CMMC 2.0 Compliance: Is It Worth the Investment for Your Business?

Dec 4, 2024 | CMMC, Cybersecurity, IT Operations

CMMC 2.0 Compliance:

Is It Worth the Investment for Your Business? 

 

Hi, I’m David Winn, Certified CMMC Assessor and compliance advocate. As someone who has worked with businesses across the DoD supply chain, I know firsthand how overwhelming CMMC 2.0 compliance can feel. With the expected 2025 rollout just around the corner, you’re likely asking the same question I hear from contractors every day: “Is pursuing CMMC compliance worth it for my business?” 

Let’s explore the stakes, the potential return on investment, and the path forward to help you make an informed decision that’s right for your company. 

 

What’s at Stake? 

  1. Your DoD Contracts

CMMC 2.0 compliance isn’t going to be optional—it will soon be a requirement to bid on new DoD contracts or even keep the ones you already have. Without certification, your ability to stay in the defense supply chain is at risk. 

Important Questions to Ask Yourself: 

    • How much of your revenue depends on DoD contracts? 
    • Are you prepared to walk away from those opportunities if you’re not compliant? 

For many businesses I’ve worked with, the answer is clear: they can’t afford to lose their contracts.  

  1. Supply Chain Pressures

Even before the deadlines take full effect, prime contractors are already requiring subcontractors to show progress toward compliance. Falling behind could jeopardize your partnerships and put you at a competitive disadvantage. 

 

What Does Compliance Cost? 

I won’t sugarcoat it—CMMC compliance requires time, effort, and investment. But with the right plan, it’s a manageable process. Here’s what is involved from an investment standpoint: 

  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Your IT systems must meet specific standards, which may mean investing in new technology or improving your existing setup. 
  • Training and Documentation: Compliance isn’t just about systems; your team needs to know their role in maintaining security and preparing for assessments. 
  • Assessments: Depending on your level, you’ll need self-assessments or third-party audits, which come with associated costs. 

From my experience, getting certified takes about 8–10 months. That’s six to eight months of scoping, fixing gaps, upgrading systems, and preparing for a detailed audit. It’s a lot of work, and here’s the kicker: if you wait too long to start, you’ll miss your shot. 

If you decide this is worth the investment for your business —if keeping your DoD contracts is part of your future—you need to act now. Waiting until the requirements are enforced isn’t an option. Why? Because you won’t have enough time to get everything in place by the time the requirements actually take affect. 

Think about it like this: the certification process isn’t a last-minute sprint—it’s a marathon. Every month you delay increases the risk of falling behind. Assessors are already in high demand, and bottlenecks are inevitable as deadlines approach. With only a limited number of certified assessors available nationwide, the supply simply can’t keep pace with the anticipated demand as the 2025 rollout draws closer. As more businesses scramble to schedule their assessments, those who wait may face significant delays—potentially months or more—just to secure a spot. Starting now ensures you can secure your place in line, protect your contracts, and avoid disruptions to your business.

If keeping your DoD contracts matters to you, don’t wait until the door is closing.  

 

Is It Worth It? Let’s Talk ROI. 

The real question isn’t just about the cost—it’s about the value compliance brings to your business. 

1. Keep Existing Contracts: Compliance ensures you don’t lose the contracts you’ve worked hard to secure. 

2. Win New Business: Certification positions your business for future DoD opportunities, potentially opening doors you couldn’t access before. 

3. Competitive Edge: The reality is, many businesses will delay their compliance efforts, ultimately losing out on valuable contracts. This creates a significant opportunity for those who act now to secure their CMMC compliance. By being proactive, you position yourself to not only retain your current contracts but also capitalize on new opportunities left behind by those who were unprepared. If expanding your DoD contract portfolio is a priority, now is the time to take the lead and gain a competitive advantage.  

On the other hand, the cost of non-compliance can be devastating—not just missed contracts, but potential liability under the False Claims Act if you misrepresent your compliance status. 

How to Decide if Moving Forward with CMMC 2.0 Compliance Is Right for Your Business 

Making the decision to pursue CMMC 2.0 compliance comes down to understanding your unique situation. Here are a few key points I recommend considering: 

1. Evaluate Your Dependence on DoD Contracts: 

Take a close look at how much of your revenue relies on DoD contracts. If they represent a significant portion of your business, compliance is not just beneficial—it’s essential to continue working with the DoD. 

2. Weigh Costs Against Risks: 

Assess the cost of becoming compliant and compare it to the potential revenue you could lose if you aren’t. Keep in mind that compliance isn’t just about retaining current contracts—it could also position you for future opportunities. 

3. Seek Clarity Before You Commit: 

If you’re unsure about the cost, time, or steps involved, getting an objective evaluation can help. A consultation or site visit can provide clarity so you can make the best decision for your business. 

The goal is to approach this decision thoughtfully, with all the information in hand. Compliance isn’t the right move for every business, but if DoD contracts are a priority, it’s worth exploring carefully. 

 

Next Steps and Guidance on Your CMMC 2.0 Compliance Journey 

I’m part of the team at Help Desk Cavalry, where we make compliance manageable. We specialize in guiding businesses through the CMMC process so you don’t have to go it alone. 

Here’s how we help: 

  • Scoping and Gap Assessments: We’ll identify what you need to change to meet compliance. 
  • Planning and Implementation: Together, we’ll build and execute a tailored roadmap to certification. 
  • Ongoing Support: Compliance isn’t a one-time event. We’ll help you maintain it with continuous monitoring and preparation for future audits. 

 

CMMC 2.0 compliance isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to secure your business’s future. Let’s figure this out together. Contact Help Desk Cavalry today for a free consultation and start your compliance journey with confidence. 

Take advantage of our Free CMMC 2.0 Compliance Readiness Consult. Find out where you are in the process and what next steps to compliance looks like for your business: 

Schedule Yours HERE

Authored By: David Winn, CCA