CMMC Level 2 Compliance: The Complete Roadmap for DoD Contractors

Cybersecurity threats and data breaches keep rising. That's why the Department of Defense (DoD) is rolling out its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework and it applies to every organization in the DoD supply chain.

Need to win or keep a DoD contract? You'll need CMMC compliance. At CMMC Level 2, the 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171 demand more than ticking boxes. You need a compliance strategy that aligns your teams, documentation, and security processes.

This guide shows you how to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance as a DoD contractor. We'll cover scoping and gap analysis, documentation requirements, audits, and ongoing monitoring—everything you need to navigate the CMMC compliance process with confidence.

What is CMMC Level 2?

CMMC is the DoD’s framework for protecting sensitive data across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), including Federal Contract Information (FCI), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

CMMC ensures DoD contractors across the supply chain handle federal information properly and meet strict cybersecurity standards.

CMMC 2.0 replaced the original version in 2021. CMMC 2.0 operates with a tiered structure, focusing on practical requirements that align closely with existing federal standards.

Level 2 is the most common CMMC level, as it applies to organizations that handle CUI. It involves all 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171 with additional documentation. In addition, an assessment must be carried out by a Certified Third Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) before you can get CMMC level 2 certification.

Who Needs CMMC Level 2 Compliance?

If your organization handles CUI or Controlled Technical Information (CTI) you will require CMMC level 2 compliance. If DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements are present in your contract, this also applies.

See which type of contractor you are to determine if you need CMMC level 2 compliance:

1. Prime Contractors

Prime contractors are the main organizations working with and awarded contracts directly from the DoD. Does your system process, store, or transmit CUI? Then you must achieve CMMC Level 2 to remain eligible for these contracts.

2. Subcontractors

Subcontractors don't work directly with the DoD but supply products or services to prime contractors. CMMC requirements flow down through the supply chain, so if your contract touches CUI, you need CMMC Level 2 compliance too.

3. Contractors That Only Handle FCI

If you handle FCI and not CUI, you only need to meet CMMC level 1 requirements, not level 2. This involves self-attestation to NIST SP 800-171, without a third-party assessment.

4. Contractors That Handle Highly Sensitive Data

If you work with sensitive data beyond CUI, including data around national security or Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), you will require CMMC level 3. This will include everything from level 2, plus additional security controls from NIST SP 800-172.

What are the CMMC Level 2 Requirements?

To achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance, you need to implement all 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171 which are spread across 14 domains.

The 14 domains are:

1. Access Control

2. Audit and Accountability

3. Awareness and Training

4. Configuration Management

5. Identification and Authentication

6. Incident Response

7. Maintenance

8. Media Protection

9. Personnel Security.

10. Physical Protection

11. Risk Assessment

12. Security Assessment

13. System and Communications Protection

14. System and Information Integrity

CMMC Level 2 Compliance: The Key Deadlines

The CMMC 2.0 rollout will be in phases over several years, starting from November 10, 2025. This was officially announced in the Federal Register in September 2025.

The CMMC level 2 certification requirements will be added to new and renewing DoD contracts 12 months after the effective rule date of November 10, 2026, though some high-risk contracts may already receive mandatory CMMC requirements from Q4 2025.

By 2027, full implementation across the DIB is expected, with all applicable contracts enforcing CMMC level 2 certification.

Depending on your current cybersecurity posture, most organizations will need 6-18 months to properly prepare for and complete the CMMC assessment. Because CMMC level 2 compliance can take a considerable amount of time, we recommend starting earlier to avoid missing deadlines and losing contracts.

How to Achieve CMMC Level 2 Compliance: A Step-by-Step Roadmap

Achieving CMMC level 2 compliance is a structured process that requires plenty of preparation, documentation, and ongoing monitoring. If you’re looking for help and guidance throughout this process, a CMMC Registered Provider Organizations (RPO) like Workstreet can asssit.

Here’s a roadmap to guide you through the CMMC process:

1. Classify and Identify CUI

Start by understanding and categorizing your organization's CUI. First, define your scope: identify which systems and networks handle CUI. Check email systems, shared files, contractor portals, and subcontractor touchpoints and map your assets into the four categories from the DoD CMMC Scoping Guide.

2. Map Security Controls to NIST SP 800-171

CMMC Level two aligns with the 110 controls in NIST SP 800-171, so CMMC requires your organization to to measure your security posture and protocols against these controls.

3. Develop a System Security Plan

Your System Security Plan (SSP) must clearly show control implementation, define your CMMC scope, and serve as the blueprint for your cybersecurity posture. The SSP should:

• Map where CUI lives in your systems and networks.
• Document how you meet each security control.
• Add your policies, system settings, and workflows.

4. Create Plans of Action and Milestones

Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) highlight how you'll fix gaps found during assessments and outlines remediation steps and timelines. The DoD requires you to resolve all vulnerabilities within 180 days of certification or completing your C3PAO assessment.

5. Conduct a Self-Assessment and Hire a C3PAO

Before you undergo a formal assessment, self-assessments and internal audits can help you validate controls and documentation. During this stage, accredited CMMC Registered Provider Organizations (RPOs) like Workstreet can help identify gaps, develop remediation plans, and offer expert advice before you undergo the final assessment.

CMMC Level 2 compliance will require an audit from a C3PAO. You can find a directory on the Cyber AB Marketplace or with referrals from business partners.

6. Implement Continuous Monitoring

Achieving CMMC compliance is just the start. After you earn CMMC Level 2 certification, you need ongoing oversight to stay compliant and contract-ready. You must assign someone to monitor systems, access, and incidents.

To ensure ongoing compliance with CMMC organizations must also:

• Keep SSPs and POA&Ms up-to-date.
• Ensure staff are receive regular training on security practices.
• Validate security controls every quarter.
• Complete annual affirmations in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) to maintain CMMC certification.

External support from RPOs like Workstreet can also handle ongoing compliance management for you.

External support from RPOs like Workstreet can also support ongoing compliance alongside your organization.

CMMC Level 2: Looking Ahead

CMMC 2.0 level 2 is now a critical requirement for defense contractors handling CUI. While it determines contract eligibility, CMMC level 2 also strengthens your organization’s security posture for long-term resilience against cyber threats.

If you want to remain eligible for DoD contracts, build trust with business partners, and improve risk management, CMMC level 2 helps you get there.

Achieve CMMC Compliance Fast With Workstreet

Workstreet helps you streamline your CMMC level 2 compliance journey and win contracts through expert guidance, automated POA&M monitoring, and comprehensive documentation support.

Protect your CUI and meet CMMC level 2 requirements with the only AI-powered RPO on the market.

Want to accelerate your path to CMMC compliance? Schedule a call.