Blog
Practical takes on CMMC, NIST 800-171, and staying compliant without losing your mind.
Facility Security Clearance (FCL): The Complete Guide for Defense Contractors
Everything defense contractors need to know about obtaining and maintaining a Facility Security Clearance (FCL): the 7-step process, FSO requirements, FOCI, timelines, and how FCL relates to CMMC.
NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3: What Changed and What It Means for CMMC
A practical breakdown of NIST SP 800-171 Revision 3: the new control families, reorganized requirements, and what DIB contractors should do now while CMMC still references Rev 2.
CMMC Level 1 vs Level 2: Which Do You Need? Complete Comparison
Understand the differences between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2, including information type, requirements, assessment status, and the current Phase 2 suspension.
CMMC Level 2 Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide for DIB Contractors
A current guide to CMMC Level 2, the 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 requirements, SPRS scoring, assessment types, and the 2026 Phase 2 suspension.
Future C3PAO Assessment Planning: An Illustrative 30-Day Checklist
An illustrative future-planning checklist for a CMMC Level 2 C3PAO assessment, with current guidance on DOD's Phase 2 suspension and contract-specific applicability.
CUI Identification and Marking: A Practical Guide for Contractors
How to identify, mark, and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in your organization. Includes marking examples, common CUI categories, and handling procedures.
How to Calculate Your SPRS Score: DOD Weight Table & Step-by-Step Guide
Learn exactly how the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score is calculated using DOD-assigned weights. Includes the full weight table, calculation examples, and common scoring mistakes.
CMMC for Small Businesses: How to Plan Without Breaking the Bank
A practical CMMC Level 2 planning guide for small defense contractors, including scope, budget categories, tools, and assessment considerations.
CMMC Evidence Planning: Common Assessment Considerations
Review illustrative evidence categories for selected NIST SP 800-171 families. Actual evidence depends on scope, implementation, assessment objectives, and the assessment method used.
CMMC Compliance Software vs. Hiring a Consultant: Planning Costs
A planning guide that separates CMMC assessment costs, implementation costs, software pricing, and optional consultant support.
CMMC Policy Documentation: Covering the 14 Control Families
A guide to documenting policies and procedures that support NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 across its 14 control families.
How to Improve an SPRS Score: Risk-Based Prioritization Strategies
A planning guide to SPRS deductions, requirement prioritization, implementation validation, and remediation sequencing without a promised timeline or result.
CMMC Enclave Architecture: Plan and Validate Assessment Scope
How to plan a CUI enclave and validate CMMC assessment scope under 32 CFR Part 170, including segmentation, asset categories, and architecture considerations.