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 key differences between CMMC Level 1 (15 practices, self-assessment) and Level 2 (110 controls, C3PAO assessment). Learn which level your contracts require.
CMMC Level 2 Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide for DIB Contractors
Everything defense contractors need to know about CMMC Level 2 certification: the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls, SPRS scoring, C3PAO assessments, and the November 2026 deadline.
C3PAO Assessment Preparation: The 30-Day Checklist
A day-by-day preparation checklist for your CMMC Level 2 C3PAO assessment. Covers evidence gathering, SSP finalization, team preparation, and common assessment pitfalls.
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 Get Certified Without Breaking the Bank
A practical guide for small defense contractors (under 50 employees) to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification affordably. Budget strategies, tool recommendations, and timeline planning.
CMMC Evidence Collection: What Assessors Actually Want to See
Learn what evidence C3PAO assessors expect for each NIST 800-171 control family. Includes evidence type checklists, common rejection reasons, and organization strategies.
CMMC Compliance Software vs. Hiring a Consultant: Real Cost Comparison
A detailed cost comparison between CMMC compliance software platforms and traditional consultant engagements. Includes real pricing data, time-to-audit-ready analysis, and when you need both.
CMMC Policy Documentation: The 14 Policies Every Contractor Needs
A guide to the policy documents required for CMMC Level 2 certification. Covers the 14 NIST control family policies, what each must contain, and how to keep them audit-ready.
How to Improve Your SPRS Score Fast: Prioritization Strategies That Work
Tactical strategies to improve your SPRS score quickly. Learn which controls to prioritize by weight, common quick wins, and how to go from negative to positive in 60 days.
CMMC Enclave Architecture: Minimize Your Compliance Scope and Cost
How to design a CUI enclave to reduce your CMMC assessment scope. Covers network segmentation strategies, enclave sizing, and architecture patterns for small-to-mid-size contractors.