Compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) isn’t optional for government contractors—it’s a requirement for winning and keeping Department of Defense contracts. Yet, many organizations approach compliance with the wrong mindset, leading to costly delays, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.
At Veteran Strategic, we’ve seen the same mistakes repeated across the industry. Here are the five most common—and how you can avoid them.
1. Overlooking Documentation
One of the biggest pitfalls is failing to prepare complete and accurate documentation. The System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M) aren’t optional paperwork; they are core deliverables that auditors will expect.
Without them, even strong technical safeguards won’t prove compliance. Think of your documentation as your “evidence binder” that shows not only what controls you have but how they’re implemented.
2. Treating Compliance as a One-Time Task
Some contractors mistakenly believe that once they pass a CMMC assessment, their work is done. In reality, compliance is ongoing. Cybersecurity threats evolve daily, and auditors want to see evidence of continuous monitoring and improvement.
Treating compliance as a “check-the-box” exercise can leave your organization exposed. A structured program with recurring reviews ensures you stay compliant long after your initial certification.
3. Failing to Train Staff
Technology alone doesn’t prevent breaches—people do. Employees who don’t understand compliance requirements can unintentionally undermine even the strongest systems.
From secure password practices to identifying phishing attempts, staff training is essential. Regular awareness sessions build a culture of cybersecurity where everyone becomes part of the defense.
4. Ignoring Supply Chain Risks
Your compliance is only as strong as your weakest vendor. If a subcontractor handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) isn’t compliant, you could still be at risk.
Contractors often overlook this critical detail. Building a vendor risk management program ensures your supply chain doesn’t become a vulnerability that jeopardizes your contracts.
5. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Perhaps the most common mistake is waiting until just before an audit or contract deadline to start compliance work. CMMC assessments require careful preparation, and closing gaps takes time.
Rushed compliance efforts often lead to overlooked weaknesses and failed audits. Starting early allows you to identify risks, implement solutions, and build the confidence needed to pass the first time.
Avoiding These Mistakes
CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, it becomes a manageable process that strengthens both your cybersecurity and your competitiveness.
At Veteran Strategic, we bring veteran-led discipline and mission focus to every engagement. Our four-step process—Assess, Plan, Implement, Support—ensures contractors achieve compliance efficiently and effectively.