Defense Contracts Now Need Cyber Proof
Your next defense contract got harder. Starting October 1, 2025, the Department of Defense requires CMMC for all defense contractors. If you miss this, you cannot bid on contracts. Your past work, pricing, and skills won't matter.
Many big contractors already want CMMC from their defense contractor partners. This change is hitting the industry hard.
Why Waiting Costs More Than Acting Now
CMMC Level 1 prep takes 2-4 months when you plan ahead. But what happens if you wait too long? You'll face rushed deadlines that lead to emergency fees and overtime costs. These delays can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
If your assessment fails, you have to start over completely. This means you could miss important contract opportunities while your competitors who prepared early win the work.
Here's the good news though. CMMC Level 1 isn't another compliance hurdle. It's actually your path to a more secure position as a defense contractor.
CMMC Level 1: Your Starting Point
CMMC Level 1 applies when contracts only have Federal Contract Information (FCI). This means no Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is involved. You can test yourself instead of hiring an expensive outside tester.
The self-test needs 17 cybersecurity steps. A top executive must sign a form saying everything works right. No partial credit - every step must work fully.
These 17 steps fall into four key areas:
Access Management
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Limit system access to approved users only
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Control user rights and outside connections
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Check identities before giving access
Information Protection
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Control information on public systems
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Protect data stored on your systems
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Clean media with federal contract information
System Security
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Update and patch systems often
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Scan for weak spots regularly
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Watch and control information systems
Daily Controls
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Give cyber safety training to all staff
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Control remote access and wireless connections
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Report cyber problems quickly
Each step needs proper paperwork and proof that it works. It also needs ongoing care. Many contractors struggle here first.
Success means treating each step as both a rule to follow and a business safety boost.
Your Investment Pays Back Twice
Typical CMMC Level 1 setup costs $15,000-$30,000 for small to mid-sized defense contractors. This covers safety tools, paperwork, and expert help. Think about the other choice - losing contract rights means losing your entire defense income.
The safety controls you put in place for CMMC Level 1 also cut your cyber risk. These same controls protect your business from cyber threats that can shut down operations and cost millions in lost revenue.
Key cost areas include:
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Safety tools and software: $8,000-$12,000
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Policy paperwork and steps: $5,000-$10,000
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Staff training and setup support: $2,000-$8,000
Companies that see CMMC as just a compliance cost miss the bigger picture. You're building a safer operation that helps you compete better for bigger, higher-value contracts.
Common Setup Mistakes
Most defense contractors guess wrong about the paperwork needs. CMMC Level 1 needs clear proof that each control works. This means you need activity logs, setup screenshots, training records, and policy sign-offs.
Another common mistake is thinking existing IT steps automatically meet CMMC rules.
Common gaps include:
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Poor access control paperwork
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Missing weak spot scanning steps
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Incomplete incident response plans
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Not enough cyber safety training records
The defense contractors doing well with CMMC Level 1 start early. They plan step by step and treat it as a business boost, not rule following.
Start Your CMMC Level 1 Journey Today
Don't wait until contract needs force you to rush. The October 2025 deadline comes faster than most contractors think. Starting your CMMC Level 1 prep now gives you time for proper setup, staff training, and careful testing.
Begin with these steps:
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Download the CMMC Level 1 Self-Test Guide from the Department of Defense
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Check your current cybersecurity steps against the 17 needed steps
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Find gaps and guess setup timelines
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Create a step-by-step plan with clear goals
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Begin with the most critical safety controls while building complete paperwork
Need help with CMMC Level 1? Contact Prescott today to learn how we can support your cyber safety and rule-following needs.
