The Fast Track to CMMC Readiness
Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) doesn’t have to mean rebuilding your IT environment. Exostar’s CMMC Ready Suite provides a secure, Microsoft-based defended enclave that helps defense contractors securely store, process, and transmit CUI while reducing cost, complexity, and implementation time.
Backed by more than 25 years of experience supporting 65,000 suppliers and 300,000 users across the Defense Industrial Base, Exostar helps organizations navigate evolving cybersecurity requirements with confidence.
Schedule a CMMC Readiness Consultation with an Exostar cybersecurity expert to discuss your CUI strategy and identify the right path forward.
CMMC is Changing. Protecting CUI Is Still the Mission
As of July 13, the Department of War (DoW) has suspended the requirements for CMMC Phase 2 implementation, and the program is under a 60-day review. We are actively updating our content to reflect the latest information. Guidance for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and supporting NIST SP 800-171 remains unchanged.
Everything You Need for NIST and CMMC Compliance
A fully managed, assessment-ready solution that delivers CMMC Level 2 certification as an outcome, aligned to all 110 NIST 800-171 controls, designed to protect CUI and preserve defense contract eligibility.
Faster Time to Readiness
Avoid lengthy IT overhauls or custom builds. Exostar delivers a purpose-built environment that shortens time to evidence, documentation, and self-assessment readiness.
Lowest Total Cost of Ownership
Achieve Level 2 compliance at 5–10x lower total cost than MSP-heavy or DIY approaches by eliminating tool sprawl, rework, and failed assessments.
Simple, Scalable Packages
Choose a tier aligned to your scope, maturity, and risk profile, then scale as your compliance needs to evolve.
Expert Guidance
Practical support to help you protect CUI, complete self-assessment, and stay ready for whatever comes next in CMMC.
“Hit the easy button and go with Exostar—they’ve figured it out. It’s cost-effective, user-friendly, and it works. We now have full compliance and a strategic advantage in a highly competitive space.”
— Chuck Welch, Director of IT, DDC
How Exostar Compares to Other Approaches
| DIY / Build It Yourself | Consultants Only | Exostar | |
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| Purpose-built, managed environment |
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| Endpoints kept out of scope to reduce assessment complexity |
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| FedRAMP-equivalent security |
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| Automated documentation & policy generation |
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| Assessment Support |
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| Faster path to compliance |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) program for ensuring that defense contractors protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). Without CMMC certification, organizations will be ineligible to win or participate in many DoD contracts. Certification proves that you meet the required cybersecurity standards to handle sensitive information.
- Level 1: 17 basic controls for protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI). Self-assessment allowed.
- Level 2: All 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Most companies will need a third-party audit.
- Level 3: Advanced controls from NIST SP 800-172 to protect against sophisticated threats. Audits are performed by the DoD (DCMA DIBCAC).
Certification is obtained through self-assessments (for some contracts) or third-party assessments by a CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO), depending on the required level of CMMC compliance.
With the final rules nearly complete, CMMC requirements are expected to start showing up in DoD contracts by Q4 2025. That means contractors must start preparing now to avoid delays when opportunities go live.
For nearly a decade, defense contractors have been required to follow NIST 800-171 and DFARS 7012, but too many companies self-assessed incorrectly or failed to close security gaps. This left DoD data exposed, creating financial losses and national security risks. CMMC fixes this problem by requiring verified compliance through audits.That’s why CMMC raises the bar: instead of checking your own homework, most organizations will now need verified audits to prove compliance.
DFARS 7012 let contractors self-assess and self-report their compliance with NIST SP 800-171. CMMC requires verified NIST 800-171 compliance through third-party assessments. CMMC changes the game by requiring most organizations to pass an audit conducted by an approved third-party assessor (C3PAO) to prove compliance.
On your own, CMMC preparation can stretch 6–18 months. Even organizations with mature security programs often need at least six months to identify gaps, remediate issues, and generate the required documentation, and that’s before factoring in audit scheduling delays. But with the right tools and expert support, we’ve seen companies achieve assessment-ready status in under 90 days.
- SPRS is where you submit your compliance score.
- SSP is the System Security Plan auditors will review.
- POA&M is your roadmap for closing security gaps.
Exostar. Together We Thrive.
Exostar helps you comply fast and collaborate at scale. Our trusted network empowers 200,000+ organizations across aerospace and defense to win more contracts and build a secure, connected future. Together, we thrive.