CMMC COMPLIANCE TIMELINE
KEY MILESTONES & ACCELERATED REMEDIATION
The CMMC Final Rule became effective on December 26, 2024, with assessments commencing on January 31, 2025.
By the middle of 2025, compliance will be required for certain DoD contracts, with full implementation beginning in October 2025. After October 31, 2026, all DoD contractors must comply to maintain eligibility. Full enforcement across all contracts is anticipated by 2028, so businesses should begin their preparations now.
Key CMMC Deadlines & Their Impact
December 26, 2024
Final Rule Takes Effect
The CMMC 2.0 Final Rule is now law. Compliance is no longer optional for DoD contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The clock has officially started.
Q1-Q2 2025
CMMC Appears in Select DoD Contracts
Expect CMMC requirements to start appearing in high-value, high-risk, or CUI-related contract solicitations. Early compliance can mean a competitive edge.
October, 2025
Full CMMC Implementation Begins
Most new DoD contract opportunities will now require CMMC compliance. Lack of certification may disqualify your bids.
2026-2027
Level 2 Third-Party Assessments Required
Level 2 contractors (handling CUI) must pass a third-party assessment. Level 1 contracts (handling only Federal Contract Information) can still self-assess.
January 31, 2025
CMMC Assessments Began
Organizations can now undergo third-party CMMC assessments. If you're aiming to win or renew DoD contracts, your cybersecurity maturity must align with your contract's CMMC level.
Mid 2025
48 CFR Acquisition Rule Finalized
The DoD will issue the 48 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Acquisition Rule by mid-2025, effective 60 days later, allowing CMMC requirements in contracts. Compliance may gradually become necessary for more contracts.
October 31, 2026
Mandatory Compliance for All DoD Contractors
This is the drop-dead date. Without a valid CMMC certification, your company won't be eligible for new DoD contracts. Existing contracts may remain in effect, but new task orders could require certification.
2028
Full CMMC Enforcement Across the DoD Supply Chain
By this point, all applicable DoD contracts will require CMMC compliance. Latecomers may find themselves locked out of the federal market.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
CCPA Penalties and CMMC Risks
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) enforces strict penalties for businesses that fail to comply with its data privacy regulations. After receiving a 30-day notice to address violations, organizations may face civil penalties ranging from $2,663 to $7,988 per violation. Fines are higher if the breach involves intentional misconduct or the personal data of minors under 16.
In addition to financial repercussions, non-compliance can trigger injunctions, forcing companies to halt specific business operations, including data collection and processing. These court orders can significantly disrupt operations and damage long term growth.
Even beyond legal risk, reputation loss, customer distrust, and potential lawsuits can follow privacy violations. The cost of inaction is too high to ignore.
What Can Businesses Do?
To avoid these outcomes, organizations should:
Regularly update privacy policies
Conduct routine internal compliance audits
Implement automated tools for data governance and breach response
CMMC Certification:
Why Waiting Is No Longer an Option
For businesses working with the Department of Defense (DoD), CMMC 2.0 certification is quickly becoming a non-negotiable requirement. While the official deadline for full compliance is October 31, 2026, prime contractors are already enforcing CMMC requirements for their subcontractors.
If you’re not certified now, you could already be losing business.
Primes are risk-averse. They manage financial, operational, and cybersecurity risk on every engagement—and they’re increasingly unwilling to partner with subcontractors who aren’t certified. Many primes now include specific language in RFPs, such as:
“Subcontractors must hold a current CMMC 2.0 certification to be eligible.”
Waiting to get certified is no longer a viable strategy. Subcontractors delaying certification are being excluded or disqualified from current and future opportunities.
“Fixing the Plane in Flight”
How Core Insights Accelerates Compliance
PHASE 1
Readiness & Gap Assessment
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Evaluate current cybersecurity posture
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Identify compliant areas
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Document non-compliant controls
PHASE 2
Rapid Remediation (Runs in Parallel)
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Core Insights manages remediation efforts based on findings
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Coordinates with your internal teams, vendors, and suppliers
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Procures and deploys any necessary hardware, software, or licensing
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Implements policy and control changes
PHASE 3
Audit Preparation, Certification & Maintenace
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Ensures all gaps are remediated
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Prepares you for third-party certification by a CMMC-AB-approved assessor
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CaaS by Core Insights helps maintain your alignment to CMMC updates, evidence collection and compliance monthly
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CaaS enables faster point in time remediation of new findings and shortens the recertification process
READY TO GET COMPLIANT?
Let's schedule your complimentary 1-hour CMMC consultation and outline your path to certification.
Whether it's CCPA or CMMC, compliance is no longer something to put off. The financial, legal, and competitive risks of non-compliance are rising—but with the right partner, accelerated readiness is within reach.
Need help getting started? Contact us to schedule your CMMC or CCPA compliance assessment today.
