Defense Department Releases Companion Video for CMMC Public Comment Period

Feb. 15, 2024 | By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

In a bid to demystify the intricacies and significance of the recently published proposed rule for its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, the Defense Department has unveiled an informative video resource.

Tailored to enlighten members of the defense industrial base and other stakeholders, the video elucidates the nuances of the proposed rule for the CMMC program. Its primary objective is to assist stakeholders in comprehending the intricacies of the program and to facilitate their preparation of comments and feedback for the upcoming review process, shaping the finalization of the CMMC program proposed rule.

A 60-day public comment period on the proposed rule commenced on Dec. 26, 2023, and will conclude on Feb. 26 at 11:59 p.m. The feedback received during this period will be meticulously reviewed and will play a pivotal role in informing the final rule.

At its core, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program serves as a mechanism for the Defense Department to ascertain the preparedness of defense contractors, regardless of size, in managing controlled unclassified information and federal contract information in compliance with federal regulations.

Central to the program's execution are the authorized CMMC "third-party assessment organizations" (C3PAOs), tasked with conducting CMMC Level 2 certification assessments for interested companies. The Department will oversee CMMC Level 3 assessments.

Although the Department does not remunerate C3PAOs, it does establish the requirements governing their operations. Gurpreet Bhatia, the DOD Chief Information Officer's principal director for cybersecurity, underscores the program's significance in safeguarding crucial DOD information from adversarial incursions.

Bhatia emphasizes that the CMMC program is pivotal in bolstering defense contractors' compliance with cybersecurity regulations while enabling the DOD to monitor compliance status effectively.

He underscores the Department's unwavering commitment to implementing the CMMC Program, underscoring its pivotal role in fortifying the protection of DOD's sensitive information. Bhatia urges stakeholders to seize the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed CMMC rule, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing cybersecurity and safeguarding DOD information assets.