S. Beckman
Sturnella, Wyoming, United States
Keywords: Cyber governance, Secure defense innovation, Cybersecurity maturity, National security readiness, Supply chain risk management
CMMC is no longer a future compliance concept for the defense industrial base. Phased implementation is now underway, defense contractors and subcontractors are increasingly expected to understand how Federal Contract Information, Controlled Unclassified Information, SPRS reporting, executive affirmations, and assessment readiness affect their ability to compete for and perform on defense contracts. For many defense tech and dual-use companies, the challenge is not only technical control implementation. It is translating cybersecurity requirements into business decisions that CEOs, CFOs, general counsel, program leaders, and prime-contractor partners can act on. Companies must understand what information they handle, which systems are in scope, what evidence is required, who is accountable for affirmations, and how gaps may affect contract eligibility, funding timelines, teaming agreements, and prime-subcontractor relationships. This presentation introduces an executive-readiness framework for CMMC preparation focused on contract risk reduction. The session is designed for small and mid-sized defense contractors and companies in and preparing to enter the defense supply chain. Rather than treating CMMC as a checklist or purely technical exercise, this approach frames cybersecurity readiness as a business enabler: protecting contract eligibility, strengthening prime-contractor confidence, supporting defensible affirmations, and reducing late-stage surprises during assessment, diligence, or award processes.