CMMC Compliance for Manufacturing: CNC, Precision Machining & Fabrication
Protect your DoD contracts and secure your shop floor with tailored CMMC compliance solutions for manufacturing operations.
Why Manufacturing Firms Need CMMC
If you manufacture parts, components, or assemblies for the Department of Defense supply chain, CMMC compliance is no longer optional. Starting in 2024, DoD contracts require certified cybersecurity practices to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) like technical drawings, specifications, and production data.
Without CMMC certification, you cannot:
- Bid on new DoD contracts
- Renew existing contracts
- Participate in the defense supply chain
- Work with prime contractors requiring CMMC
Unique Challenges for Manufacturing Operations
Legacy Equipment
CNC machines and production equipment running outdated operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 7) that cannot be upgraded without breaking expensive tooling.
Shop Floor Security
Protecting CAD files, G-code, and production data while maintaining productivity and access for machinists and operators.
Limited IT Budgets
Small to mid-sized manufacturers often lack dedicated IT staff and operate on tight margins, making compliance feel expensive and overwhelming.
Network Segmentation
Separating office IT from production floor OT (operational technology) without disrupting workflows or file transfers.
Supply Chain Pressure
Prime contractors demanding CMMC compliance from all subcontractors and suppliers, often with tight deadlines.
Documentation Requirements
Creating System Security Plans (SSP), Policies and Procedures (POA&M), and evidence for 110+ CMMC controls—often from scratch.
What CMMC Level Do Manufacturers Need?
Most manufacturing firms working with defense contracts fall into CMMC Level 2, which requires:
- 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171
- Third-party assessment by a certified C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization)
- Annual certification to maintain contract eligibility
- Full documentation of policies, procedures, and implementation evidence
Level 1 (basic cyber hygiene, 17 controls) applies to contracts involving only Federal Contract Information (FCI), not CUI.
Level 3 (advanced/persistent threats, 110+ controls) is reserved for high-value defense programs and critical infrastructure.
Our Manufacturing CMMC Solutions
1. CMMC Gap Assessment
We evaluate your current cybersecurity posture against all 110 NIST 800-171 controls and identify exactly what needs to be fixed before your C3PAO assessment.
- Shop floor and office network review
- Legacy equipment inventory and risk assessment
- Documentation gap analysis
- Prioritized remediation roadmap
- Cost estimate for compliance
2. Network Segmentation & Air-Gapped Systems
We design secure network architectures that protect CUI while maintaining operational efficiency:
- Separate networks for office IT and production floor OT
- Air-gapped workstations for legacy CNC equipment
- Secure file transfer protocols for CAD/CAM data
- Firewall rules and access controls
3. System Security Plan (SSP) & Documentation
We create all required CMMC documentation tailored to manufacturing operations:
- System Security Plan (SSP)
- Policies and Procedures (110 controls)
- Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
- Network diagrams and data flow maps
- Asset inventory and system boundaries
4. Incident Response & Monitoring
CMMC requires 24/7 monitoring and incident response capabilities:
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
- Incident response procedures and playbooks
- Quarterly tabletop exercises
5. Employee Training & Awareness
Your machinists, engineers, and office staff need to understand their role in protecting CUI:
- Annual security awareness training
- Phishing simulation campaigns
- Shop floor-specific security protocols
- Insider threat awareness
6. C3PAO Assessment Preparation
We prepare you for the official CMMC assessment and can even recommend certified C3PAOs:
- Pre-assessment readiness reviews
- Evidence collection and organization
- Mock assessments and walkthroughs
- Remediation support for findings
Why Manufacturers Choose Capital Cyber
✓ Manufacturing Experience
We understand shop floor operations, legacy equipment constraints, and production workflows.
✓ Cost-Effective Solutions
We design compliance programs that fit your budget without unnecessary bells and whistles.
✓ Minimal Disruption
We implement security controls without shutting down production or delaying deliveries.
✓ Ongoing Support
CMMC compliance is continuous. We provide managed security services to maintain your certification.
Common Questions from Manufacturing Firms
How much does CMMC compliance cost?
For a typical small to mid-sized manufacturer (10-50 employees), expect $50,000-$150,000 for initial compliance, plus $2,000-$5,000/month for ongoing managed services. Costs vary based on current security posture, number of systems, and compliance gaps.
How long does it take to become CMMC compliant?
Most manufacturing firms take 6-12 months from initial assessment to C3PAO certification. Firms with existing NIST 800-171 compliance can achieve CMMC Level 2 in 3-6 months.
What happens to our old CNC machines running Windows XP?
We don’t require you to replace expensive equipment. Instead, we implement network segmentation, air-gapping, and compensating controls to protect legacy systems while maintaining CMMC compliance.
Can we handle CMMC compliance ourselves?
Technically yes, but 90% of manufacturers hire consultants. CMMC requires deep cybersecurity expertise, extensive documentation, and ongoing monitoring—skills most manufacturers don’t have in-house. DIY compliance often leads to failed assessments and contract delays.
Get Started with CMMC Compliance
Don’t lose DoD contracts because of cybersecurity compliance. Capital Cyber helps manufacturing firms achieve CMMC certification without breaking the bank or shutting down production.
Free 30-Minute Consultation
We’ll review your contracts, assess your current security posture, and provide a clear roadmap to CMMC compliance.