Achieving CMMC Level 2 certification is a critical requirement for defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). However, the cost of compliance can be a significant burden, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. The total expense varies based on company size, existing cybersecurity maturity, and IT infrastructure.
Fortunately, organizations can streamline and reduce costs by implementing proven strategies that enhance efficiency while maintaining compliance. Below are six cost-saving strategies to help defense contractors achieve CMMC Level 2 certification more affordably.
1. Reduce Your Compliance Boundary
One of the most effective ways to cut costs is by minimizing the compliance boundary. If only certain departments or employees handle CUI, then it makes sense to isolate those systems rather than bringing the entire company under the scope of CMMC Level 2.
How to Reduce Your Compliance Scope:
- Segment Your Network: Establish an enclave for systems processing CUI, ensuring they are separate from non-CUI systems.
- Use Dedicated Devices: Limit CUI access to specific machines, reducing the number of systems that need to meet CMMC security requirements.
- Restrict User Access: Implement strict role-based access control (RBAC) to limit who can interact with CUI.
- Use a Cloud-Based CUI Enclave: Consider adopting a secure cloud environment specifically designed to handle CUI, reducing the burden on your internal IT infrastructure.
One of the key things you have to figure out to make you successful with CMMC is scoping. Get your scope figured out and don’t include systems that are outside your scope. You’re just creating more work for yourself that you don’t need to do. By reducing scope, companies can lower assessment complexity, minimize IT infrastructure costs, and speed up the certification process.
2. Select an Easy-to-Deploy Platform to Protect CUI
Many organizations struggle with implementing CMMC-compliant systems because some solutions require a complete IT overhaul, which can be costly and disruptive. Choosing the right platform can significantly reduce implementation time, training costs, and long-term expenses.
Cost-Effective Platform Selection Tips:
- Avoid Full IT Overhauls: Some solutions, like GCC High, require complete IT system replacements, which increase deployment complexity and costs. Consider alternative solutions that meet compliance without requiring a full infrastructure change.
- Look for User-Friendly Compliance Tools: A solution that is easy to deploy and manage will reduce employee training costs and increase adoption rates.
- Ensure Compatibility with Existing Systems: Opt for a CMMC-compliant platform that integrates with your current tools, preventing unnecessary software migrations.
By choosing a cost-effective and scalable solution, organizations can minimize upfront investment while ensuring compliance.
3. Deploy a Solution with Proven CMMC Credentials
Using non-compliant systems can lead to expensive remediation efforts if an organization needs to retrofit its infrastructure to meet CMMC Level 2 standards.
Key Considerations for CMMC-Compliant Solutions:
- Verify CMMC Compliance Before Deployment: Services like Microsoft 365 Commercial and Gmail do not meet CMMC standards for storing, processing, or transmitting CUI.
- Choose FedRAMP or GCC High-Certified Services: Opt for platforms with government-recognized compliance credentials to avoid non-compliance risks.
- Prevent Costly Fixes by Planning Ahead: Implementing CMMC-ready tools from the start saves time and money by reducing the need for retroactive fixes.
Using pre-validated solutions ensures that companies do not risk security gaps, reducing both compliance costs and long-term risks.
4. Leverage Pre-Filled Compliance Documentation
A significant portion of CMMC compliance involves producing detailed documentation demonstrating how security controls are implemented. This process can be time-consuming and expensive if done from scratch.
Ways to Reduce Documentation Costs:
- Use Pre-Filled Templates: Many cybersecurity vendors and managed security service providers (MSSPs) offer pre-filled System Security Plans (SSPs), Policies, and Procedures tailored to CMMC requirements.
- Leverage Existing Documentation: If your organization already has NIST 800-171 compliance documentation, use it as a baseline rather than starting over.
- Automate Evidence Collection: Utilize security compliance software that automatically logs audit trails, configurations, and security events, making assessments easier.
By utilizing pre-filled documentation and automated tools, businesses can save hundreds of hours in compliance paperwork.
5. Leverage Certified Consultants Familiar with Your Technology
Many organizations lack the internal expertise to properly assess their security posture and prepare for CMMC Level 2 certification. Hiring CMMC-registered consultants can prevent costly mistakes while expediting the process.
How to Reduce Consultant Costs:
- Hire Experts Who Know Your Existing Systems: A consultant familiar with your IT infrastructure will require less time to assess and implement controls, saving money.
- Use a Targeted Approach: Instead of a full-service engagement, consider hiring consultants only for critical areas like scoping, documentation reviews, and final assessments.
- Utilize Virtual Assessments: Some consultants offer remote advisory services, which can be more affordable than on-site engagements.
By leveraging cost-effective consulting strategies, companies can reduce unnecessary expenses while maintaining compliance.
6. Create a Reasonable Timeline That Matches Your Budget
Since CMMC certification is a multi-step process, organizations can strategically plan their assessment timeline to align with budget cycles.
Budget-Conscious Planning Tips:
- Phase Implementation Over Multiple Budget Cycles: If your organization has a limited budget, spread compliance efforts over multiple fiscal years to avoid large, one-time expenses.
- Prioritize High-Impact Controls First: Focus on addressing high-priority security gaps before less critical requirements.
- Delay Assessment When Possible: If you meet the minimum SPRS score of 88 and your remaining requirements are allowable Plan of Action and Milestones (POAMs), consider delaying the assessment to a future budget cycle.
However, note that the Department of Defense (DoD) has the authority to audit organizations at any time. Ensure that your CUI security measures remain intact even if you delay the formal assessment.
Conclusion
Reducing CMMC Level 2 certification costs requires strategic planning and efficient resource allocation. By minimizing compliance scope, selecting cost-effective platforms, leveraging pre-filled documentation, and hiring specialized consultants, organizations can achieve compliance while staying within budget.
By following these best practices, defense contractors can protect CUI, meet DoD requirements, and secure contracts without overspending on compliance.