The Five Biggest CMMC Mistakes SMB Contractors Make—and How to Avoid Them

Written By Glenn Haggard

With CMMC 2.0 entering enforcement phases, small defense contractors face a clear reality: Most compliance failures stem from strategy and not cybersecurity tools.

After working with SMBs across the Defense Industrial Base, we’ve seen the same five issues repeatedly derail readiness.

Mistake #1: Assuming IT Security Equals Compliance

Cyber tools alone don’t pass audits. Policies, training records, governance oversight, and documentation evidence matter just as much.

Fix: Establish cross-functional CMMC governance—not just IT ownership.

Mistake #2: Treating CMMC as a One-Time Project

CMMC isn’t install-and-forget compliance. Annual affirmations and triennial assessments mean controls must stay active.

Fix: Build quarterly reviews, ongoing POA&M tracking, and continuous evidence collection into routine operations.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Policies and People

Most failures come from training gaps and missing documentation, not missing tools.

Fix:

  • Build a mapped policy library

  • Track annual training for all staff

  • Tie security duties to onboarding, offboarding, and job roles

Mistake #4: Waiting for Solicitations to Force Action

By the time proposals demand proof, readiness windows have closed.

Fix: Conduct readiness assessments now and maintain a complete evidence portfolio ready for bidding cycles.

Mistake #5: Going It Alone

Internal teams lack assessment perspective, and blind spots kill certifications.

Fix: Engage a CMMC Professional to validate readiness and close gaps early.

The Big Picture

Every failed assessment traces back to at least one of these mistakes.

Organizations that:

  • Start early

  • Build governance programs

  • Prioritize documentation

  • Use outside expertise

aren’t just compliant. They become trusted partners in the defense supply chain.

Final Thought

CMMC isn’t red tape.
It’s the new standard of trust.

Companies that treat compliance as a strategic investment, not an IT burden, gain:

  • Market credibility

  • Contract eligibility

  • Lower audit stress

  • Competitive advantage

Ready to avoid all five mistakes?

Schedule your free CMMC readiness consult with Gruntworks Technology LLC and receive a personalized roadmap to audit confidence and contract success.

Source: “CMMC 2.0 Simplified: 5 Mistakes Small DoD Contractors Must Avoid to Win Contracts in 2025” – Gruntworks Technology LLC (Oct 2025)

Glenn Haggard
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