If you are a research university, November 10, 2025, marked a significant milestone—the official implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) final rule as a contractual requirement.
For the next year, Phase 1 of CMMC will be in effect, requiring self-assessments from Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and research institutions. Some programs may even mandate a Level 2 third-party assessment.
As the DoD begins issuing solicitations with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements, CMMC compliance is no longer optional; it is a reality.
During a recent Cyber AB town hall meeting, CEO Matt Travis emphasized that many organizations fail to complete Phase 1 of the certification process due to common deficiencies, such as unclear scope, inadequate documentation, and overall lack of preparation.
These gaps often lead to incomplete certification efforts, forcing organizations to invest additional time and resources before reattempting certification.
Before pursuing CMMC certification, your institution must have confidence in its compliance program.
Achieving this confidence requires an objective, comprehensive approach. That’s where CampusGuard can help.
As a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO), CampusGuard offers:
- Pre-assessments of your CMMC program to identify gaps and provide actionable guidance.
- Level 1 or Level 2 gap analysis, saving time and money before engaging a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).
- Expert support from certified practitioners.
Don’t wait until these deficiencies slow your efforts. Start building confidence in your CMMC program now. Contact us today to schedule your pre-assessment and assist you with your CMMC compliance program.
CampusGuard has launched two new online training modules designed to help your team master critical CMMC topics: CMMC Compliance for Higher Education and Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Contact us today to learn more or request a free demo!
