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What Is CMMC and Why Should You Care?

  • Writer: Andrew S
    Andrew S
  • Jun 5
  • 2 min read

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue - it’s a supply chain issue. As cyber threats continue to rise, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other high-security sectors are raising the bar for who they work with. That’s where CMMC comes in.


Whether you're a prime contractor or a small shop machining components, if you're connected to the defense industrial base in any way, CMMC compliance is going to affect you - if it hasn’t already.


At AB Precision Grinding, we’re actively implementing CMMC Level 2 (aligned with NIST SP 800-171) because we know that protecting data is just as important as protecting parts.


What Is CMMC?

CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It’s a framework developed by the Department of Defense to ensure that companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) have appropriate cybersecurity protections in place.


Think of CMMC as a way to verify that the companies who touch sensitive, defense-related data are doing their part to protect it - from the front office to the shop floor.


There are several levels of CMMC, with Level 2 being required for any company that works with CUI. It requires full implementation of the 110 controls in NIST SP 800-171, covering areas like:


  • Access control

  • Data encryption

  • Multifactor authentication

  • Network security

  • Employee training

  • Incident response plans


Why It Matters - Even If You’re Not a Prime Contractor

You might be thinking: “We’re a job shop - why should we worry about this?”

The answer: because compliance flows downhill. Even if you’re not bidding directly on defense contracts, your customers might be. And they need assurance that every link in their supply chain - including you - is secure.


If you want to stay competitive in aerospace, defense, energy, or advanced manufacturing, CMMC readiness is quickly becoming a minimum requirement.


Here’s what’s at stake:

  • Access to contracts - especially with DoD primes and Tier 1 suppliers

  • Fewer delays caused by customer audits or noncompliance

  • Long-term relationships with clients who are working in secure, high-trust environments


What We're Doing at AB Precision Grinding

We’re in the process of becoming CMMC Level 2 compliant by July 2025, as part of our broader modernization efforts. Our cybersecurity strategy includes:


  • Strict access controls and multi-factor authentication

  • End-to-end encryption for sensitive data

  • Segmented networks and limited user privileges

  • Staff training on phishing and threat awareness

  • Regular internal audits and incident response protocols


We’re partnering with a compliance consultant to ensure our systems meet the full requirements - not just on paper, but in practice.


Compliance Is the New Cost of Entry

In many ways, CMMC is like ISO or AS9100 - it’s a proof point. It says to your customers:

“You can trust us to protect your data like we protect your parts.”

At AB Precision Grinding, we believe that trust is earned through both capability and responsibility. That’s why we’re investing in the systems that allow us to grow - and help our clients grow - securely.


Want to know more about how CMMC affects your business or supply chain? 


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