Resources Archive - PreVeil

Video: Achieving ITAR Compliance with PreVeil

Christopher Sanfilippo — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 20:11:35 +0000

Learn how PreVeil meets the ITAR end-to-end encryption carveout allowing dramatically simpler and lower-cost ITAR compliance.

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The post Video: Achieving ITAR Compliance with PreVeil appeared first on PreVeil.

Your Smart CMMC Strategy: Maximizing Your PreVeil Investment

metropolis — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:50:07 +0000

Executive Summary

You Made the Smart Choice. While other organizations are spending $200,000-$500,000+ on expensive GCCH implementations that take 6-18 months, you’ve established a solid compliance foundation at a fraction of the cost. You have secure CUI protection, substantial compliance documentation, and strategic flexibility that gives you competitive advantages in the defense market.

Your Position Today: You’ve deployed PreVeil encrypted email and filesharing for CUI protection and have access to Compliance Accelerator—a complete documentation package that has helped dozens of customers achieve successful CMMC assessments with 80% cost savings.

Your Path Forward: Two strategic decisions will determine your timeline and investment to full CMMC certification: how to complete your documentation and when to schedule and pay for your assessment. You control both the timing and when to incur the cost of formal CMMC assessment based on your business strategy.

What You’ve Already Accomplished: Your Compliance Foundation

You’re ahead of most organizations in the Defense Industrial Base. Here’s what your PreVeil investment has delivered:

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Secure CUI Protection Platform

PreVeil encrypted email and filesharing deployed: You have state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption protecting all CUI communications
DFARS 7012 CUI protection requirements addressed: You’re demonstrating progress in addressing current contractual requirements for DFARS 7012 compliance
Superior security architecture and ITAR compliance: Your end-to-end encryption not only exceeds the protection provided by expensive GCCH solutions but also meets ITAR requirements

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Substantial Compliance Documentation

Complete documentation package through Accelerator: You have access to complete documentation that covers all 110 NIST 800-171 controls
Pre-vetted by certified assessors: All documentation has been reviewed and approved by C3PAOs
Proven track record: Dozens of customers have achieved successful CMMC assessments using this exact documentation

Note: If you haven’t yet added Accelerator to your PreVeil subscription, it’s a smart strategic decision that 75% of PreVeil customers make. Accelerator not only saves $50,000+ in documentation costs but significantly reduces the risk of unsuccessful assessments. The documentation is constantly enhanced with feedback from our growing number of successful assessments, ensuring you benefit from lessons learned and evolving best practices.

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Strong Compliance Posture

Improved SPRS score: Often 84+ point improvement demonstrating measurable progress
Defensible position: You can demonstrate diligent progress toward DFARS 7012 compliance to primes, DIBCAC, and contracting officers
Cost efficiency: You’re spending thousands annually, not hundreds of thousands

Understanding PreVeil Compliance Accelerator: Your Documentation Foundation

What Accelerator Provides You: Compliance Accelerator is a complete documentation package built around the “ACME Corporation” reference model—a typical defense contractor scenario that likely mirrors your situation:

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The ACME Configuration:

20 total employees with 5 requiring access to CUI
PreVeil encrypted email and filesharing for secure CUI transmission and storage
Microsoft 365 commercial with security protections
Physical controls for any paper CUI storage

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Your Complete Documentation Package:

System Security Plan (SSP) addressing all 110 controls and 320 assessment objectives
14 comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures covering all control families (Access Control, Incident Response, Risk Assessment, Configuration Management, etc.)
Pre-filled Shared Responsibility Matrix clearly defining what PreVeil handles vs. your responsibilities
Assessment checklists, templates, and implementation guidelines
Network and CUI flow diagram templates

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Why This Matters:

Saves $50,000+ compared to developing documentation from scratch
Cuts timeline from 12-24 months to 3-6 months for certification preparation
Pre-validated by assessors means smoother, faster assessments
Aligned with your platform means documentation matches your actual CUI protection approach

Your Path Forward: Two Key Decisions

You now need to make two strategic decisions that will determine your timeline and investment to achieve full CMMC certification:

Decision #1: Documentation Completion Strategy

Your Accelerator documentation provides a substantial foundation (and if your configuration closely mirrors ACME Corporation, a nearly complete set of documents), but you need to customize it to your specific environment and ensure all gaps are addressed.

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Option A: Complete Documentation Internally

Best for: Organizations with capable IT/compliance staff or willingness to learn and invest time
Process: Use Accelerator’s detailed guidance to customize documentation to your specific environment
Timeline: Work at your own pace over 3-6 months
Investment: Minimal additional cost beyond your current PreVeil subscription
Key requirement: Dedication and effort (Accelerator will guide you through the process)

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Option B: Use Consultant Support

Best for: Organizations lacking internal resources or preferring professional completion
Process: PreVeil connects you with consultants familiar with Accelerator who start with your substantial foundation
Timeline: 2-4 months depending on complexity
Investment: Significantly lower than traditional consulting (they’re customizing, not creating from scratch)
Benefit: Professional completion with faster timeline

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Option C: Hybrid Approach

Process: Complete what you can internally, then PreVeil will assist you in engaging consultants for specific gaps or final review
Benefit: Maximize cost efficiency while ensuring professional quality
Flexibility: Adjust approach based on your progress and comfort level

Decision #2: CMMC Assessment Timing Strategy

The DoD expects a 5-year rollout for CMMC assessments, giving you strategic flexibility on when to schedule and pay for formal assessment.

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Immediate Assessment Path:

Choose if: You have significant defense contracts requiring CMMC certification soon
Action: Complete documentation quickly and schedule assessment within 6-12 months
Investment: Front-load documentation completion and assessment costs
Benefit: Early certification provides competitive advantage for CMMC-required contracts

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Strategic Timing Path:

Choose if: Defense contracts are important but not immediate priority, or you want to preserve cash flow
Action: Complete documentation at comfortable pace, schedule assessment when business strategy dictates
Investment: Spread costs over time based on your business needs
Benefit: Maintain compliance readiness while controlling timing and cash flow

Your Competitive Advantages

While you’re making strategic decisions about documentation and timing, recognize the advantages your PreVeil foundation provides:

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Versus GCCH Adopters:

They’re spending: 6-18 months and $200,000-$500,000+ on infrastructure replacement
You have: Immediate CUI protection and substantial documentation foundation
They face: Massive business disruption and extended timelines
You enjoy: One-hour deployment completed, flexibility to focus on documentation and timing

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Versus “Do Nothing” Organizations:

They’re risking: DFARS 7012 violations with potential legal and business consequences
You’re demonstrating: Active compliance progress with improved SPRS scores
They’ll face: Rushed, expensive timelines when forced to act
You can choose: Strategic timing based on business priorities

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Versus Organizations Considering Exiting the DIB:

They’re considering: Abandoning defense opportunities due to perceived compliance costs
You have: The option to stay in the DIB at nominal investment vs. quitting
They’ll lose: All future defense business opportunities and existing relationships
You can maintain: Defense market participation while controlling costs and timing

Demonstrating Your Progress: What You Can Show Today

Your PreVeil foundation provides immediate value in compliance discussions:

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To Prime Contractors:

Deployed CUI protection platform with state-of-the-art encryption
System Security Plan and compliance documentation from Accelerator
Improved SPRS score demonstrating measurable compliance progress
Clear roadmap to full CMMC certification with proven approach

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To DIBCAC/Contracting Officers:

Evidence of diligent DFARS 7012 compliance efforts through deployed CUI protection
Documented security procedures and implementation evidence
Substantial documentation foundation showing serious commitment to compliance

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To Internal Stakeholders:

Cost-effective compliance approach avoiding expensive infrastructure replacement
Strategic flexibility to time major investments based on business needs
Competitive positioning for defense opportunities without prohibitive upfront costs

Your Success Timeline: From Foundation to Certification

Based on your current PreVeil foundation, here’s a realistic timeline to full CMMC certification:

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Months 1-2: Assessment and Planning

Evaluate your environment against the ACME reference model
Choose your documentation completion strategy (internal, consultant, or hybrid)
Plan your assessment timing based on business priorities and contract opportunities
Begin customizing Accelerator documentation to your specific environment

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Months 3-6: Documentation Completion

Complete documentation customization using your chosen approach
Implement any missing technical controls identified during documentation review
Compute your SPRS score to objectively assess where you stand in compliance
Begin evidence collection activities (meetings, trainings, assessments)
Conduct internal compliance review to identify and address gaps

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Assessment Preparation (When Business Strategy Dictates):

Timeline: 6-9 months for those seeking early certification, or several years out for strategic timing

Finalize all documentation and evidence collection
Conduct practice assessment or gap analysis
Engage with C3PAO familiar with PreVeil Accelerator approach
Schedule formal CMMC assessment when business strategy dictates

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Assessment and Certification

Streamlined assessment process due to assessor familiarity with pre-vetted documentation
Focus on implementation evidence rather than documentation adequacy
Achieve CMMC certification with proven approach and strong foundation

Investment Considerations: Controlling Your Costs

Your PreVeil foundation allows you to control both timing and costs of your certification journey:

Current Annual Investment: Your PreVeil subscription (typically $5,000-$15,000 annually depending on user count)
Documentation Completion Investment:
- Internal completion: Minimal additional cost, requires time and effort
- Consultant assistance: $10,000-$30,000 depending on complexity (significantly lower than traditional $50,000+ consulting)
- Hybrid approach: $5,000-$20,000 depending on level of consultant involvement
Assessment Investment: $25,000-$40,000 for formal CMMC assessment (industry standard)
Total Investment to Certification: $40,000-$85,000 total vs. $200,000-$500,000+ for GCCH approachStrategic Flexibility: Unlike infrastructure-dependent approaches, you can accelerate or decelerate investment based on business priorities, not technical constraints.

Proven Success: You’re Following a Winning Strategy

Your approach isn’t experimental—it’s delivering real results:

Dozens of successful CMMC assessments completed using PreVeil and Accelerator
80% cost reduction compared to traditional consulting approaches
3-6 month timeline to certification vs. 12-24 months for traditional approaches
Trusted by 75%+ of PreVeil customers with thousands of successful implementations

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C3PAO Recognition: Certified assessors are increasingly familiar with PreVeil Accelerator documentation, leading to more efficient assessments and reduced assessment costs.

Conclusion: Stay the Course and Succeed

You’ve made smart strategic decisions that put you ahead of most organizations in the Defense Industrial Base. You have:

Secure CUI protection that exceeds expensive alternatives
Substantial compliance documentation with a proven track record
Strategic flexibility to control timing and costs
Competitive advantages while others struggle with expensive, disruptive implementations

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Don’t abandon your smart strategy due to outside pressure. You have a proven path to CMMC certification at a fraction of traditional costs with strategic control over timing and investment.

Take Action: Optimize Your Path to Success

Every organization’s situation is unique. Rather than make assumptions about your specific timeline and needs, get personalized guidance from PreVeil’s compliance experts who understand your current foundation and available options.

Contact PreVeil’s compliance team to:

Review your specific documentation needs and customization requirements
Discuss your preferred completion approach (internal, consultant, or hybrid)
Plan your assessment timing based on business priorities and contract opportunities
Access consultant network if professional support would benefit your timeline

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Your next step: Contact your customer success representative to get more information about Compliance Accelerator or to schedule a consultation with our compliance team.

The post Your Smart CMMC Strategy: Maximizing Your PreVeil Investment appeared first on PreVeil.

What’s New in PreVeil: Product Updates

Seth Steinman — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:41:07 +0000

Version 5.8.4 | July 2025

This update introduces enhancements to PreVeil Drive’s viewer, allowing some movie file types, as well as text files with a .log extension to be viewed. In the Admin console, entries can now be sorted in the Email Gateway and Trusted Community whitelists. Additionally, various bug fixes improve system stability and administrative functionality, such as trusted device management, Data Export, and Activity Logs

Download Version 5.8.4 here

Version 5.8.3 | June 2025

This release delivers a series of focused improvements and targeted bug fixes designed to enhance user experience and administrative workflows. This update ensures a smoother interaction with Web Viewer capabilities, the Admin Console UI, and overall performance when handling large data sets across Mail and Drive.

Version 5.8.2 | June 2025

This update introduces enhancements to PreVeil Drive, making file management more seamless, alongside improved search capabilities for large collections. Additionally, various bug fixes improve system stability and administrative functionality, such as trusted device management and shared folder renaming.

Version 5.8.1 | May 2025

The latest PreVeil update delivers substantial improvements to Drive functionality with enhanced search capabilities and faster sync performance, while also refining the user interface across Approval Groups and Data Export features. User experience has been significantly enhanced through numerous bug fixes addressing email synchronization, macOS compatibility, and file search reliability, with improved update notifications now appearing for those who have disabled automatic updates.

Version 5.8.0 | April 2025

PreVeil continues to improve the user experience. This latest release includes: easy access to PreVeil via the Windows Start Menu. Within Drive, enhancements include tooltips, loading indicators, and clearer explanations of functions. Admins will see clearer messaging for functionality related to approval groups, recovery groups and user device management. Last, admins can now customize update behavior.

Version 5.7.0 | February 2025

Keeping track of document updates across shared folders can be challenging, especially when collaborating with multiple team members. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Folder Change Notifications in PreVeil Drive 5.7.0, a powerful new feature designed to streamline your collaboration workflow.

Watch Folders and Files That Matter to You

With our new Watch feature, you can select any shared folders or files you have access to and receive automatic notifications when changes occur. Whether someone adds a new document, makes edits, or removes content, you’ll stay informed of all activities in your watched locations.

Flexible Notification Settings

We understand that different users have different needs when it comes to notifications. That’s why we’ve made it easy to:

Customize notification frequency to match your workflow
Choose which folders and files to watch
Turn notifications on or off as needed

Enhanced Change Tracking

The new feature introduces a dedicated changes page in the desktop app that offers:

A chronological timeline of all modifications to watched items
Simple management of your watched folders and files through an intuitive interface
Direct access to modified content with a single click

Getting Started

Folder Change Notifications will be available in PreVeil Drive 5.7.0, which will be released over the next few weeks. Once the update is complete:

Select folder or file you want to monitor & click the “Watch” option from the menu
Customize your notification preferences

This new capability integrates seamlessly with PreVeil’s existing sharing features, making it easier than ever to collaborate effectively with your team while staying on top of important changes.

We’re confident that Folder Change Notifications will enhance your productivity and help your team work together more efficiently. Try it out today and let us know what you think!

The post What’s New in PreVeil: Product Updates appeared first on PreVeil.

Demystifying CMMC: What Every APEX Consultant Needs to Know

Orlee Berlove, reviewed by Noël Vestal, PMP, CMMC RP — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:40:58 +0000

This special webinar is designed to equip APEX consultants with the clarity, tools, and confidence to support DIB clients through CMMC. In this session, you’ll get:

A plain-English overview of CMMC and who it applies to
A real-world case study of a DIB organization that scored a perfect 110/110
How PreVeil’s proven compliance platform has helped 20+ contractors achieve certification

Watch this webinar to learn more. You can also download your own copy of the slides.

The post Demystifying CMMC: What Every APEX Consultant Needs to Know appeared first on PreVeil.

What Private Equity Firms Need to Know About CMMC: M&A and Costs

Orlee Berlove, reviewed by Jamie Leupold — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 19:28:56 +0000

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is reshaping how private equity firms approach defense sector investments. With enforcement actions reaching $100 million and new M&A triggers requiring fresh assessments, PE firms can no longer treat cybersecurity compliance as an afterthought.

The Market Reality: Comply or Be Excluded

CMMC is now live—and will begin appearing in DoD contracts by mid-to-late 2025 via 48 CFR. The consequences are binary. As Michael Gruden, Government Contracts Cybersecurity Partner at Crowell & Moring and former Pentagon IT acquisition branch chief, warns:

“If you don’t possess the CMMC certifications for future contract awards, you will be entirely ineligible.”

Translation: No certification, no contract.

The M&A Trigger: When Deals Require New Assessments

CMMC isn’t just about technical controls—it’s about the structure and boundaries of the systems being assessed. According to Gruden:

“In the event of M&A activity that results in a significant architectural or boundary change to the contractor’s previous assessment, the contractor would likely need to undergo a new CMMC assessment.”

This means PE firms must now bake CMMC reassessment timelines and costs into deal models—especially when post-close integration will impact IT infrastructure or CUI handling.

Financial Stakes: Noncompliance Can Cost Millions

The enforcement landscape has dramatically escalated. Penalties stemming from the DoD’s Civil Cyber Fraud Initiative, which targets contractors who misrepresent their cybersecurity compliance, have been on the rise and represent a significant hit to a company’s bottom line.

“We represented clients where actually the opening kind of amounts for the fines were $100 million so these are not insignificant“

These fines not only hurt an organization’s pocketbook. they can have a profound impact on the organization’s reputation as well.

Due Diligence Implications

PE firms’ typical fast-paced transaction approach conflicts with the thoroughness required for proper CMMC due diligence. PE firms need to slow down and take the time to understand the requirements. As Gruden warns,

“If this is not that you’re planning at the forefront- if you’re sort of just finding these things out along the way- it can significantly add to the timeline with regards to a deal.“

PE firms should evaluate:

Target company’s current CMMC certification status
Network architecture and data handling practices
Quality and completeness of cybersecurity documentation
Potential need for post-acquisition assessments

Building Portfolio Value Through Standardization

Forward-thinking PE firms are viewing CMMC as a portfolio-wide value creation opportunity. Standardizing CMMC compliance across multiple defense investments can reduce costs by up to 75% compared to legacy solutions.

The key is moving from reactive compliance to proactive preparation—what Gruden calls “doing it the right way” and “building with intentionality.”

Actionable Steps for PE Firms to Achieve CMMC Compliance

Early Assessment: Evaluate CMMC readiness during initial due diligence, not post-acquisition
Documentation Review: Ensure that companies have all critical documentation complete- including their System Security Plan and Standard Operating Procedures.
Legal Protection: Conduct assessments under attorney-client privilege to protect against discovery in potential enforcement actions
Portfolio Strategy: Consider standardizing CMMC solutions across defense investments to achieve economies of scale

The Bottom Line

CMMC represents both significant risk and substantial opportunity for PE firms with defense exposure. The cost of non-compliance—measured in lost contracts, enforcement actions, and deal complications—far exceeds the investment required for proper preparation.

As the defense industrial base continues consolidating and cybersecurity requirements intensify, PE firms that master CMMC compliance will gain a decisive competitive advantage in defense sector investments.

For PE firms looking to navigate CMMC requirements across their defense portfolios, early preparation and standardized solutions offer the clearest path to compliance and value creation.

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Get a

PreVeil Demo

See how PreVeil simplifies CMMC

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Schedule a free

Compliance Call

Get answers to your CMMC questions

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Download Our

CMMC Guide

Achieve your CMMC compliance goals

The post What Private Equity Firms Need to Know About CMMC: M&A and Costs appeared first on PreVeil.

PreVeil for International Suppliers Seeking CMMC, DFARS, and ITAR Compliance

metropolis — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:59:33 +0000

Executive Summary

PreVeil offers an exceptional solution for international suppliers involved in the US Defense Supply Chain, helping them meet complex compliance requirements such as DFARS, ITAR, and the upcoming CMMC standards. By integrating seamlessly with existing IT systems like O365, on-premise, and GSuite, PreVeil enables organizations to achieve compliance while protecting sensitive Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) with the highest level of security and maintaining familiar usability.

Introduction

International suppliers are key components of the US Defense Supply Chain, necessitating adherence to stringent compliance regulations. These requirements, including DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC, are particularly challenging for international partners due to conflicts with local data security laws and unfamiliarity with US regulations.

Compliance Requirements

DFARS and CMMC: Require CUI to be stored and shared per the 110 Controls of NIST 800- 171. Cloud services must meet FedRAMP Moderate Baseline Equivalent standards, and encryption must be FIPS validated.
ITAR: Requires that data access, including on servers, be restricted to US persons. ITAR 120.54 allows for the use of end-to-end encrypted cloud services without needing US sovereign storage, provided certain conditions are met, which PreVeil fulfills.

The Challenge for International Companies

Compliance requirements often conflict with local mandates, making it difficult for international suppliers to comply without significant changes to their IT environments. Solutions like Microsoft GCCH and Google Assured Workloads require costly and complex replacements of existing systems, which are often impractical and expensive.

How PreVeil Addresses the Challenge

PreVeil allows organizations to continue using their existing IT systems without any changes, while adding end-to-end encrypted email and file storage capabilities. Key features include:

Integration with Existing Systems: PreVeil integrates seamlessly with applications like Outlook and Gmail, and file systems on PC, Mac, and Linux.
End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that emails and files are secure from creation to delivery, meeting ITAR 120.54 requirements.
Ease of Use: Maintains familiar workflows and interfaces, minimizing the need for user retraining.
Cost-Effective Compliance: Avoids the high costs associated with replacing existing systems. Only users handling CUI need PreVeil licenses, and third parties can use PreVeil Express licenses for free.

PreVeil Email and Drive

PreVeil Email

Dual-Inbox System: Adds a secure second inbox to existing email platforms for sensitive communications, using the same email address.
End-to-End Encryption: Ensures only the sender and recipient can access email content, protecting against server-side breaches.
Trusted Communities: Reduces spam and phishing risks by allowing only verified contacts.

Learn More

PreVeil Drive

Secure File Storage and Sharing: Encrypts files end-to-end, ensuring data privacy and integrity.
Seamless Integration: Integrates with PC, Mac, and Linux file systems, enabling users to store, sync, and share files without changing their workflow.
Advanced Features: Supports e-discovery, logging, access control, and retention policies.

Learn More

Compliance Credentials

FedRAMP Baseline Moderate Equivalent: Validated by the US Department of Defense’s DIBCAC.
FIPS Validated Encryption: Ensures robust encryption standards.
End-to-End Encryption: Complies with ITAR 120.54 regulations.
Meets 103/110 NIST 800-171 Controls: Provides guidance on achieving full compliance.

Documentation Simplifies Compliance

PreVeil offers detailed compliance documentation, reducing the time and cost associated with achieving compliance. This extensive documentation (over 200 pages) includes videos and tutorials, enabling organizations to either complete the process themselves or significantly reduce consultant costs.

Proven Results

Multiple customers have achieved perfect scores in CMMC and DFARS assessments conducted by authorized assessors and DIBCAC, demonstrating PreVeil’s effectiveness in ensuring compliance.

Conclusion

PreVeil is the leading system for international suppliers due to its proven compliance, strong security, low cost, and seamless integration with existing IT environments. Its end to-end encryption and compliance credentials make it an ideal solution for organizations seeking to meet US regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.

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See how PreVeil simplifies CMMC

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Schedule a free

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Calculate your

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Estimate your complete CMMC budget

The post PreVeil for International Suppliers Seeking CMMC, DFARS, and ITAR Compliance appeared first on PreVeil.

Defense Contractor Saves 90% on CMMC While Achieving Perfect 110 Score

metropolis — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:30:52 +0000

Envision Innovative Solutions, specializing in mixed reality training, saved $180,000 on CMMC & is primed to win DoD contracts.

Envision Innovative Solutions is a 100-person software and systems engineering defense contractor using mixed reality headsets to create training, simulation and real-time maintenance solutions for Army equipment maintainers.

They used PreVeil’s enclave approach to achieve a perfect 110 CMMC certification, saving 90% vs GCC High and priming them to win Army contracts.

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Final Score:

110/110

CMMC Level 2 Certification Score

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Cost Savings:

$180k+

Savings vs. GCC High

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Timeline:

2 Weeks

From Purchase -> Operational Deployment

Timeline

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2020-2023

CMMC research revealed gaps to meet CMMC Level 2. Self-assessed at level 1.

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October 2024

Deployed PreVeil enclave for CUI data storage and transmission across 33 user accounts.

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December 2024

Discovered existing documentation was insufficient despite consultant assurances.

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January 2025

Army MAPS contract bidding prompted moving up C3PAO assessment to Q1 2025.

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March 2025

Achieved conditional CMMC L2 certification with 108/110 score. Two controls (audit logging) were POAM’d for remediation.

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April 2025

Obtained final CMMC L2 certification after implementing POAMs, achieving full 110/110 score.

The Challenge: Racing Against Contracts

Envision faced a perfect storm of compliance challenges when pursuing CMMC certification:

Compliant cloud storage: Envision needed a FedRAMP cloud environment to host CUI data
Prohibitive GCC High costs: A consultant quoted over $200,000 to set up GCC High
Incomplete documentation: Previous consultant provided “boilerplate” materials that lacked the granularity needed to meet assessment standards
Contract Timeline Pressure: CMMC certification would provide competitive advantage for the Army MAPS contract, scheduled for early 2025

“We came out of the original gap analysis with a reality check… We were very, very unprepared.”

Jonathan Carr

Director of Technology & CISO

The Solution: PreVeil Enclave

Envision used PreVeil to create a secure enclave covering just the 33 endpoints that handle CUI— perfect for their hybrid workforce, where 70% of employees work with government-furnished equipment (GFE).

Seamlessly integrating with existing Microsoft 365 operations, it allowed non-CUI work to continue unchanged while keeping CUI data in a FedRAMP-compliant environment—enabling quick deployment without disrupting operations.

“We knew we had to get our data into a FedRAMP compliant cloud and it basically came down to PreVeil and GCC High. We got the GCC High quote and it was just crazy: It was over $200,000 for 33 users…the PreVeil quote was 1/10th of that. We were really impressed in the demo—it checked so many of the boxes, so that’s the route we went”

Jonathan Carr

Director of Technology & CISO

Technology Stack Integration:

PreVeil: Secure file sharing and communication for CUI
Duo Federal: Multi-factor authentication across all systems
Sonic Capture Client: Endpoint anti-virus/anti-malware
SentinelOne: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
SonicWall: Firewall appliances and network security
Rocket Cyber: Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and SIEM services, connected through PreVeil’s SIEM connector for comprehensive monitoring and alerts
Proofpoint: Email security and protection

Strategic Partners:

C3PAO Assessment: Steel Toad provided professional C3PAO assessment services with clear communication of requirements.
Documentation: Used PreVeil’s Shared Responsibility Matrix to understand which of the NIST 800-171 controls and objectives are met by PreVeil, are a joint responsibility, or are the customer’s responsibility. Lightspeed helped write and customize the remaining CMMC documentation.

Results: Perfect Score and Competitive Advantage

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Final Score:

110/110

CMMC Level 2 Certification Score

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Cost Savings:

$180k+

Savings vs. GCC High alternative (90%+ reduction)

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Competitive

Positioning

Ready for Army MAPS and future CMMC-required contracts

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Operational

Continuity

No disruption to mixed reality development or existing contracts

Get Started with CMMC Compliance

Envision’s transformation from original pre-assessment score to 110/110 certification demonstrates that CMMC compliance is achievable with the right approach and technology partners.

PreVeil provides a clear path to CMMC compliance solution for defense contractors, proven in over 25 CMMC assessments at a fraction of the cost of traditional GCC High implementations.

Ready to Begin Your CMMC Journey?

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Free Consultation

Schedule a free consultation with PreVeil’s compliance team.

Book Compliance Call

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Free Demo

Get a demo of our enclave solution that saved 90%+ vs. GCC High

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Free Guide

Download our CMMC Guide

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The post Defense Contractor Saves 90% on CMMC While Achieving Perfect 110 Score appeared first on PreVeil.

CMMC Compliance: Debunking the High-Cost Myth

Seth Steinman — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:58:12 +0000

Executive Summary

If you’re a defense contractor who has heard that CMMC compliance will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to be concerned. However, these alarming cost projections are based on the widespread but incorrect assumption that compliance requires Microsoft’s Government Community Cloud High (GCCH)—which is indeed extremely expensive.

The reality is that GCCH, while costly, is just one compliance option among many. CMMC and DFARS standards are technology-agnostic and can be met through various approaches. For 90% of DIB companies—particularly small and medium businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises with limited defense exposure—dramatically more affordable paths exist that deliver compliance at a fraction of GCCH costs with significantly superior security.

The bottom line: Instead of spending $200,000-$500,000+ on GCCH implementation, most organizations can achieve robust CMMC compliance through solutions like PreVeil for as little as $5,000-$15,000 annually.

The Source of the Cost Confusion

The widespread belief that CMMC compliance is prohibitively expensive stems from a costly misconception centered around Microsoft’s Government Community Cloud High (GCCH).

Implementation Costs ($50,000-$200,000+):

Rip-and-replace complexity: Complete IT infrastructure replacement requiring months of planning and expensive specialists
Enterprise-wide deployment: Organizations often move entire workforces to GCCH regardless of actual CUI usage
Extended timeline: Projects typically take 6-18 months with significant business disruption

Ongoing License Expenses (3x):

Premium pricing: GCCH licenses cost 3x more than standard Office 365 licenses
Supply chain impact: Expensive guest licenses required for suppliers and partners

Documentation Burden ($50,000+):

Complex compliance documentation: Costs typically start at $50,000 and routinely exceed $100,000
Ongoing maintenance: Documentation requires continuous updates as configurations change

How the GCCH-Only Misconception Spread

This expensive reality created a domino effect throughout the consulting ecosystem:

Microsoft’s market dominance: As the leading enterprise IT platform, Microsoft solutions are the default recommendation
Consultant incentives: GCCH’s complexity translates to higher fees and longer engagements
Knowledge gap: Many consultants lack awareness of alternative compliance approaches
Risk aversion: When uncertain, consultants recommend the most comprehensive (and expensive) solution

The result: DIB companies are routinely told that GCCH is the only path to compliance, creating a false choice between spending hundreds of thousands of dollars or exiting the defense market entirely.

The Reality: Proven Alternatives Exist

Here’s the critical insight: CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance requirements are technology-agnostic. The standards specify security outcomes, not specific platforms.

GCCH: The Right Solution for the 10%

GCCH represents a premium compliance solution that makes strategic sense for a select segment:

Defense-focused organizations with large budgets and substantial IT expertise
Companies with predominantly defense business where costs can be justified enterprise-wide
Organizations comfortable with large-scale IT transformations

PreVeil: The Proven Low-Cost Solution for the 90%

For the vast majority of DIB participants—particularly the 80% who are SMBs and the additional 10% who are large enterprises with limited defense exposure—PreVeil offers a straightforward path to compliance at accessible costs. Deployed on AWS GovCloud with the same sovereign hosting benefits as GCCH, PreVeil delivers superior security through end-to-end encryption and cryptographic protections against admin and password breaches.

These organizations should understand that:

CMMC compliance doesn’t default to GCCH
Multiple technical approaches can meet the same regulatory requirements
Compliance can be achieved at a fraction of GCCH costs while maintaining readiness for defense contracts

“We knew we had to get our data into a FedRAMP compliant cloud and it basically came down to PreVeil and GCC High. We got the GCC High quote and it was just crazy: It was over $200,000 for 33 users…the PreVeil quote was 1/10th of that. We were really impressed in the demo—it checked so many of the boxes, so that’s the route we went”

Jonathan Carr

Director of Technology & CISO

The Proven Path to Affordable Compliance: PreVeil

Rather than require massive IT infrastructure changes, organizations can achieve comprehensive CMMC compliance through PreVeil’s proven approach that preserves existing investments while delivering cumulative cost savings.

Cost Savings #1: Don’t Replace Infrastructure

The GCCH Challenge:

Complete IT infrastructure replacement requiring months of complex migration
Expensive specialist consultants and extensive planning
Premium licensing costs across the organization
Massive disruption to existing business operations

The PreVeil encrypted email and filesharing solution for CUI:

No rip-and-replace required: PreVeil overlays onto existing Office 365 infrastructure, ensuring no disruption and enabling reuse of existing IT investment
One-hour deployment: PreVeil staff handle the complete technical implementation
Immediate deployment: Users begin protecting CUI immediately after installation

Savings: $50,000-$200,000+ in avoided implementation costs

Cost Savings #2: Deploy PreVeil Licenses in an Enclave

Challenge of Deploying GCC High to the Full Organization:

Deploy expensive licenses across the entire organization
Manage compliance complexity for all users and systems
Accept enterprise-wide licensing costs regardless of actual CUI usage

Challenge of Deploying GCC High in an Enclave

Disrupts collaboration between enclave and non-enclave users
External partners and suppliers need costly guest licenses to communicate with the enclave
Employees struggle with switching between platforms for different projects

Using PreVeil in an Enclave:

Targeted deployment: Only users who handle CUI receive PreVeil licenses
Focused compliance boundary: Restrict CUI access to specific work/home computers
Minimal license requirements: Many SMB organizations need fewer than 10 licenses
Free third-party communication: Suppliers and partners can communicate via free guest licenses

Savings: Tens of thousands annually in avoided licensing costs

Cost Savings #3: Use Pre-Built CMMC Documentation

Traditional Documentation Challenges:

Start from scratch with 110 NIST 800-171 controls
Hire expensive consultants for months of work
Create custom documentation for specific IT configuration
Costs typically start at $50,000 and routinely exceed $100,000

The PreVeil Accelerator Compliance Documentation Solution: PreVeil’s Compliance Accelerator provides:

Complete documentation package: Covers all 110 controls with detailed implementation guidance
Reference architecture with complete documentation: Based on “ACME Corporation” scenario that mirrors typical defense contractor configurations
C3PAO pre-validation: Documentation has been reviewed and approved by certified assessors

Reduce or Eliminate Consulting Costs:

Perfect match organizations: Those closely mirroring the ACME configuration can use documentation with minimal customization
Custom configurations: Detailed instructions and tutorials guide organizations through adapting documentation to their specific environment
Professional support: PreVeil can connect organizations with specialized consultants familiar with the baseline documentation for cost-effective customization

Savings: Over $100,000+ in avoided documentation and consulting costs

The Combined Result: Through eliminating rip-and-replace costs, deploying limited licenses in an enclave approach, and leveraging pre-built documentation, organizations achieve comprehensive CMMC compliance at a fraction of traditional costs—while also benefiting from superior end-to-end encryption security.

Strategic Flexibility: Timing Your Investment

One of the most important advantages of this approach is strategic flexibility around timing and investment levels.

Immediate Compliance Foundation

For as little as $5,000 annually, organizations can establish:

Strong encrypted platform for CUI protection in email and filesharing
Substantially complete documentation for CMMC assessment
Significantly improved SPRS score (often increased by 84+ points)
Clear signal to DoD of established CUI protection program and progress toward compliance

Defer Assessment Expenses While Maintaining Compliance Readiness

Critical insight: The DoD expects a 5-year rollout for CMMC assessments, with increasing numbers of companies being assessed over time. This provides organizations with strategic options on when to schedule and pay for their CMMC assessment:

Option A – Accelerated Path:

Organizations with significant DoD contracts can prioritize immediate assessment
Complete remaining documentation gaps with internal resources or consultant support
Achieve CMMC certification ahead of requirements

Option B – Phased:

Immediate compliance foundation at minimal cost: Establish compliant CUI protection by deploying PreVeil to meet current DFARS 7012 requirements
Strategic cost deferral: Delay formal assessment costs until contracts require CMMC certification or business strategy dictates
Operational Flexibility: Preserve and expand defense opportunities without major upfront investment while staying ready

DFARS Compliance Risk: Doing Nothing Isn’t an Option

The strategic flexibility described above applies only to formal CMMC assessment timing—not to CUI protection itself, which must be implemented immediately. Organizations cannot defer CUI protection, as DFARS 7012 compliance is a current contractual requirement with serious consequences for non-compliance, including DOJ False Claims Act exposure, DIBCAC assessment risks, and prime contractor relationship impacts. However, this compliance requirement is easily accomplished in a cost-effective manner, making any risk-taking to avoid expenses entirely unwarranted.

Proven Results and Validation

This approach delivers measurable results across thousands of organizations:

Customer Success Metrics

Thousands of customers using PreVeil for DFARS & CMMC compliance
25+ customers have achieved perfect 110 CMMC scores since assessments began
Consistent cost savings of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to GCCH approaches
High SPRS scores achieved rapidly across customer base

Industry Compliance Validation

C3PAO adoption: Certified CMMC assessors are increasingly using PreVeil for their own compliance needs
Partner Network: Over 400 MSPs, MSSPs, and consultants are part of our preferred network
Streamlined assessments: Reduced assessment time and costs due to assessor familiarity with pre-validated documentation

Making the Strategic Decision

The choice between expensive GCCH implementation and affordable alternatives comes down to understanding your organization’s specific situation:

Consider GCCH If:

Defense contracts represent majority of your business
You have substantial IT budgets and expertise
Enterprise-wide IT transformation aligns with business strategy
You can absorb $200,000-$500,000+ implementation costs

Consider Modern Alternatives If:

You’re a small or medium business entering or expanding in defense markets
Defense represents a portion of your overall business
You’re exploring defense opportunities but uncertain about long-term commitment
Cost is a significant factor in your decision
You need to meet compliance while managing cash flow

Rather than asking “Can we afford CMMC compliance?” the right question is “Which compliance approach delivers the security and cost structure that aligns with our business strategy?”

For most organizations, the answer involves:

Immediate implementation of cost-effective CUI protection and thorough documentation
Strategic timing of formal assessment based on contract requirements

Flexible investment that scales with defense business growth while maintaining compliance readiness and superior CUI protection.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

The perception that CMMC compliance requires hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment is based on the incorrect assumption that GCCH is the only compliance path. This assumption has created unnecessary fear throughout the Defense Industrial Base, leading many organizations to consider exiting the defense market entirely.

The reality is that robust, fully compliant CMMC programs can be established and maintained for a fraction of GCCH costs.

Compliance is achievable at costs ranging from $5,000-$15,000 annually for most organizations
Assessment investment timing is flexible based on business strategy and contract requirements
Proven solutions exist with thousands of successful implementations and validated results
Professional support is available to guide implementation and ensure success

The choice isn’t between expensive compliance and exiting the defense market. The choice is between different compliance approaches that can be tailored to your organization’s size, budget, and strategic objectives.

Don’t let cost mythology drive strategic decisions about your defense business opportunities. Instead, make informed decisions based on accurate cost information and proven compliance approaches that align with your business needs.

Take Action: Get the Facts for Your Situation

Every organization’s compliance needs are unique. Rather than base decisions on general cost estimates or consultant recommendations that may not apply to your specific situation, get personalized guidance from PreVeil’s compliance experts who understand the full range of proven options available.

Contact PreVeil’s compliance team to:

Assess your specific compliance requirements and current readiness
Understand cost options for your organization size and defense business exposure
Develop a strategic timeline that aligns compliance investment with business needs
See a demonstration of how compliant CUI protection can be implemented without infrastructure replacement

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What is CMMC Compliance?

Orlee Berlove, reviewed by Noël Vestal, PMP, CMMC RP — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 21:14:13 +0000

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 2019 to ensure defense contractors comply with cybersecurity requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171. Its primary goal is to protect sensitive information, such as Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), while strengthening the overall security of the defense supply chain.

This blog explains the basic requirements of CMMC, latest timeline, projected costs of compliance, and tips on how to get started on CMMC compliance.

What is CMMC Compliance?
Who Needs CMMC Certification?
CMMC Levels and Their Compliance Requirements
When Will CMMC Compliance Be Required?
CMMC Compliance Costs
How to Become CMMC Compliant: 3 Steps to Get Started
To Learn More about CMMC Compliance

What is CMMC Compliance?

CMMC Compliance was introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD) to address widespread gaps in compliance and enforcement of the existing NIST SP 800-171 framework. While CMMC compliance doesn’t introduce new cybersecurity requirements for protecting FCI and CUI, it strengthens enforcement of the security measures already in place.

Previously, defense contractors were allowed to self-assess their compliance with DoD security requirements. Under CMMC, however, most contractors will need to undergo independent third-party assessments to verify compliance. These assessments will be conducted by CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) that are trained and certified by the Cyber AB, CMMC’s official accreditation body.

Who Needs CMMC Certification?

Organizations that handle FCI or CUI must achieve CMMC certification at the level specified in their contract. This requirement applies not only to large, Prime defense contractors but also to subcontractors and smaller organizations further down the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) supply chain. Cybercriminals often target these smaller entities, viewing them as less secure entry points to sensitive data. By raising cybersecurity standards across the entire supply chain, the DoD aims to mitigate these vulnerabilities—a core objective of the CMMC program.

CMMC Levels and Their Compliance Requirements

CMMC has three levels of compliance, determined by the type of information your organization handles. To work on defense contracts, your organization must comply with the CMMC level specified in your contract and undergo the appropriate assessments, as shown in the figure below.

Security and assessment requirements—based on CMMC Level

^Source:^{DoD Chief Information Officer website}

Level 1 applies to organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) only. Compliance requires meeting the basic safeguarding requirements outlined in FAR 52.204-21. Organizations at this level must perform annual self-assessments to verify compliance.
Level 2 is designed for organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Compliance at this level involves meeting the 110 security controls specified in NIST SP 800-171. Most organizations at this level will need to undergo third-party assessments every three years. These assessments are conducted by accredited CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs), who evaluate compliance with NIST SP 800-171 controls..
Level 3 applies to organizations working with CUI and facing Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)—sophisticated, state-sponsored attacks targeting critical defense programs. To achieve Level 3, organizations must comply with both the 110 NIST SP 800-171 security controls and an additional 24 enhanced security controls from NIST SP 800-172. Triennial assessments at this level are conducted by the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC), the DoD’s ultimate authority on compliance.

When Will CMMC Compliance Be Required?

The CMMC Final Rule (CFR 32) became effective on Dec 16, 2024 and CMMC assessments have begun. It will enter contracts by Mid-2025. See our CMMC timeline blog for more details.

It is important to understand that even though CMMC will be phased in over time, it does not necessarily follow that you have more time to achieve CMMC certification. Your organization, for example, could be far down the supply chain from a contractor subject to CMMC in Phase 1, in which case that contractor must flow down CMMC requirements to your organization at that time.

As leading cyber lawyer Robert Metzger said during PreVeil’s CMMC Summit:

The problem for most contractors is that you won’t know in advance when the compliance requirement will come to you or when your Prime will ask you to show you are ready for a certification assessment. Most organizations find that it takes 6-18 months to know that you are ready to pass an assessment. So you need to get started now.

CMMC Compliance Costs

The costs associated with achieving CMMC Level 2 certification can vary widely depending on several factors. These include your organization’s current cybersecurity maturity, the scope of your Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) enclave, the number of employees handling CUI, the extent of internal preparation for the C3PAO assessment, and the need for external expertise to meet certification requirements.

Want to know how much CMMC will cost your organization?

Check out our CMMC Cost Calculator

The DoD estimates that the cost of CMMC Level 2 assessments and required affirmations of compliance will exceed $100,000, excluding any additional technology investments needed to meet requirements. The table below provides a breakdown of cost estimates for small defense contractors (fewer than 500 employees or less than $7.5 million in annual revenue):

DoD CMMC Level 2 Certification and Cost Estimates for small defense contractors (with < 500 employees or revenue < $7.5 million)

^Source:^{Proposed Rule: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program}

These costs include time and resources from both in-house IT specialists and external service providers, such as Registered Practitioners (RPs) and C3PAOs, who assist in achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance.

However, it’s important to note that these estimates begin at the C3PAO assessment phase and exclude any costs incurred beforehand. Since defense contractors have been required to comply with NIST 800-171 standards—on which CMMC Level 2 is based—since 2017, the DoD does not consider NIST 800-171-related technologies or documentation as new expenses.

The good news is that there are technology solutions available that can significantly reduce the time and cost of achieving compliance. PreVeil’s blog, 6 Ways to Save Money on CMMC, offers insights into the costs involved and practical strategies to save money at each step of the process.

How to Become CMMC Compliant: 3 Steps to Get Started

If you’re just starting your CMMC Level 2 compliance journey, you should focus on meeting the 110 controls in NIST 800-171. PreVeil offers a three-step roadmap to NIST 800-171 compliance and CMMC Level 2 certification.

1. Adopt a platform that securely stores, processes and transmits CUI.

You’ll need to choose an email and file sharing platform that complies with DFARS 7012. Know that common commercial email solutions like Gmail and Microsoft O365 are not compliant & the responsibility for choosing a compliant platform rests squarely on the shoulders of defense contractors; Ask for documented evidence and ask for customers who have achieved CMMC compliance.

Dozens of PreVeil customers have achieved CMMC compliance- validated by a perfect 110 score on their C3PAO or DoD assessment. PreVeil is used by over 1,700 defense contractors and provides a comprehensive solution to simplify CMMC compliance. Through a combination of inherited and shared controls, PreVeil supports over 90% of the NIST SP 800-171 security controls (102 of the 110).

2. Use prepared documentation to show compliance and save time and money.

Defense contractors have to do more than implement technology and policies to comply with NIST SP 800-171. They also need detailed, evidence-based documentation to prove it. This can be a daunting, time-consuming, and costly task.

PreVeil offers its customers a Compliance Accelerator documentation package that gives them a huge head start. It includes a pre-filled System Security Plan (SSP) with detailed language that explains how a customer will be able to meet each of the NIST SP 800-171 controls and objectives that PreVeil supports; policy documents; POA&M templates and more. Here’s what Paul Miller from Virtra said:

I would say the Preveil supporting documentation halved our time that we spent on the SSP. The pre-filled documents gave us that starting place to make sure we addressed everything in each control.

3. Identify certified consultants that are familiar with your technology

It’s understandable that many organizations lack the internal security expertise to conduct their NIST 800-171 self-assessment accurately and cost effectively. If you get stuck and need help, outside partners can save you time and money.

To facilitate connections to the specialized help many small to midsize businesses need, PreVeil has built a partner network of C3PAOs, Registered Practitioners, MSPs and other consultants—all with expert knowledge of DFARS, NIST, CMMC and PreVeil.

Now is the time to get started on CMMC compliance. Informed estimates from C3PAOs who have done this work are that it takes typical small to midsize organizations around 12 months to meet CMMC Level 2 requirements. That time frame exceeds estimates of how long it will be before CMMC requirements begin to appear in DoD contracts.

To Learn More about CMMC Compliance

PreVeil is trusted by more than 1,700 small and midsize defense contractors. Learn more about how PreVeil can help you achieve CMMC Level 2 certification faster and more affordably:

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Private Equity’s Guide to CMMC

Orlee Berlove, reviewed by Noël Vestal, PMP, CMMC RP — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 23:07:37 +0000

In this webinar, Michael G. Gruden—former Pentagon IT acquisition branch chief and now partner at Crowell & Moring— provided expert insights on how the CMMC Final Rule impacts private equity during defense sector M&A.

By attending, participants were able to learn:

How CMMC’s M&A trigger can affect your defense portfolio
Why CMMC compliance gives portfolio companies a leg up in winning new contracts
Scalable compliance strategies that cut costs by up to 75% compared to legacy solutions

Watch this webinar to learn more.

Learn more about what CMMC means for Private Equity here.

The post Private Equity’s Guide to CMMC appeared first on PreVeil.

Countdown to Compliance: Demystifying the CMMC Timeline

Orlee Berlove, reviewed by Noël Vestal, PMP, CMMC RP — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:43:40 +0000

The CMMC Final Rule is now live and CMMC assessments are ongoing. CMMC will enter DoD contracts in mid-late 2025.

CMMC Background

Defense contractors handling controlled unclassified information (CUI) have been required to meet the 110 controls of NIST 800-171 since 2017. CMMC will validate compliance with NIST 800-171 through independent assessments conducted by C3PAOs (CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization).

The DoD has made clear that CMMC is imminent and defense contractors need to work towards meeting compliance. Here’s what Matt Travis (CEO of Cyber-AB) warned at PreVeil’s CMMC Summit:

If you haven’t started getting engaged in CMMC, now is the time to do so. It was probably the time in early 2024, but now the light is flashing red.

The Latest CMMC Timeline

The CMMC Final Rule (CFR 32) became effective on Dec 16, 2024, and CMMC assessments started on Jan 2, 2025. CMMC will enter contracts (CFR 48) in mid-2025.

CMMC Compliance Deadline: When will it be in contracts?

The DoD Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Cybersecurity, David McKeown, said in June 2024 that “the DOD should be officially rolling CMMC 2.0 out and including it in contract paperwork in the first quarter of calendar year 2025”.

However, this does not mean that companies should wait to begin a CMMC implementation plan. NIST 800-171, which CMMC is based on, is already required today. Furthermore, Primes are already beginning to require their subcontractors to meet CMMC compliance requirements, ahead of the rule. Here’s what Leidos CISO JR Williamson said on a PreVeil panel,

Compliance isn’t going away. It is going to be a requirement to be able to bid on and continue to operate on these contracts.

Defense contractors who are not yet meeting all 110 NIST 800-171 controls should prioritize this immediately if they wish to continue bidding on defense contracts.

Preparing for CMMC Level 2

Given that CMMC will be in contracts in Q2 2025, you need to get started on your compliance preparations now, as it takes 12 months for the average defense contractor to get assessment ready. Doing nothing is not an option. Here’s what Matt Travis said:

If you do not get CMMC Certification, you will not be able to win DoD contracts. I cannot emphasize that enough

If you’re not sure where to start, read our CMMC Compliance Checklist blog. For convenience, here are a few ways to expedite your compliance journey:

1. Limit your Compliance Boundary with an Enclave: You may be able to establish a secure, isolated environment for CUI, which can simplify your documentation and save you money on licenses.

2. Use Pre-filled Documentation: Protecting CUI is at the core of NIST and CMMC compliance. However, you also must provide detailed documentation to prove that you’re compliant. CMMC assessments will be conducted by C3PAOs who will start by asking for this documentation. For example, your System Security Plan (SSP) needs to document how your organization meets the 110 controls of NIST 800-171.

3. Limit POA&MS: Plans of Actions & Milestones (POAMs) describe your plan to meet any controls that are currently unmet. Make sure you are taking steps to address any POAMs and specifying the technologies and procedures you will need to close those gaps. C3PAOs will allow for only a limited use of POAMs at the time of assessment and then only for the least critical controls. You will need a minimum score of 80% (88/110) to be eligible for a conditional certification so we do not recommend relying on POAMs to pass CMMC.

4. Leverage Partners: If you get stuck, or don’t have the time or expertise to complete the steps required, you can take advantage of PreVeil’s preferred network of Assessors, Consultants, and Service Providers. They offer a variety of services to help accelerate your compliance journey, and you can have confidence that they were vetted and recommended by the PreVeil compliance team.

According to the current letter of the law, NIST 800-171A, you are already responsible for meeting all of the security standards included in CMMC. If you are not yet fulfilling this obligation, the time to act is now.

Next Steps

The goal for defense contractors is to not only remain eligible to win defense contracts, but also to minimize business risk and protect CUI from our country’s adversaries. By getting started on your organization’s compliance journey, you can achieve these objectives and ensure your company is ready for ramped-up federal enforcement of cybersecurity regulations.

Learn More: Case Study: Defense Contractor Achieves CMMC Compliance with Perfect 110 Score

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What is CUI Basic? The Answers You’re Looking For

Orlee Berlove, reviewed by Jamie Leupold — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 21:26:49 +0000

If you’re a government contractor, you’ve likely come across the term CUI Basic. But what is CUI Basic, really? And why does it matter for your organization?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break it all down: what qualifies as CUI Basic, how it differs from CUI Specified, real-world examples, compliance requirements, and why protecting this type of data is essential for national security and business continuity.

What is CUI Basic?

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) refers to sensitive but unclassified data that the federal government requires to be protected. It replaces older, inconsistent markings like “FOUO” (For Official Use Only) and “SBU” (Sensitive But Unclassified).

CUI is divided into two main categories: CUI Basic and CUI Specified.

CUI Basic includes information that:

Is not classified,
Requires safeguarding due to government policy,
But is not subject to specific legal handling requirements.

Instead, protection requirements are standardized under 32 CFR Part 2002 and NIST SP 800-171.

CUI Specified, however, includes controlled unclassified information that must be protected in accordance with legal or regulatory mandates.

Example of CUI Basic

Imagine a defense subcontractor providing technical specs and engineering drawings for a naval drone. The data isn’t classified or subject to ITAR but still requires protection.

Since there are no special laws governing its handling—but it’s sensitive and tied to national security—it’s categorized as CUI Basic and must be protected under NIST SP 800-171.

Example of CUI Specified

An aerospace company working on a defense contract receives technical data related to missile guidance systems that falls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Because ITAR is a federal law that imposes strict controls on how such data is stored, accessed, and shared—especially with foreign nationals—this information is classified as CUI Specified. It requires not only the baseline protections of NIST SP 800-171 but also compliance with ITAR’s specific legal requirements, such as limiting access based on citizenship and using approved export-controlled systems.

CUI Basic vs. CUI Specified: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between CUI Basic and CUI Specified is crucial for compliance and correct data handling. Essentially, CUI Basic is governed by general CUI program regulations, while CUI Specified is governed by specific laws and are subject to additional protections.

If there’s no law dictating extra requirements, the data is classified as CUI Basic.

Common Categories of CUI Basic

There are dozens of CUI Basic categories that span technical, financial, and legal areas. The NARA CUI Registry is the authoritative source for the full list.

Some Common CUI Basic Categories Include:

Procurement and Acquisition Data
Proprietary Business Information
Legal and Contractual Information
Infrastructure Protection Data
Patent Applications
Financial or Budget Information
Privacy Act Data (when not elevated to Specified)

These types of information must be safeguarded even though they are unclassified.

Compliance Requirements for CUI Basic

Contractors handling CUI Basic must meet strict cybersecurity and compliance obligations. These include the following standards and frameworks:

NIST SP 800-171

This is the core standard for protecting CUI Basic. It includes 110 controls across 14 categories. Compliance involves implementing these NIST SP 800-171 controls, documenting them in a System Security Plan (SSP), and using a Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M) for any gaps.

CMMC Level 2

CMMC Level 2 directly maps to NIST 800-171 and applies to contractors handling CUI Basic. CMMC Level 2 assessments began in January 2025 and are expected to steadily increase as CMMC requirements are gradually incorporated into defense contracts over the coming years. During these assessments, organizations will be evaluated on their ability to meet all 110 security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171, as well as how effectively they implement the procedures and policies detailed in their System Security Plan (SSP).

What is the Goal of Destroying CUI?

Knowing the difference between CUI Basic and CUI Specified is important, but so is the destruction of it. The goal of destroying CUI is to ensure that sensitive, unclassified government information cannot be accessed, reconstructed, or misused by unauthorized individuals once it is no longer needed.

Why CUI Destruction Matters

Just like classified information, CUI poses a risk if left unsecured—even after it’s outdated or no longer relevant. Improper disposal can lead to unauthorized disclosure of technical or procurement data, loss of competitive advantage or intellectual property, and national security threats through supply chain exposure.

Destroying CUI properly ensures that sensitive data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands, particularly in the context of cyber espionage, insider threats, or physical document theft.

Acceptable Methods for Destroying CUI

Per 32 CFR Part 2002, CUI must be destroyed in a manner that makes it unreadable, indecipherable, and irrecoverable. Acceptable methods include:

For Paper: Cross-cut shredding, pulping, burning, or pulverizing
For Electronic Media: Secure deletion, degaussing, cryptographic erase, or physical destruction (e.g., shredding drives)

Organizations must also follow any additional requirements set forth in their agency contracts or internal policies. Some types of CUI Specified may have their own mandated destruction protocols.

Why Protecting CUI Basic Is Critically Important

CUI Basic is a high-value target for cyber adversaries. Its protection is essential for national security, contract success, and business continuity.

National Security Implications

CUI Basic includes data on military systems and components, defense supply chains, and procurement and acquisition. If compromised, this data can directly harm U.S. national defense capabilities.

Supply Chain Risk

Adversaries often exploit small or mid-sized contractors to access the broader supply chain. Protecting CUI Basic helps close these gaps.

Legal and Business Consequences

Failure to protect CUI Basic can lead to:

Breach of contract
Contract revocation or suspension
Disqualification from future DoD opportunities
Costly audits and reputational damage

Who is Responsible for Applying CUI Markings?

Responsibility for applying CUI markings lies with the creator of the CUI—whether within the federal government or among contractors and subcontractors who create, receive, or manage CUI.

Role of Federal Agencies

Agencies that originate CUI are responsible for:

Identifying what constitutes CUI under the NARA CUI Registry
Marking documents and data correctly before dissemination
Training employees and contractors on proper CUI handling

Agencies also designate CUI senior agency officials (SAOs) to oversee implementation and ensure compliance across departments.

Role of Contractors and Subcontractors

When contractors generate or receive CUI as part of a federal contract, they are required to:

Mark any CUI they create or modify according to the source agency’s guidance
Maintain those markings throughout the document’s lifecycle
Ensure subcontractors and team members follow the same marking and safeguarding rules

Markings typically include:

A header or footer with the word “CUI”
Category markings (e.g., “CUI – Controlled Technical Information”)
Limited dissemination controls if applicable

Here’s an example of how CUI will be marked on a contract.

Tools and Guidance for Proper Marking

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides templates and guidance for marking CUI, along with training resources. Contractors should also refer to agency-specific requirements and contractual clauses.

How PreVeil Helps You Protect CUI Basic

PreVeil offers end-to-end encrypted email and file sharing designed to meet the requirements of NIST 800-171, CMMC Level 2, and DFARS 7012.

Why Organizations Choose PreVeil:

End-to-end encryption for email and files
Seamless integration with Outlook and Gmail
Affordable for SMBs in the DIB
Compliant with ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC
Easy collaboration with primes, subs, and government partners

PreVeil helps defense contractors achieve and maintain compliance—without enterprise complexity or cost.

Get Started Today

PreVeil is trusted by thousands of contractors to protect CUI Basic and comply with NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0. We can help you simplify compliance, secure your data, and safeguard your contracts.

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