CMMC assets
  • Selecting a technical design
  • Ensuring cloud compliance
  • Planning, recording, and adopting
  • Completing assessment

Get expert guidance

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Special Board Resolutions and QMPs: A Guide for FSOs and Executives

This post is part of a series based on our recent webinar, When FOCI Stops the Deal: A Guide for FSOs and Executive Teams. For background on board structure under Security Control Agreements (SCAs), Special Security Agreements (SSAs), Voting Trusts (VTs), and Proxy Agreements (PAs), see our companion post, How FOCI Boards Work: A Guide for Defense Contractors.

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FAQs

Here's everything you need to know

What is CMMC?

CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It is a program designed by the DoD to protect the Pentagon’s supply chain and standardize compliance across the DIB. CMMC expands upon an existing compliance framework called DFARS 252.204-7012, which has been in place since 2017 and requires full alignment with NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2.

What does the future of CMMC look like?

As of July 13, 2026, the Department of War has suspended all pending and future implementation milestones in the CMMC 2.0 phased implementation plan. 

In short, CMMC Level 1 (Self) and Level 2 (Self) certifications are the only maturity levels contracting officers can use during this interim period. 

Additionally, the DoW is conducting a review of the program and will be submitting feedback on how to improve CMMC for small- and mid-sized businesses going forward. 

Little is known today on the future state of third-party assessments, but your current DFARS 7012 and NIST 800-171 Rev 2 obligations remain in effect. 

How long does it take to prepare for a CMMC compliance?

Our team estimates that the preparation period leading up to the CMMC Level 2 assessment could span 9-12 months.

Who needs to follow NIST 800-171?

Simply put, organizations handling CUI must adhere to NIST 800-171 requirements. This includes both prime and subcontractors working for the Department of Defense (DoD), research institutions receiving federal grants, and organizations that store, handle, or process CUI for federal agencies. Organizations can confirm their handling of CUI by carefully examining their government contracts for specific clauses and by checking for a CUI designation block.

How is NIST 800-171 assessed?

Assessment of compliance with NIST 800-171 relies on the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score. Achieving compliance entails attaining an SPRS score of 110, indicating the implementation of each of the 110 security controls. Within each security control, specific requirements are detailed, varying in complexity and associated costs.