Training & Education

CMMC Phase 2 and CMMC Level 2 refer to two different parts of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. Phase 2 is an implementation stage, while Level 2 is a cybersecurity assessment level for organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information. Here is what defense contractors need to understand—especially following the 2026 suspension of Phase 2.

The Department of War suspended the transition to CMMC Phase II, but it did not suspend the obligation to protect Controlled Unclassified Information. Phase I self-assessment requirements remain in place, and contractors must still address applicable DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, CUI handling, documentation and supply-chain obligations. Here are seven costly mistakes defense contractors should correct during the pause.

CMMC Phase II is paused, but CMMC Phase I requirements remain in place. Defense contractors may still need Level 1 or Level 2 self-assessments, current SPRS records, annual affirmations, accurate assessment scopes, and continued protection of FCI and CUI.

The CMMC Phase II pause action plan gives defense contractors a practical 60-day roadmap to confirm requirements, map CUI, correct scope, strengthen safeguards, build evidence, and prepare for what comes next.

Watch CUI Supply’s recorded discussion about the CMMC Phase 2 pause, the confusion surrounding the announcement, and what defense contractors should consider before changing their compliance plans.

The CMMC Phase 2 pause has created confusion across the Defense Industrial Base. Join CUI Supply on July 29 for a free public webinar that separates fact from fiction, addresses common misconceptions, and helps contractors understand what they should be watching next.

The Department of War has paused the rollout of CMMC Phase 2, but that does not mean CMMC Level 2, NIST SP 800-171, DFARS requirements, or CUI safeguarding obligations have been canceled or suspended. Contractors should use this review period to close security gaps, maintain accurate self-assessments, and continue protecting Controlled Unclassified Information—not put compliance efforts on hold.

The CMMC Phase 2 pause has created new questions across the Defense Industrial Base. Learn what the announcement means, what requirements remain in effect, and how to join CUI Supply’s free customer-exclusive webinar.

If you work with the Department of Defense (DoD) or support the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), you’ve almost certainly heard the term CUI—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood concepts in compliance. Understanding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is foundational to DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC compliance. This guide breaks it down clearly and practically.

Does ITAR or EAR-controlled technical data count as CUI under a DoD contract? In many cases, yes. When export-controlled technical data or technology is provided by the government or generated during DoD contract performance, it may qualify as CUI and require proper marking, access controls, and physical safeguarding. This guide explains how ITAR, EAR, DFARS 252.204-7012, and CUI requirements intersect, what manufacturers need to protect, and how to reduce compliance risk in engineering, production, quality, and visitor-access areas.

Important clarifications provided by the DoD were recently released on the CMMC Phase I timeline and the impact on contracts after the effective date. The deadline is September 2025... Are you ready?