CMMC Nears Reality: Cyber Readiness or Contracting Roadblock for Small Businesses?
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

CMMC Nears Reality: Cyber Readiness or Contracting Roadblock for Small Businesses?

After years of debate, delays, and revisions, the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is officially moving from theory to enforcement. The final CMMC 2.0 rule dropped in October 2024, and as of January 2025, DFARS clause 252.204-7021 is live. That means starting October 1, 2025, every new DoD contract—except for COTS-only buys—will carry mandatory CMMC language. For small contractors, this is no longer a “someday” compliance issue. It’s here, and it’s expensive.

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AI is Rewriting the Rulebook for Small Government Contractors—Here’s How to Keep Up
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

AI is Rewriting the Rulebook for Small Government Contractors—Here’s How to Keep Up

The federal government is going all in on artificial intelligence, and if you're a small business in the government contracting space, this isn’t just interesting—it’s urgent. New AI-powered initiatives are streamlining how agencies operate, buy, and evaluate everything from predictive maintenance to cybersecurity tools. But with the opportunities come new rules, new risks, and a serious need for compliance discipline. If you’re aiming to stay competitive (and compliant) in FY2025 and beyond, now’s the time to act.

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Cyber Rules Are Tightening—Here’s What Small Contractors Need to Know Now
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Cyber Rules Are Tightening—Here’s What Small Contractors Need to Know Now

If you're a small business in federal contracting, heads up: cybersecurity and supply-chain rules are tightening fast. New executive orders, FAR/DFARS clauses, and NDAA provisions are raising the bar—and if you're not keeping up, you could find yourself shut out of major contracting opportunities in FY2025 and beyond. But here’s the good news: with the right prep, these mandates can actually give you a leg up.

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