Practical guidance for defense subcontractors pursuing CMMC certification.
Most defense suppliers are not enterprise contractors with dedicated GRC teams and unlimited consulting budgets. They are lean manufacturers, UAV startups, machine shops, and integrators operating under tight margins and operational constraints. This article examines why much of the compliance ecosystem fails these organizations, and why sustainable, execution-focused security practices matter more than paper compliance.
Read articleThe 2026 SBIR/STTR reauthorization introduced a major change for defense startups: TABA funding can now explicitly support cybersecurity assistance. For companies pursuing DoD contracts, this may create new opportunities to fund CMMC readiness, NIST SP 800-171 implementation, SPRS preparation, and operational security improvements earlier in the commercialization lifecycle. This article breaks down what changed, why it matters, and what SBIR Phase I and Phase II companies should be doing now.
Read articleCMMC readiness is becoming part of procurement readiness across the defense supply chain. Customers are asking more operational questions about cybersecurity maturity, scope boundaries, timelines, and whether suppliers can realistically sustain secure operations long-term. This article explores the most common themes appearing in supplier readiness conversations.
Read articleLearn how aerospace startups and small defense contractors can prepare for CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 without overspending. Practical guidance on scoping, enclaves, GCC High, SSPs, POA&Ms, and CUI handling.
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