The Navigating CMMC Challenges workshop is designed to help organizations, particularly small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs), understand and overcome the complexities of achieving compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). With Department of Defense (DoD) contracts increasingly requiring CMMC compliance, this session equips attendees with practical insights, actionable steps, and tools to address technical, procedural, and organizational challenges.

Participants will explore real-world Artifacts, learn how to identify and close compliance gaps, and gain clarity on requirements for each CMMC level. The workshop will also cover strategies for building a compliant cybersecurity program, aligning with NIST 800-171, and preparing for audits.

Led by experienced CMMC professionals, the session offers a mix of instruction, Q&A, and peer discussion to ensure attendees walk away with a clear path forward.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for a wide range of professionals and organizations involved in or entering the defense contracting and cybersecurity space. Whether you're responsible for implementing compliance measures or seeking to better understand CMMC requirements, this session is for you.

• Defense Contractors & Subcontractors
  Companies within the DoD supply chain aiming to achieve or maintain CMMC certification.

• IT & Cybersecurity Professionals
  CISOs, Security Analysts, IT Managers, and Consultants involved in building and managing cybersecurity programs.

• Compliance Officers & Risk Managers
  Professionals overseeing regulatory alignment, third-party risk, and internal controls.

• Small and Mid-Sized Business Leaders
  Executives seeking clarity on how CMMC impacts eligibility for defense contracts.

• Managed Service Providers (MSPs) & MSSPs
  Vendors supporting DoD contractors with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and compliance services

• Active and Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
  Anyone pursuing a cybersecurity career or expanding their knowledge of compliance frameworks like CMMC and NIST 800-171.

What You'll Learn

• CMMC Pitfalls that derail DIB companies during C3PAO assessments

• How to properly scope your environment and identify Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

• Common mistakes with System Security Plans (SSP), POA&Ms, and evidence collection

• Clarifying misconceptions around policy vs. practice requirements

• Understanding assessment expectations from C3PAOs and DoD primes

• Building a sustainable compliance program that aligns with NIST 800-171