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.
CMMC Deadline Is Real This Time: Why Small DoD Contractors Can’t Afford to Wait
The Department of Defense just put every contractor on notice: by October 1, 2025, cybersecurity compliance won’t just be “on the horizon”—it will be baked into nearly every new DoD contract. DFARS 252.204-7021 makes it official: no CMMC certification, no award. And for small businesses? That’s a game-changer with real consequences.
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.