What Is CMMC and Why Does It Matter for Massachusetts Businesses?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the Department of Defense's framework for ensuring that every company in the defense supply chain meets minimum cybersecurity standards. If your Massachusetts business handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) — even as a subcontractor — you'll need CMMC certification to keep those contracts.
Massachusetts is home to hundreds of defense contractors and subcontractors, many of them small businesses on the South Shore and in Plymouth County. Companies in Brockton, Quincy, and the Route 3 corridor that manufacture parts, provide services, or supply materials to defense primes like Raytheon, General Dynamics, or L3Harris are directly affected.
CMMC 2.0: The Three Levels Explained
Level 1 — Foundational (Self-Assessment)
- Who needs it: Companies handling FCI only (basic contract information, not classified data)
- Requirements: 17 security practices based on FAR 52.204-21
- Assessment: Annual self-assessment — no third-party audit required
- Typical cost: $5,000 - $15,000 for remediation and documentation
Level 2 — Advanced (Third-Party Assessment)
- Who needs it: Companies handling CUI (most defense subcontractors)
- Requirements: 110 security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171
- Assessment: Third-party assessment by a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) every 3 years
- Typical cost: $50,000 - $200,000+ including remediation, documentation, and assessment fees
Level 3 — Expert (Government Assessment)
- Who needs it: Companies handling the most sensitive CUI
- Requirements: 110+ practices from NIST SP 800-171 plus additional requirements from NIST SP 800-172
- Assessment: Government-led assessment
- Typical cost: $200,000+ (primarily relevant to larger defense contractors)
Most small businesses on the South Shore will need Level 1 or Level 2 certification.
The CMMC Compliance Timeline for Massachusetts Businesses
CMMC requirements are being phased into DoD contracts starting in 2025-2026. Here's what you need to know:
- Now: CMMC requirements are appearing in new contract solicitations
- 2026: Increasing number of contracts require CMMC Level 2 certification
- 2027 and beyond: CMMC becomes standard in virtually all DoD contracts
Don't wait. The assessment process alone takes 6-12 months, and remediating gaps can take another 3-6 months. South Shore businesses that start now will be ready when contracts require it. Those that wait risk losing existing contracts and missing new opportunities.
Key CMMC Requirements That Trip Up Small Businesses
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Every user accessing CUI must use MFA. This means more than just a password — you need a second factor like a phone app, hardware token, or biometric. Many Plymouth-area manufacturers we work with were still using password-only access when they started their CMMC journey.
Encryption of CUI at Rest and in Transit
All CUI must be encrypted — on laptops, on servers, in email, and in transit over the network. This includes data on shop floor computers, engineering workstations, and any device that touches controlled information.
Incident Response Plan
You need a documented, tested incident response plan. Not a template you downloaded — a real plan that names specific people, defines escalation procedures, and gets tested at least annually. This is where working with a cybersecurity partner pays off.
Access Control
Only authorized personnel should access CUI, and access must be logged and auditable. This means physical access control for areas where CUI is stored, plus logical access controls on your network and systems.
Security Awareness Training
All employees must receive cybersecurity awareness training. Not once — regularly. Phishing simulations, password hygiene, social engineering awareness, and CUI handling procedures must be part of your ongoing training program.
System and Information Integrity
Continuous monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and patch management across all systems. Your antivirus must be current, your systems patched within 30 days of critical updates, and your network monitored for anomalies.
How to Prepare for CMMC Certification: A Step-by-Step Plan
Step 1: Determine Your Required Level
Review your current DoD contracts and subcontracts. If you handle CUI (engineering drawings, specifications, test results, technical data), you need Level 2. If you only handle basic contract info, Level 1 may suffice.
Step 2: Conduct a Gap Assessment
Compare your current cybersecurity posture against the NIST SP 800-171 controls. Document what you have, what you're missing, and what needs improvement. Power Up Boston offers comprehensive CMMC gap assessments for South Shore businesses.
Step 3: Create Your System Security Plan (SSP)
Your SSP documents your IT environment, security controls, and how you meet each CMMC requirement. This is the core document that assessors will review. It must be accurate, detailed, and current.
Step 4: Develop Your Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
For any gaps identified in Step 2, create a POA&M with specific remediation actions, responsible parties, and target completion dates. Note: under CMMC 2.0, some controls cannot have open POA&Ms during assessment — they must be fully implemented.
Step 5: Implement Technical Controls
This is where the real work happens: - Deploy MFA across all systems - Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) - Set up SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) for log collection and monitoring - Configure encryption for data at rest and in transit - Establish network segmentation to isolate CUI environments - Deploy backup and disaster recovery solutions
Step 6: Document Everything
CMMC assessors want evidence. Every policy, every procedure, every configuration must be documented. Maintain evidence of: - Security training records - Incident response test results - Vulnerability scan reports - Access review logs - Configuration management records
Step 7: Schedule Your Assessment
For Level 2, contact a C3PAO to schedule your assessment. The assessment itself typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on your organization's size and complexity. Expect the assessor to review documentation, interview staff, and examine technical controls.
CMMC Compliance Costs for South Shore Small Businesses
Here's a realistic breakdown for a typical 20-50 employee manufacturing or engineering firm in Plymouth County:
| Cost Category | Estimated Range | |--------------|----------------| | Gap assessment | $5,000 - $15,000 | | Technical remediation | $20,000 - $75,000 | | Documentation & policies | $10,000 - $25,000 | | Managed security services (annual) | $12,000 - $36,000 | | C3PAO assessment (Level 2) | $25,000 - $75,000 | | Total first-year investment | $72,000 - $226,000 |
These costs are significant for a small business, but losing DoD contracts is far more expensive. Many South Shore manufacturers derive 50-80% of their revenue from defense work.
Why Work with a Local CMMC Consultant on the South Shore?
CMMC compliance isn't something you do once and forget. It requires ongoing monitoring, regular training, and continuous documentation. Working with a local IT partner who understands both the technical requirements and the South Shore business landscape makes the process manageable.
Power Up Boston works with defense contractors across Plymouth, Brockton, Quincy, and Southeastern Massachusetts. We provide: - CMMC gap assessments and readiness reviews - Technical remediation and implementation - Managed cybersecurity services aligned with NIST 800-171 - Ongoing compliance monitoring and documentation support - Preparation for C3PAO assessments
Take the First Step Toward CMMC Compliance
Don't wait until a contract requires certification to start preparing. The businesses that act now will have a competitive advantage when CMMC becomes mandatory across all DoD contracts.
Contact Power Up Boston for a free CMMC readiness consultation. We'll help you understand your requirements, assess your current posture, and build a realistic plan to achieve certification. Serving Plymouth, the South Shore, and all of Southeastern Massachusetts.