CMMC Compliance Deadline: October 1, 2025 - Don't Lose Million-Dollar Defense Contracts
With 47 days until the October 1 CMMC 2.0 deadline, manufacturers risk losing $2.3M+ DoD contracts. Learn the requirements, costs of waiting, and 7-week action plan to certify on time.
Schapira Team
Team leader of Finance
August 15, 2024
5 min read
With just 47 days until October 1, 2025, manufacturers vying for Department of Defense contracts face a hard deadline: full compliance with CMMC 2.0 requirements.
⚠️ Missing certification risks losing contracts worth an average of $2.3 million annually—a cost no manufacturer can afford.
Why CMMC Matters for Manufacturers in 2025
in annual DoD spending is accessible only to CMMC-compliant suppliers
of manufacturers fail their first CMMC audit, often due to documentation gaps and technical misconfigurations
Non-compliance means automatic disqualification from contract awards, delaying revenue and damaging reputation
Key CMMC Requirements by October 1
1. Access Control & Identification
- • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts accessing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- • Unique user IDs and account locking on repeated login failures
2. Incident Response & Reporting
- • Documented incident response plan with test results within the past year
- • Rapid reporting procedures for suspected breaches
3. Configuration Management
- • Baseline secure configurations for all systems; documented change control logs
- • Vulnerability scans every 90 days and remediation tracking
4. System & Information Integrity
- • Real-time malware protection and automated patch management
- • Logging of system events with retention for at least 90 days
5. Risk Assessment & Monitoring
- • Annual risk assessments aligned with NIST SP 800-171 controls
- • Continuous monitoring tools feeding into a central Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system
The Cost of Waiting
Lost Contracts
Average DoD contract value per manufacturer: $2.3 million
Remediation Expenses
Post-audit remediation costs range from $50,000 to $200,000 for consultants and staff time
Opportunity Cost
Delays in certification can push contract awards into 2026 budgets, disrupting growth plans
Action Plan: 47 Days to Certification
Week 1–2: Gap Analysis
Conduct a full assessment against CMMC 2.0 requirements (NIST SP 800-171). Identify critical deficiencies in policies, procedures, and technical controls.
Week 3–4: Remediation & Documentation
Implement MFA, secure configurations, and SIEM integration. Develop and test incident response and risk assessment procedures. Compile policy manuals, risk registers, and security plan documents.
Week 5–6: Internal Testing & Training
Run a mock third-party assessment to pinpoint lingering issues. Train employees on new cybersecurity protocols and reporting processes.
Week 7: Third-Party Assessment Scheduling
Engage a certified C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization). Submit pre-assessment evidence and schedule on-site evaluation.
By October 1: Certification
Pass the official CMMC 2.0 audit and obtain certification letter. Update DoD contract registrations (e.g., SAM.gov) to reflect compliant status.
Why Partner with Schapira CPA for CMMC Compliance
Schapira CPA goes beyond traditional accounting to offer:
Financial Planning for Cybersecurity Investments
Optimizing budgets and claiming eligible cybersecurity tax incentives
Documentation & Audit Support
Ensuring policy manuals, risk assessments, and incident response plans meet CMMC standards
Integrated Compliance & Tax Strategy
Aligning cybersecurity spend with R&D and Section 179 deductions to maximize cash flow benefits
Conclusion: Act Now to Secure Your Future Contracts
The October 1, 2025 CMMC compliance deadline is looming. Manufacturers who prepare early not only safeguard access to high-value defense contracts but also strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture—benefits that extend well beyond DoD work.
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