The Department of Defense (DoD) is making it clear: cybersecurity is now a condition for doing business. With the integration of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) into 48 CFR (Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations), compliance is no longer optional. It is a requirement—backed by law.

By October 2025, all contractors and subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must demonstrate CMMC compliance to remain eligible for DoD contracts. This timeline is fast approaching, and the time to act is now.

48 CFR: Turning Policy into Federal Mandate

48 CFR governs how the U.S. government acquires goods and services. It includes:

• FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) – applies government-wide
  
  

• DFARS (Defense FAR Supplement) – specific to the Department of Defense
  
  

Recent updates propose the formal inclusion of CMMC 2.0 as a contractual requirement. Once these updates take effect, compliance will be a legal obligation—not a future consideration.

For contractors, the shift is immediate and significant. Cybersecurity compliance under DFARS and CMMC will directly impact eligibility for current and future contracts.

October 2025: A Firm Deadline, Not a Flexible Target

The DoD plans to require CMMC certification in all solicitations starting October 2025. This means:

• All new contracts and renewals will require proof of compliance
  
  

• Non-compliant vendors may be disqualified from bidding
  
  

• Compliance status will become part of pre-award evaluations
  
  

If your organization is not already on the path to certification, the window for preparation is closing.

What CMMC 2.0 Requires

CMMC 2.0 simplifies the model but maintains strict requirements for protecting federal information. Most DoD contractors must:

• Implement 110 practices based on NIST SP 800-171
  
  

• Complete either self-assessments or third-party assessments, depending on the sensitivity of the data handled
  
  

• Submit accurate documentation and scores to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)
  
  

CMMC 2.0 reflects the DoD’s increasing emphasis on measurable cybersecurity practices and verified readiness.

Why Compliance Takes Time

CMMC compliance is not a checklist—it is a comprehensive process that affects people, processes, and technology. Depending on your organization’s current cybersecurity posture, achieving compliance can take nine to eighteen months or more.

Key steps include:

• Conducting a CMMC readiness assessment
  
  

• Identifying how and where CUI is stored, processed, or transmitted
  
  

• Implementing required technical and procedural controls
  
  

• Developing complete and compliant documentation, including system security plans, incident response procedures, and POA&Ms
  
  

• Preparing for and completing a formal assessment
  
  

This work requires coordination, planning, and a strong understanding of regulatory expectations. Delaying the process increases the risk of contract disruption.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with CMMC and 48 CFR requirements can result in:

• Ineligibility for new DoD contracts
  
  

• Termination of current contracts during compliance reviews
  
  

• Competitive disadvantage in procurement evaluations
  
  

• Exposure to penalties under the False Claims Act for inaccurate self-attestations
  
  

Non-compliance affects both short-term revenue and long-term business viability.

Techellence: Your Partner in Compliance

Techellence helps defense contractors navigate the full compliance lifecycle with a structured and tailored approach. Our team delivers:

• CMMC readiness assessments and gap analysis
  
  

• Implementation support for NIST SP 800-171 requirements
  
  

• Development of required security policies and documentation
  
  

• Technical remediation and validation of cybersecurity controls
  
  

• Pre-assessment preparation and ongoing advisory support
  
  

We align security improvements with contract requirements, helping you move confidently toward compliance without disrupting operations.

Case Insight: Compliance Delayed, Revenue Lost

A mid-sized defense supplier approached Techellence in early 2025 after being disqualified from a contract re-compete due to a lack of certification. They had assumed the requirement would not be enforced until 2026. The delay cost them over $4 million in missed revenue, and it took 14 months to reach readiness.

This scenario is becoming increasingly common. Contractors that wait too long may find themselves locked out of opportunities they previously relied on.

Conclusion: Act Now to Secure Your Future

With CMMC enforcement embedded into 48 CFR, the need for action is immediate. October 2025 is not just a target—it is a deadline, and the consequences of inaction are real.

Techellence is ready to guide your organization through this process with clarity, confidence, and proven results.