Attention manufacturers in the defense and aerospace sectors: You may have already heard that a new era of compliance is on the horizon. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, set to take effect on December 16, 2024, brings stringent new cybersecurity requirements.
Failure to meet these standards could jeopardize contractors’ eligibility for government contracts, which has many defense and aerospace manufacturers unsure about the validity of their current cybersecurity measures.
Here’s what defense contractors need to know about this mandate and how Godlan and Infor can help you clinch a smooth path to compliance.
What Is CMMC 2.0 and Why Does It Matter?
CMMC 2.0 is the latest cybersecurity framework designed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to protect sensitive federal information within the defense supply chain. It encompasses three levels of certification, each with specific requirements.
Here is a breakdown of each level:
- CMMC Level 1: Applies to contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). This level requires adherence to 17 security controls focused on basic cyber hygiene.
- CMMC Level 2: Targets contractors working with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and mandates 110 security controls, aligning with NIST SP 800-171 guidelines.
- CMMC Level 3: Designed for high-security situations, this level builds upon Level 2 requirements with an additional 24 controls from NIST SP 800-172.
For each new contract and option year, the Department of Defense will specify the required CMMC level. On top of that, subcontractors must meet the CMMC level determined by their contract’s scope, creating a ripple effect across the supply chain.
What the CMMC Final Rule Means for Defense and Aerospace Contractors
The new final rule under DFARS 252.204-7021 requires that contractors and subcontractors establish a System Security Plan (SSP) to document their cybersecurity processes.
Here are the key implications:
1. System Security Plan (SSP) Requirement
Every contractor must have an SSP that details cybersecurity measures and confirms compliance with CMMC standards.
2. No Remediation Plans
Unlike earlier CMMC iterations, CMMC 2.0 mandates that contractors meet 100% compliance before receiving contract awards. No partial compliance or Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) will be permitted.
3. Certification Validity
CMMC certifications remain valid for three years, providing contractors with a regular timeframe to manage renewals and reassessments.
4. Subcontractor Flow-Down
All tiers of subcontractors in the supply chain must comply with the same CMMC standards.
The Risk of Non-Compliance: What Happens If You Don’t Meet These New Requirements
These regulations are effectively contract conditions. Failure to meet the CMMC standard could mean losing valuable government contracts. Compliance is no longer an option but a requirement to continue as a defense contractor. For many defense manufacturers, achieving CMMC compliance on their own is a daunting, resource-intensive task.
How Godlan and Infor Can Accelerate Your Compliance Strategy
To meet CMMC requirements as quickly and efficiently as possible, defense contractors need a solution that automates and simplifies compliance processes. This is where Infor CloudSuite SyteLine for Aerospace & Defense delivered by Godlan becomes a game-changer.
Here’s how Infor CloudSuite supports compliance:
Rapid Implementation
Infor CloudSuite Aerospace & Defense is designed specifically to meet the defense industry’s unique production needs and regulatory challenges, making it an easy-to-implement, purpose-built solution. Coupled with Godlan’s decades of experience implementing Infor CloudSuite SyteLine for A&D contractors, you can expect quick implementation times in our rapidly moving world.
Automated Compliance Tracking
Infor offers real-time tracking of compliance activities so contractors have a clear and up-to-date view of their CMMC readiness. This makes audits a breeze as traceability is automated. Simply generate the required reports and deliver.
Data Security Features
Infor’s Defense solutions, including GovCloud, meet rigorous regulatory, security, and safety standards for low-volume, engineer-to-order, and high-variability production operations. These solutions support robust traceability for regulatory compliance, extensive in-house and sub-contracted operations, multi-site cost visibility, digital service records, and efficient after-market service management.
Subcontractor Compliance Management
Infor’s tools help manage the flow-down requirements across subcontractors, ensuring compliance at every level of the supply chain. Infor offers visibility into what your subcontractors are doing, as well as vendors and materials suppliers.
To learn more about Infor’s commitment to A&D compliance, watch this video.
Don’t Risk Your Defense Contracts. Rest Assured You’re in Compliance.
If you’re ready to secure your company’s place in the defense contracting ecosystem, Godlan and Infor offer an ironclad path to compliance. With over 40 years of experience implementing ERP systems for aerospace and defense and a deep understanding of regulatory hurdles, we’re here to help you reach full compliance fast.
To learn more about how CMMC 2.0 impacts your business and how Godlan can assist in making compliance manageable, contact us to schedule a consultation today. We’ll listen to your concerns, analyze your current systems, and walk you through Infor CloudSuite Aerospace & Defense to get your business compliant fast.
