CMMC Compliance Guide

CMMC Compliance Guide
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Our experiences inspired the creation of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast and its accompanying resources. The podcast began as a way to share what we learned through real-world challenges—like helping that aerospace machine shop—and to provide accessible education for businesses navigating DoD cybersecurity requirements. The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast breaks down complex topics like NIST 800-171 and CMMC into actionable, easy-to-understand steps. Whether you’re a subcontractor struggling to meet compliance deadlines or a business owner looking to secure your supply chain, the guide offers practical advice to help you take control of your cybersecurity journey.

  1. 16H AGO

    Key Takeaways from the January 2026 CMMC Town Hall: Hard Copy CUI, Scope, and Program Changes

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The January 2026 CMMC Town Hall brought several important clarifications and program updates that directly impact Department of War (DoD) contractors. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, we break down what changed, what was clarified, and what contractors should take away from the latest guidance. We cover: New DOW CIO leadership changes and what they mean for CMMCUpdated clarification on Hard Copy CUI (and what qualifies)Why encryption alone does NOT define scopeGovernment shutdown impact on assessmentsC3PAO reauthorization and ISO 17020 accreditationKECO transition to ISACA and certification updatesWhat all of this means for contractors planning in 2026The biggest theme? CMMC is not slowing down. It’s becoming more standardized, more mature, and more defined. If you’re planning contracts in 2026, now is the time to understand how these updates affect your scope, documentation, and assessment strategy.

    28 min

  2. FEB 6

    Why Feeling “CMMC Ready” Isn’t the Same as Passing a Level 2 Assessment

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Many DoW contractors feel confident they’re ready for a CMMC Level 2 assessment until assessors get involved. That’s when gaps in documentation, scope, and operational maturity start to surface. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke breaks down why implementation alone does not equal readiness. We walk through what assessors look for before technical testing even begins, why documentation is often the real reason companies fail, and how poor scoping or misaligned staff interviews can derail an assessment. You’ll learn: Why “feeling ready” is not the same as being assessment-readyWhat assessors review first during the readiness and pre-assessment phaseHow SSP quality can make or break your assessmentWhy screenshots alone are not sufficient evidenceHow POAMs are viewed during Level 2 assessmentsThe role of operational maturity and ongoing proofHow scope and employee interviews expose readiness gapsHow to realistically self-check readiness before scheduling an assessmentIf you’re preparing for a CMMC Level 2 assessment or think you’re close this episode will help you identify blind spots before they cost you time, money, or certification.

    20 min

  3. JAN 30

    CMMC FAQ Update: Timeline, Subcontractor Flowdowns, Enclaves, Cloud Rules, and VDI Scope Explained

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The DoW just released updated CMMC FAQs that clarify the rules contractors keep getting wrong. In this episode, Austin and Brooke break down what the new guidance actually says, what it means for your scope, and where vendor and architecture decisions can derail an assessment before it even starts. We cover the most important FAQ clarifications, including: The real CMMC timeline and what Phase 1 vs Phase 2 changesWhy primes may demand Level 2 earlier than the official datesFlowdown requirements for subcontractors (and what “defensible” verification looks like)The myth that encrypted CUI is no longer CUI (it is still CUI)Whether CMMC assessment results will be public (they will not)POAM vs “operational POAM” and why the distinction mattersHard copy only CUI: when Level 2 may not apply (and the strict caveats)Why encryption does not create logical separation or reduce scopeEnclaves and enterprise networking components: what pulls systems in scope (and what does not)Cloud storage rules: why non-FedRAMP clouds cannot store encrypted CUIMSP requirements: do MSPs need CMMC certification (and what a CRM must include)VDI scope rules: when endpoints can be out of scope, and when they are automatically in scopeIf you are making decisions around scope, vendors, cloud tools, backups, enclaves, or VDI, this episode will help you avoid assumptions that assessors will not accept.

    51 min

  4. JAN 23

    How to Triage CMMC Compliance When You’re Overwhelmed and Short on Time

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! When CMMC compliance starts to feel overwhelming, most companies don’t fail because they lack effort, they fail because they don’t know where to start. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey break down why CMMC feels so urgent and high-risk for small and mid-sized DoD contractors, and how to triage your compliance work so you can make real progress without burning out. This episode covers: Why starting at control 3.1.1 is a mistake for most companiesHow poor scoping makes CMMC feel impossibleWhat assessors actually prioritize firstWhich controls are non-POAMable and must be addressed earlyHow to reduce scope without cutting cornersWhen tools help and when they waste time and moneyHow to approach SSPs, policies, and POAMs the right wayPractical steps small teams can take to regain control of CMMC If CMMC feels like everything is urgent and nothing is moving fast enough, this episode will help you slow down, focus, and build a plan that actually works.

    28 min

  5. JAN 16

    CMMC Evidence 101: How to Prove NIST 800-171 Compliance in a Level 2 Assessment

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Get your free SPRS Roadmap here: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the #1 thing that trips companies up before a CMMC Level 2 assessment: evidence. Having a binder of policies (or a 300-page SSP) is not enough. Assessors want proof you are doing what you say you do consistently, over time and they want it organized so they can quickly map evidence to controls and assessment objectives. You’ll learn: What assessors mean by “acceptable evidence” (and what doesn’t count)The “who, what, when, where” test for logs and proofHow tickets, approvals, and checklists strengthen your evidence trailWhat to avoid putting in cloud ticketing systems (SPD risks)Manufacturer-specific pitfalls assessors notice on the shop floorWhy “fresh out of the oven” evidence raises red flagsHow GRC tools can make evidence collection and linking easier

    1h 11m

  6. JAN 9

    What CMMC Assessors Notice First: Early Red Flags That Fail Level 2 Assessments

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! What do CMMC Level 2 assessors notice first, sometimes within the first day, before they ever dig into your firewall configs or deep technical testing? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the early red flags that can derail your assessment fast. We cover what assessors ask for right out of the gate (and how quickly you need to respond), why generic SSPs create problems, how scoping mistakes happen in the real world (downloads folders, copiers, shop floor machines), and what it means when your policies do not match what employees actually do. If you want to pass your CMMC Level 2 assessment, this episode will help you tighten your documentation, evidence, and scope before the assessor ever starts technical validation.

    45 min

  7. JAN 2

    CMMC Paperwork Without the Pain: How to Simplify Policies, SSP, and Evidence (Level 1 vs Level 2)

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Most small and mid-sized manufacturers do not fail CMMC because of “tech.” They fail because their documentation does not match how the shop actually runs. In this episode, Austin and Brooke break down how to build CMMC documentation that is concise, accurate, and assessor-friendly without drowning in templates that were never written for your business. You will learn why template overload causes gaps, how to keep policies aligned to real workflows, and what “minimally sufficient” documentation looks like for both Level 1 and Level 2. We also cover the difference between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 documentation expectations, why evidence retention and verifiable processes matter, and how to decide between a file system approach vs a GRC tool to keep version control and proof organized for assessment day. If you are a machine shop, aerospace manufacturer, or engineering firm trying to get compliant without creating a 400-page monster, this is your playbook.

    54 min

  8. 12/26/2025

    How CMMC Became a Competitive Advantage for DoD Contractors

    Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! CMMC is no longer just a compliance requirement. It is now a competitive advantage that directly impacts who wins and who loses DoD contracts. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Stacey and Brooke break down how the final 48 CFR rule has changed the contracting landscape and why primes are now aggressively pushing CMMC requirements down to their subcontractors. We explain how CMMC certification, SPRS scores, and assessment status are already being used to evaluate risk and readiness, even before certification becomes mandatory on every contract. You will learn why contractors who are already certified, or at least scheduled for certification, are gaining an edge over competitors who waited too long. We also cover how flow-down requirements work, how primes protect themselves from False Claims Act risk, and why small businesses face a higher barrier to entry than midsize firms. This episode also explains how contracting officers and primes view SPRS scores, what happens once certifications are uploaded through EMASS, and why CMMC status is not likely to become publicly searchable. Finally, Brooke walks through what contractors should be doing right now to stay competitive, including scoping CUI, running gap assessments, engaging a C3PAO early, and preparing subcontractor oversight. If you want to keep winning DoD contracts in 2026 and beyond, this episode will help you understand how CMMC is reshaping the defense industrial base and what actions you need to take now.

    26 min
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About

Our experiences inspired the creation of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast and its accompanying resources. The podcast began as a way to share what we learned through real-world challenges—like helping that aerospace machine shop—and to provide accessible education for businesses navigating DoD cybersecurity requirements. The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast breaks down complex topics like NIST 800-171 and CMMC into actionable, easy-to-understand steps. Whether you’re a subcontractor struggling to meet compliance deadlines or a business owner looking to secure your supply chain, the guide offers practical advice to help you take control of your cybersecurity journey.

Information

  • Creator
    CMMC Compliance Guide
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CMMC Compliance Guide
  • Show Website
    CMMC Compliance Guide