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We Deliver Expert Guidance to Get Defense Contractors CMMC Certified

Aug. 30, 2025

When it comes to homeland security, cybecurity compliance is quickly becoming a business requirement. STACK Cybersecurity is a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, which means we’re officially recognized to help defense contractors get CMMC certified. From interpreting requirements to building practical security plans, we’re here to make sure our defense clients stay eligible, secure, and ahead of the curve.

The CMMC Landscape in Late 2025

The Department of Defense's (DoD) CMMC program continues to evolve since its introduction. As of August 2025, companies seeking to maintain contracts within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) face increasingly stringent requirements to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

The Department of Defense has set Oct. 1, 2025, as the beginning of widespread CMMC enforcement. If your business works with the DoD, either directly or indirectly, CMMC compliance will soon be non-negotiable. This represents a critical deadline for contractors within the DIB.

Based on the latest information available, relatively few U.S. companies, perhaps 100 or so, have reached full CMMC compliance as the certification process is still in its early stages. This number is small considering the DIB includes roughly 350,000 companies that will eventually need to comply with CMMC requirements. The certification process only became available in Q1 2025, and with assessments taking 6-12 months to prepare for, many companies are still in the preparation phase.

CMMC's phased rollout will begin in earnest around Q3 2025 when the 48 CFR Final Rule is expected to be published, making certification a contractual requirement. However, some prime contractors are already requiring their subcontractors to become certified ahead of this timeline to maintain their competitive position.

STACK Cybersecurity Achieves CMMC RPO Status

STACK Cybersecurity officially achieved CMMC RPO status on May 14, 2025, as confirmed by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (Cyber-AB). This designation authorizes STACK to deliver non-certified CMMC consulting services and list its services on the Cyber-AB Marketplace.

The RPO status affirms STACK's:

Agreement to the Cyber-AB Code of Professional Conduct
Ability to guide defense contractors through CMMC compliance
Commitment to helping manufacturers and vendors maintain eligibility in the defense supply chain

What is a CMMC RPO?

A CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO) is a company officially recognized by the CMMC Accreditation Body to provide advisory services to organizations seeking CMMC compliance. STACK Cybersecurity, as an RPO, delivers expert guidance on implementing the necessary security controls, policies, and documentation required for certification.

The CMMC 2.0 Timeline: What You Need to Know Now

The implementation schedule for CMMC 2.0 follows a phased approach:

Phase 1 (2025): Requires CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 self-assessments for certain contracts. The DoD has discretion to include Level 2 certification assessment requirements into contracts at this time.

Phase 2 (2026): Requires official CMMC Level 2 certification assessments.

Phase 3 (2027): Includes CMMC Level 3 assessments.

Phase 4 (2028): Full implementation for all relevant contracts.

The CMMC Final Rule (CFR 32) became effective on Dec. 16, 2024, and assessments officially started on Jan. 2, 2025. Contractors must achieve their CMMC Certificate of Status before being awarded new defense contracts once the final rule takes effect in late Q2 or early Q3 of 2025.

Why CMMC Compliance Matters: The Threat Landscape

The urgency behind CMMC implementation is underscored by alarming cybersecurity statistics:

More than 80% of aerospace and defense organizations reported experiencing at least one data breach in the past year, while 61% of defense organizations faced a ransomware attack within the last 12 months. With these vulnerabilities, the DoD aims to safeguard sensitive information across its supply chain.

The CMMC Program was designed to achieve several critical goals: "Safeguard sensitive information to enable and protect the warfighter, enforce DIB cybersecurity standards to meet evolving threats, ensure accountability while minimizing barriers to compliance with DoD requirements, and perpetuate a collaborative culture of cybersecurity and cyber resilience."

STACK Cybersecurity's Comprehensive Service Portfolio

As a CMMC Registered Provider Organization, STACK Cybersecurity offers an extensive range of services designed to support defense contractors through their CMMC compliance journey:

Support Services

Unlimited Remote and Onsite Support
24x7 Workstation & Server Monitoring
24x7 Network Infrastructure Monitoring
Windows Patching & Maintenance
Shared Printer Support
Mobile Device Support
Firewall Support
Quarterly Cyber Security Risk Reviews
C-Level Consultation
vCISO Service
Comprehensive IT Policy Package
Business Continuity Planning Assistance
Disaster Recovery Planning Assistance
Detailed Network Documentation
Dedicated Cybersecurity Team

Data Backup

Email Backup
Workstation Backup for all computers
Server Backup Included for all servers
Managed Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
Managed Recovery Point Objectives (RPO)
Periodic testing of the restore process

Security Services

Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
Managed Extended Detection & Response (MXDR)
24 x 7 US-based Security Operations Center (SOC)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Managed Palo Alto Firewall
Network Vulnerability Scanning
Vulnerability CVE Patching
Data Encryption (at-rest) & (in-transit)
Zero Trust Network Access requires SASE
Annual Automated Penetration Test
PENTEST Report & Remediation
Network Monitoring for Firewalls & Managed Switches
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Web Based Password Manager
Dark-web Monitoring & Scanning
End User Security & Awareness Training
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for supported applications
M365 Business Premium license
M365 Attack Surface Reduction Policy
M365 Encryption Policy
M365 Account Protection Policy
Managed DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)
Domain Message Authentication Reporting & Conformance (DMARC)
Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security (MTA-STS)
Sender Policy Framework (SPF)
Email Encryption
Spam Filtering Inbound
Spam Filtering Outbound
Breach Incident Response Planning Assistance
$5,000 Incident Response retainer available for use, requires repayment

CMMC Levels Explained

CMMC 2.0 features three progressive levels of cybersecurity maturity:

Level 1 (Foundational): Focuses on basic safeguarding of Federal Contract Information (FCI) with 17 security practices from FAR 52.204-21. Self-assessment is permitted.
Level 2 (Advanced): Protects Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) with 110 security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171. Third-party assessment by a C3PAO is required.
Level 3 (Expert): Designed for contractors handling the most sensitive information and facing Advanced Persistent Threats. Builds on Level 2 with additional requirements from NIST SP 800-172 and requires government-led assessment.

Preparation Timeline: Don't Wait

Due to the complexity of CMMC requirements, experts recommend that organizations initiate an audit at least six months in advance of needing certification. On average, organizations spend between 12 to 18 months preparing for a CMMC Level 2 assessment, and due to assessor shortages, may wait about 9 to 15 months for an assessment after becoming ready.

The message is clear: start now to avoid being left behind when CMMC requirements become mandatory in contracts.

Benefits of Working with an RPO

Partnering with STACK Cybersecurity as your RPO offers several advantages:

Expertise and Experience: Our specialists have deep knowledge of both CMMC requirements and practical implementation strategies.
Time and Resource Efficiency: We streamline the compliance process, reducing internal resource strain.
Confidence in Certification: Our methodical approach maximizes your likelihood of successful certification.
Ongoing Support: We provide continuous guidance as requirements evolve and your assessment date approaches.
Business Continuity: Proactive compliance preparation minimizes disruption to your operations and contract eligibility.

Securing Your Role in the Defense Supply Chain

The cybersecurity landscape for defense contractors in 2025 is more complex than ever. By staying ahead of emerging threats and proactively strengthening compliance, you can protect your business, maintain government contracts, and contribute to national security.

With CMMC requirements beginning to appear in contracts from October 2025, now is the time to engage with an experienced RPO like STACK Cybersecurity. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of the CMMC journey, ensuring you meet deadlines, protect sensitive information, and maintain your competitive position in the defense marketplace.

Related Resources

Need CMMC Compliance Guidance?

Call (734) 744-5300 or Contact Us to schedule a consultation with our CMMC-certified team.