July 07, 2025
If you're in manufacturing for the defense industry, you're dealing with the acronym: CMMC. And if you're a CFO, odds are you're the one being asked to fund it, justify it, and explain it to a board that doesn't always understand it. Sound familiar?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now a gatekeeper. If you're not compliant—or can't prove you're on your way—you risk losing access to valuable DoD contracts. And it's not just about passing a test. It's about showing you can protect sensitive information across your systems and supply chain. The truth is, performance audits are already happening, and suppliers are already feeling the impact—either as preferred partners or liabilities.
The Department of Defense reports that 89% of all defense-related cyber breaches originate not at prime contractors, but in Tier 2 and Tier 3 vendors—those with the least oversight.
One Ohio-based supplier took the leap early. They had worked with a compliance-focused IT partner to implement NIST 800-171 controls and document every move. Updating to CMMC Level 2 was not a huge process. Their pre-assessment mock audit showed 98% readiness. Not only did they retain their DoD contract—they became the lead candidate for additional sub-tier work.
"Great companies face brutal facts—but never lose faith in their ability to prevail." - Jim Collins
Another supplier, just down the interstate, treated 800-171 like another box to check. They cobbled together a response the night before a defense client's surprise audit. It didn't go well. Two months later, that suspended their business until they fully complied—and the CFO was left explaining why.
"Security is not a product—it's a mindset." - David Rendall
You don't want to be the one who didn't take the warning signs seriously. As someone who's worked shoulder-to-shoulder with ops and finance teams, I know the tension that lives in this space. You're guarding the books, the brand, and now—national security standards. That's a lot for one title.
If a prime contractor asked for your cyber hygiene documentation tomorrow, would your team be ready?
Interested in a conversation or want to learn more about Affiliated's IT Services for Manufacturers in Ohio ? Call us or email michaelmoran@aresgrp.com.
