For small and medium businesses (SMBs) in the Defense Industrial Base, achieving CMMC compliance may seem like a daunting challenge. The complexity of the controls, the need for ongoing documentation, and the pressure of meeting strict cybersecurity standards can feel overwhelming — especially when resources are limited.
However, CMMC compliance doesn’t have to feel out of reach. With the right tools and a strategic approach, SMBs can achieve compliance without the need for large, dedicated compliance teams or expensive external consultants. With software like CUIComply, SMBs can streamline the process and maintain a manageable compliance workflow.
The Unique Challenges SMBs Face in Achieving CMMC Compliance
CMMC compliance is required for SMBs working as contractors or subcontractors in the DIB, but it can be tough for organizations without dedicated compliance or cybersecurity resources. Some common challenges include:
- Lack of Internal Expertise: Many SMBs simply don’t have the expertise needed to navigate complex compliance frameworks like CMMC / NIST 800-171.
- Limited Resources: SMBs often have smaller teams and tighter budgets, making the prospect of hiring consultants or building an internal compliance team impractical.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Compliance isn’t a one-time effort. Maintaining CMMC standards requires continuous monitoring, evidence tracking, and updates, which can be overwhelming without the right tools.
How CUIComply Helps SMBs Achieve CMMC Compliance
CUIComply was built with these challenges in mind, specifically designed to help SMBs achieve and maintain CMMC compliance without relying on expensive consultants or building large teams. Here’s how it works:
1. Extensive Guidance for Every NIST 800-171 Control
CUIComply is CMMC advisement in a box. Developed by Certified CMMC Assessors, CUIComply’s educational videos provide easy-to-understand tutorials for all 110 controls. These videos break down each control’s requirements in a clear, actionable way, making compliance accessible to organizations with limited expertise.
2. Automated Document Creation
Maintaining compliance is an ongoing effort, but CUIComply’s automation tools help simplify the documentation process. With features that automate the creation of System Security Plans (SSPs), gap assessment reports, and other required compliance documents, your team can quickly generate and manage the necessary paperwork. This reduces the burden of manual document creation and ensures that your compliance records are always up to date, ready for audits, and aligned with CMMC requirements.
3. A Cost-Effective Solution
Most cyber compliance software is prohibitively expensive and has overly complex pricing models. Small- and medium-sized DIB organizations, or DoD-focused business units of larger organizations, need a cost-effective solution.
CUIComply’s pricing model is built with this in mind. We know you’re already contending with the other hefty costs required to build and maintain an effective security and compliance program, and we’ve priced our software accordingly.
4. Experts On Demand
Even with built-in guidance, questions and challenges can arise during the compliance journey. CUIComply offers the option to talk to real humans for support, providing access to Certified CMMC Assessors who can offer guidance, answer questions, and assist with complex scenarios. This feature ensures that SMBs have expert support when needed, without the ongoing costs of external consultants.
5. Streamlined CMMC Tracking & Evidence Management
As a small or medium business, you likely don’t have the bandwidth to manually manage multiple spreadsheets for evidence tracking and repeatedly calculate your SPRS score or determine compliance status for your ever-changing business. CUIComply allows you to store, track, and manage all evidence in one centralized platform, eliminating the wasteful hours of updating your data in multiple places. As you upload evidence, CUIComply also dynamically updates your SPRS score and generates Met/Not-Met status for each control.
6. Self-Sufficiency in Compliance
One of the most empowering aspects of CUIComply is that it enables SMBs to achieve compliance on their own. Your team doesn’t need to rely on extensive outside support to manage CMMC. With step-by-step video guides, automation tools, and an easy-to-use interface, your team can confidently manage compliance from start to finish.
Conclusion: CMMC Compliance Is Within Reach for SMBs
For SMBs, achieving CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be a massive, resource-draining effort. With CUIComply, small and medium businesses can take control of their compliance journey, using the platform’s built-in guidance, automation tools, and cost-effective solutions to meet requirements with confidence.
Rather than relying on external consultants or building a large internal team, SMBs can empower their own teams to manage compliance efficiently, staying ahead of cybersecurity requirements while reducing stress and costs.
Ready to learn more about how CUIComply can support your SMB’s journey to CMMC compliance? Explore the platform today and take the first step toward securing your business and your future in the DIB.