The government contracting landscape is full of acronyms. As a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractor ourselves, we know this new terminology can be a lot to make sense of, especially if you are going through the MAS acquisition process at the same time. However, with some time and dedication, you can start unravel the meaning behind these acronyms.
While spelling out acronyms is helpful, it's crucial to fully comprehend how CMMC, FedRAMP, IFF, CSP, TDR, and other important acronyms can affect the way your company operates. In this blog, we will discuss the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), both very important cybersecurity requirements for certain contractors. While many contractors confuse the two requirements, they are each quite unique.
Similarities between CMMC and FedRAMP
CMMC and FedRAMP are both cybersecurity frameworks used within the federal government, particularly for contractors who provide services and solutions to the government. They both serve the purpose of strengthening cybersecurity posture, whether it’s safeguarding sensitive information or protecting federal data in the cloud. The implementation of these frameworks creates a more organized and consistent way to meet industry standards. Now that we’ve touched on a few similarities, let’s take a closer look at some differences.
CMMC
CMMC is a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is intended to ensure contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) are meeting cybersecurity requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC includes a framework to assess government contractors’ cybersecurity maturity while encouraging them to move away from self-attesting their cybersecurity status.
In December 2024, the final CMMC rule was released, establishing the CMMC program and process into law. The next step is to publish the CMMC implementation rule which will dictate how CMMC is included in solicitations and contracts. This final acquisition rule is anticipated to be published early-to-mid 2025, and then the DoD can officially begin including CMMC requirements.
Currently, CMMC consists of three maturity levels, ranging from basic cybersecurity hygiene (Level 1) to Advanced/Progressive for those needing a higher level of protection (Level 3). Each level builds upon the previous one, with increasing cybersecurity practices and controls.
CMMC was designed to achieve:
- Safeguarding sensitive information to enable and protect the warfighter
- Enforcing DIB cybersecurity standards to meet evolving threats
- Ensuring accountability while minimizing barriers to compliance with DoD requirements
- Perpetuating a collaborative culture of cybersecurity and cyber resilience
- Maintaining public trust through high professional and ethical standards
FedRAMP
FedRAMP is a government-wide program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government, by providing a standardized approach to security and risk assessment for cloud technologies and federal agencies. FedRAMP was developed by partnerships with cybersecurity and cloud experts from the General Services Administration (GSA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council, National Security Agency (NSA), and the private sector.
FedRAMP provides the following benefits:
- Reduces duplicative efforts, inconsistencies, and cost inefficiencies.
- Establishes a public- private partnership to promote innovation and the advancement of more secure information technologies.
- Enables the federal government to accelerate the adoption of cloud computing by creating transparent standards and processes for security authorizations and allowing agencies to leverage security authorizations on a government-wide scale.
FedRAMP’s major goal is to increase the use of secure technologies in use by government agencies. Since FedRAMP is considered a reliable high level of protection for federal data in the cloud, FedRAMP compliance is a requirement seen in multiple Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). If interested in becoming FedRAMP certified, check out our blog, “What is FedRAMP?,” which covers the certification process and designations.
More Differences Between CMMC and FedRAMP
Now let’s discuss a few more major differences. FedRAMP focuses on ensuring cloud service providers used by federal agencies meet security requirements. On the other hand, CMMC applies to all contractors and subcontractors working with the DoD to safeguard sensitive information.
While both FedRAMP and CMMC are based on NIST frameworks, they follow different publications. For instance, FedRAMP follows NIST 800-53 guidelines and CMMC complies with NIST 800-171.
Why Should I Become FedRAMP or CMMC Certified?
As technology continues to evolve, stringent security measures are needed to minimize vulnerabilities and prevent data breaches, like CMMC and FedRAMP. FedRAMP and CMMC certifications offer many advantages for contractors, such as enhanced security posture, cost savings, and competitive advantage. Being certified demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity and compliance and increases your opportunities to work with federal agencies and the DoD. And of course, these certifications may be required to go after certain opportunities, or for you to sell to any federal customers. Once CMMC starts appearing more in contracts, it'll become a regular requirement to win business that you can't avoid or postpone.
Need More Information About Cybersecurity Regulations?
Navigating these cybersecurity frameworks can be challenging. However, if you are a contractor or subcontractor wanting to work with the DoD, obtaining a CMMC certification is in your best interest. If you are working with a federal agency as a Cloud Service Provider (CSP), you’ll need to determine which FedRAMP authorization direction to take to set your company up for success.
To learn more about the process for becoming FedRAMP and CMMC certified you can check out:
If you are a GSA contractor or a prospective GSA contractor, be sure to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with government contracting updates. If you have any questions relating to FedRAMP, CMMC, or any general inquiries about the GSA Schedules program, we would be happy to help you.
