CMMC Compliance Deadlines: Key Dates and What You Need to Know
Stay ahead of the CMMC compliance deadline. Learn key dates, what’s required for DoD contractors, and how to prepare well beforehand.
The CMMC Final Rule (48 CFR) was published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2025, starting November 10, 2025, CMMC requirements can be added into new Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.
If you’re a defense contractor or want to work with the DoD), you need to prepare for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance now. This guide provides a clear overview of the key deadlines and rule updates to keep in mind.
Key CMMC Compliance Dates
From October 31 2026, CMMC certification will be mandatory for all new DoD contracts.
Here is the full CMMC implementation timeline to help you plan your compliance efforts in 2025 and beyond.
Final Rule - December 16, 2024
The CMMC Final Rule (32 CFR) officially took effect on 16 December 2024.
Many contractors used this milestone to start gap assessments and remediation plans to prepare for changes in their contract. However, if you haven’t, there is still time to start the CMMC compliance process.
First Phase of Enforcement - November 10, 2025
The 48 CFR rule was published in the Federal Register on September 10 2025. Beginning November 10 2025, CMMC requirements will be enforced, targeting high-priority existing programs handling FCI or CUI.
Broader Rollout - Q1, 2026
CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 requirements will begin appearing in more DoD contracts. While Level 1 can be self-assessed, Level 2 will require further preparation and a CMMC assessment by a Certified Third Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO).
Mandatory Deadline for All New Contracts - October 31, 2026
By October 31, 2026, every new DoD contract involving FCI or CUI will list CMMC requirements. Without certification, organizations will not be able to bid or win contracts.
Full Implementation Across the DIB - 2028
2028 marks the beginning of full, general CMMC implementation. CMMC will be fully integrated across the entire defense supply chain, and required for all contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and key vendors.
Ongoing CMMC certification must also be maintained. For Level 2, recertification is typically every three years, or more often if there are significant changes to your organization that affect security posture.
CMMC Compliance Deadline: When Will It Be Required For DoD Contractors?
The DoD is rolling out CMMC 2.0 in several phases. Here’s how it will apply to your organization, based on contract type:
1. Contracts with CUI
You must meet CMMC Level 2 requirements, which includes implementing the 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171. You will also need a System Security Plan (SSP), a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), and a final assessment by a C3PAO.
Certification is required once CMMC clauses appear in the Request for Proposal (RFP) and other DoD solicitations, expected as early as November 10, 2025.
2. Contracts with FCI
You will be required to achieve CMMC Level 1 compliance. Typically, this is an annual self-assessment including 15 basic security requirements that safeguard FCI. It will be mandatory for all new contracts from October 31, 2026.
3. Subcontractors
You must meet the same CMMC level requirements based on whether you handle CUI or FCI. Compliance deadlines will follow the schedule of the prime contractor.
What Happens If You Miss the CMMC Compliance Deadline?
If you don’t prepare for CMMC compliance beforehand, you’re at risk of losing opportunities and making costly mistakes in a rush. The enforcement dates are strict and there is no formal grace period, so the time to prepare is now.
Contract ineligibility
The DoD will not be able to award or extend defense contracts without proof of CMMC certification at the right level. Until compliance is verified, your organization will be removed from consideration.
Business impact
Your organization can lose revenue from delayed or cancelled DoD work, which can damage your reputation. To increase your chances for future DoD work, stay competitive by achieving CMMC compliance earlier on.
Remediation process
The CMMC remediation process can be long and complex, requiring gap correction and scheduling for the final assessment before reapplying. C3PAO availability and the speed of remediation can add on extra weeks or months to your compliance journey.
What is CFR 48 CMMC?
Finalized on September 10 2025, CFR 48, makes the CMM program and its requirements legally binding for DoD contracts.
CFR 48 consists of federal regulations that govern procurement and contract requirements for DoD contractors. CFR 48 includes cybersecurity standards, such as the DFARS clauses relevant to CMMC.
CFR 48 inserts the DFARS 252.204-7021 clause into contracts, requiring contractors to implement specified cybersecurity practices and report compliance.
How To Fast-Track CMMC Compliance
Achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance can take anywhere from six months to over a year, so starting planning ahead is crucial. While the final deadline to be CMMC compliant will be October 31 2026, requirements will quickly start showing up in contracts.
Here are five steps to achieve CMMC Level 2 as quickly as possible:
- Assess your current cybersecurity posture: Identify any vulnerabilities and points where you’re security posture doesn’t meet CMMC cybersecurity requirements through gap analysis and scoping.
- Prioritize high-impact gaps: Focus on solving high-priority controls first, as these will impact contract eligibility (for both new and existing contracts) and pose the highest risk.
- Leverage expertise to meet compliance requirements: Partner with a Registered Provider Organization (RPO), RPOs like Workstreet are accredited by Cyber AB to accelerate remediation and provide guidance on the compliance process.
- Automate compliance tracking: Use automated tools to monitor CUI flow, track remediation progress, and maintain audit-ready documentation.
- Plan implementation: Budget ahead of time, align remediation efforts with stakeholders, and phase deadlines to avoid a last-minute rush.
Workstreet is the only AI-powered CMMC RPO, we help DoD contractors automate CMMC Level 2 compliance, protect CUI, and win contracts with a complete, AI-enabled security program.
Want to start prepping for CMMC certification? Schedule a call.
CMMC Compliance Deadline FAQs
What Is CMMC?
The CMMC program is the DoD’s framework for safeguarding sensitive information like Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
As of Q1 2025, organizations that handle FCI or CUI within the DoD’s supply chain must comply with CMMC requirements to remain eligible for future work. In new contracts, they’re expected to appear November 10, 2025.
The latest version of CMMC, CMMC 2.0, separates requirements into three levels. Level 2 is the most common level for defense contractors managing CUI, and aligns with the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls.
When is the final deadline for CMMC compliance?
October 31 2026 is the final deadline. From then, all new DoD contracts will require certification at a specific CMMC level based on whether they handle CUI or FCI.
Which organizations need to comply with CMMC requirements?
All organizations that want to win or keep DoD contracts that handle FCI or CUI must comply with CMMC at the level required for their contracts.
How long does it take to prepare for CMMC certification?
Typically, the process can take 6 months to over a year. However, this depends on your organization's existing security posture (how aligned it already is with NIST SP 800-171), size, and complexity.
What happens if my company misses the CMMC deadline?
Missing the deadline makes your company ineligible for new DoD contracts, which can affect business revenue, reputation, and future work.
Can small businesses get extensions on the CMMC deadline?
No, there are no formal extensions based on company size. However, with the phased implementation schedule, you will have time to prepare before the final deadline.
How much does CMMC certification cost?
CMMC Level 2 is the most common certification level, costs can range from $50,000 - $200,000+.