CMMC Phase 2 C3PAO assessments are suspended. Your NIST 800-171 and SPRS obligations are not. Read the plain-English breakdown →
Creating an accurate CMMC budget requires understanding your specific situation—not just applying industry averages. This guide helps you build a realistic financial plan for your certification journey, whether you need…
Learn moreThe cost difference between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 is substantial—often 10x or more. Understanding which level you actually need prevents both overspending on unnecessary certification and underspending on…
Learn moreUpdated July 14, 2026: On July 13, 2026, the Department of War suspended CMMC Phase 2 — meaning third-party (C3PAO) certification assessments cannot currently be required in contracts, and their…
Learn moreUpdated July 14, 2026: On July 13, 2026, the Department of War suspended CMMC Phase 2 third-party assessments. Your SPRS submission didn’t get optional — it became the government’s primary…
Learn moreUpdated July 2026: This article used to explain when the DoD allowed Level 2 self-assessment instead of a third-party audit. As of July 13, 2026, that question answered itself: C3PAO…
Learn moreUpdated July 2026: The July 13 CMMC suspension paused Level 2 third-party audits — it did not touch Level 1. Level 1 was always a self-assessment; it remains fully in…
Learn moreHow to Calculate Your SPRS Score: NIST 800-171 Scoring Guide for DoD Contractors [Updated July 2026] Updated July 14, 2026: On July 13, 2026, the Department of War suspended CMMC…
Learn moreSPRS is the Supplier Performance Risk System—a Department of Defense database where defense contractors submit their cybersecurity assessment scores. If you want to win DoD contracts, your CMMC compliance status…
Learn moreWhen it comes to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance, knowing what NIST 800-171security controls you need to implement is only half the battle. The other half is proving you’ve…
Learn moreWhen a CMMC assessor walks through your door, they’re not just going to take your word for it. They’re going to ask for proof. Every security control you claim to…
Learn more