What’s the Difference Between DFARS and CMMC Compliance?

What is DFARS compliance?

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) is a set of regulations that govern acquisition by the United States Department of Defense. DFARS compliance is thus the process of ensuring that one’s business practices conform to the standards set forth in the DFARS.

What is CMMC compliance?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework that provides a level of assurance that an organization’s cybersecurity practices meet certain requirements. CMMC compliance thus refers to the process of ensuring that an organization’s cybersecurity practices meet the standards set forth in the CMMC framework.

So, what’s the difference between DFARS and CMMC compliance?

Essentially, DFARS compliance is a prerequisite for CMMC compliance. That is, an organization must first meet the standards set forth in the DFARS in order to be certified under the CMMC framework. Once an organization has achieved CMMC certification, it will be able to bid on and win contracts with the Department of Defense that require CMMC certification.

It should be noted that the DFARS and CMMC are not the only compliance frameworks that businesses need to be aware of. Other relevant compliance frameworks include the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), NIST 800-171, and ISO 27001.

Who needs to be compliant?

Organizations that wish to do business with the Department of Defense must meet the standards set forth in the DFARS. In order to bid on and win contracts that require CMMC certification, organizations must first achieve CMMC certification.

What are the benefits of compliance?

The main benefit of compliance is that it allows businesses to tap into new markets and opportunities. For example, by becoming CMMC certified, businesses will be able to bid on and win contracts with the Department of Defense that require CMMC certification. Compliance can also help businesses build trust and credibility with customers, partners, and regulators.

What are the risks of non-compliance?

The risks of non-compliance include financial penalties, reputational damage, and exclusion from certain markets. For example, businesses that do not meet the standards set forth in the DFARS may be barred from doing business with the Department of Defense. Similarly, businesses that are not CMMC certified will not be able to bid on and win contracts that require CMMC certification.

How can my organization become compliant?

There are a number of ways to become compliant with the DFARS and CMMC. One way is to work with a consultant who can help you assess your compliance risks and put together a compliance plan. Another way is to seek out training and resources from trade associations or government agencies. Finally, you can also hire a third-party auditor to certify your compliance.

How can I find out more about compliance?

If you’re interested in learning more about DFARS and CMMC compliance, there are a number of resources available. The Department of Defense offers a number of training courses on compliance, and there are also many trade associations and government agencies that offer resources on compliance. You can also find a wealth of information on compliance by conducting a search online.

Now that you know the difference between DFARS and CMMC compliance, you can start working on ensuring that your organization is compliant with the relevant standards. By taking the necessary steps to become compliant, you’ll be able to tap into new markets and opportunities, build trust and credibility, and avoid the risks of non-compliance.