The CMMC Final Rule became effective on December 26, 2024, with assessments commencing on January 31, 2025. By the middle of 2025, compliance will be required for certain DoD contracts, with full implementation beginning in October 2025. After October 31, 2026, all DoD contractors must comply to maintain eligibility. Full enforcement across all contracts is anticipated by 2028, so businesses should begin their preparations now.
Key CMMC Deadlines & Their Impact
December 26, 2024 - Final Rule Takes Effect
The CMMC 2.0 Final Rule is now law. Compliance is no longer optional for DoD contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The clock has officially started.
January 31, 2025 - CMMC Assessments Began
Organizations can now undergo third-party CMMC assessments. If you're aiming to win or renew DoD contracts, your cybersecurity maturity must align with your contract's CMMC level.
Upcoming Deadlines
Q1-Q2 2025 - CMMC Appears in Select DoD Contracts
Expect CMMC requirements to start appearing in high-value, high-risk, or CUI-related contract solicitations. Early compliance can mean a competitive edge.
Mid 2025 - 48 CFR Acquisition Rule Finalized
The DoD will issue the 48 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Acquisition Rule by mid-2025, effective 60 days later, allowing CMMC requirements in contracts. Compliance may gradually become necessary for more contracts.
October 2025 - Full CMMC Implementation Begins
Most new DoD contract opportunities will now require CMMC compliance. Lack of certification may disqualify your bids.
October 31, 2026 - Mandatory Compliance for All DoD Contractors
This is the drop-dead date. Without a valid CMMC certification, your company won't be eligible for new DoD contracts. Existing contracts may remain in effect, but new task orders could require certification.
2026-2027 - Level 2 Third-Party Assessments Required
Level 2 contractors (handling CUI) must pass a third-party assessment. Level 1 contracts (handling only Federal Contract Information) can still self-assess.
2028-Full CMMC Enforcement Across the DoD Supply Chain
By this point, all applicable DoD contracts will require CMMC compliance. Latecomers may find themselves locked out of the federal market.
The Cost of Non- Compliance: CCPA Penalties and CMMC Risks
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) enforces strict penalties for businesses that fail to comply with its data privacy regulations. After receiving a 30-day notice to address violations, organizations may face civil penalties ranging from $2,663 to $7,988 per violation. Fines are higher if the breach involves intentional misconduct or the personal data of minors under 16.
In addition to financial repercussions, non-compliance can trigger injunctions, forcing companies to halt specific business operations, including data collection and processing. These court orders can significantly disrupt operations and damage long term growth.
Even beyond legal risk, reputation loss, customer distrust, and potential lawsuits can follow privacy violations. The cost of inaction is too high to ignore.
What Can Businesses Do?
To avoid these outcomes, organizations should:
- Regularly update privacy policies
- Conduct routine internal compliance audits
- Implement automated tools for data governance and breach response
CMMC Certification: Why Waiting Is No Longer an Option
For businesses working with the Department of Defense (DoD), CMMC 2.0 certification is quickly becoming a non-negotiable requirement. While the official deadline for full compliance is October 31, 2026, prime contractors are already enforcing CMMC requirements for their subcontractors.
If you’re not certified now, you could already be losing business.
Primes are risk-averse. They manage financial, operational, and cybersecurity risk on every engagement—and they’re increasingly unwilling to partner with subcontractors who aren’t certified. Many primes now include specific language in RFPs, such as:
“Subcontractors must hold a current CMMC 2.0 certification to be eligible.”
Waiting to get certified is no longer a viable strategy. Subcontractors delaying certification are being excluded or disqualified from current and future opportunities.
“Fixing the Plane in Flight”: How Core Insights Accelerates Compliance
Datalink Networks partners with Core Insights to help clients fast-track their CMMC readiness through a structured, parallel process:
Phase 1: Readiness & Gap Assessment
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Evaluate current cybersecurity posture
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Identify compliant areas
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Document non-compliant controls
Phase 2: Rapid Remediation (Runs in Parallel)
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Core Insights manages remediation efforts based on findings
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Coordinates with your internal teams, vendors, and suppliers
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Procures and deploys any necessary hardware, software, or licensing
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Implements policy and control changes
Phase 3: Audit Preparation & Certification
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Ensures all gaps are remediated
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Prepares you for third-party certification by a CMMC-AB-approved assessor
READY TO GET COMPLIANT?
Let's schedule your free 1-hour CMMC consultation and map out your path to certification.
Final Thoughts
Whether it's CCPA or CMMC, compliance is no longer something to put off. The financial, legal, and competitive risks of non-compliance are rising—but with the right partner, accelerated readiness is within reach.
Need help getting started? Contact Datalink Networks to schedule your CMMC or CCPA compliance assessment today.
