The long-awaited 48 CFR Final Rule – aka, the regulation that gives CMMC real enforcement power – is now under final review at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
This is a key moment. Once approved and published in the Federal Register, this rule will officially enable the Department of Defense to include CMMC requirements directly in new contract opportunities. No more waiting. No more gray areas.
What Is CMMC?
CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.
It’s a cybersecurity framework created by the Department of Defense to ensure that companies working with the government (especially in the defense sector) are protecting sensitive data like:
- Federal Contract Information (FCI)
- Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
In the past, companies could simply self-attest that they followed these cybersecurity rules. There was no verification.
Now, CMMC will raise that bar, requiring third-party certification and giving the DoD the power to enforce compliance through contract requirements.
What Does 48 CFR Rule Mean for Government Contractors?
In short: if your business touches Controlled Unclassified Information or Federal Contract Information, you’ll soon need to prove your cybersecurity posture through CMMC certification in order to compete.
This rule will:
- Give DoD contracting officers the authority to require CMMC in solicitations
- Impact thousands of existing and future contractors
- Shift CMMC from a guidance model to an enforced requirement
The Window to Prepare Is Closing
This has been a long time coming. The 48 CFR rule has been in the works since early 2020, but now the rubber’s about to meet the road.
Contractors need to:
- Finalize their system security plans
- Close compliance gaps
- Budget for third-party assessments (where required)
As a contractor, you must be certified before bidding. Once this rule is active, CMMC will be required at the time of proposal for many opportunities. No last-minute scrambling.
Need help getting ready for CMMC?
Our trusted partner, Cybersec Investments, specializes in preparing contractors for successful certification. Schedule a consultation with Fernando Machado’s team to assess your current posture and plan your next steps.