CMMC Compliance for Defense Contractors | Concerto Networks
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Compliance & Security Series

CMMC Compliance for Defense
Contractors in Michigan

February 20, 2026 Compliance Alert By Scott MacMartin

For defense contractors in Michigan's critical manufacturing sector, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is no longer a "future goal"—it is an immediate requirement to protect your contracts and secure the DoD supply chain.

Securing the Supply Chain

Michigan is a powerhouse for defense manufacturing, but this makes our local industry a prime target for state-sponsored cyber threats. The Department of Defense (DoD) has introduced CMMC to ensure that Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is handled with the same rigor as classified data. Failure to meet these standards doesn't just result in a fine; it results in the loss of eligibility for federal contracts.

1. Gap Analysis: Know Where You Stand

You cannot fix what you haven't measured. The first step in any CMMC journey is a deep-dive Gap Analysis. This isn't just a surface-level scan; it's a rigorous audit of your policies and physical infrastructure.

  • NIST SP 800-171 Baseline: We measure your current environment against the 110 technical and administrative controls of NIST 800-171.
  • Artifact Collection: We begin identifying the evidence (logs, policies, screenshots) that you will eventually need to show a third-party assessor.
  • Milestone Planning: Identify "low-hanging fruit" that can be fixed immediately to reduce your risk profile.

2. Technical Remediation: Locking the Doors

Remediation is where the "heavy lifting" happens. It’s the implementation of the specific security tools required by the DoD. Compliance is not just a checkbox; it's a technology stack.

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA must be applied to every user and every device that accesses CUI.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): You need advanced monitoring to identify and neutralize threats in real-time, moving beyond traditional antivirus.
  • Encrypted Backups: Backups must be immutable and encrypted, ensuring that even in the event of a breach, your data remains secure and recoverable.

3. SSP Creation: Documenting Your Defense

In the eyes of a CMMC assessor, if it isn't documented, it doesn't exist. The System Security Plan (SSP) is the most critical document in your compliance folder.

  • System Security Plan (SSP): A comprehensive document detailing how your network is protected and how each of the 110 controls is met.
  • Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM): If you have unmet controls, you must document your plan to reach compliance. Note: CMMC 2.0 limits the use of POAMs for certain high-priority controls.
  • C3PAO Readiness: We prepare your team for the final audit by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), ensuring your staff knows exactly how to demonstrate your security protocols.

The CMMC Pro-Tip

"Start your Gap Analysis today. The average remediation period for a mid-sized Michigan manufacturer is 6 to 9 months. If you wait for the RFP to land on your desk to start your CMMC journey, you’ve already lost the contract."

Why Partner with Concerto for CMMC?

Concerto Networks provides a turnkey compliance solution for Michigan contractors. We don't just give you a report; we implement the MFA, secure the backups, and write the SSP alongside you. We are your local partners in securing the Detroit defense industry.

Tags: CMMC Cybersecurity Defense Industry
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Detailed Gap Analysis
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