Standards Comparison

    CMMC

    Mandatory
    2021

    DoD framework certifying cybersecurity maturity for contractors

    VS

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for aerospace quality management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    CMMC verifies cybersecurity for DoD contractors handling FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while AS9100 enhances ISO 9001 with aerospace quality controls for product safety and traceability. Organizations adopt CMMC for contract eligibility and AS9100 for market access and reliability.

    Cybersecurity Maturity

    CMMC

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Three cumulative levels for FCI and CUI protection
    • Third-party C3PAO assessments with SPRS reporting
    • Direct mapping to NIST SP 800-171/172 controls
    • Phased DoD contract enforcement and flow-down
    • Limited POA&Ms with 180-day closure requirements
    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D Quality Management Systems Requirements

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Configuration management for product integrity
    • Product safety processes across lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention controls
    • Operational risk management in Clause 8
    • Enhanced supplier evaluation and controls

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    CMMC Details

    What It Is

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is a DoD certification framework verifying cybersecurity practices for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It ensures protection of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through tiered levels using a verification-based approach mapped to NIST SP 800-171 and 800-172.

    Key Components

    • Three cumulative levels: Level 1 (17 FAR controls), Level 2 (110 NIST 800-171 controls), Level 3 (24 additional NIST 800-172 enhancements).
    • 14 domains like Access Control, Incident Response, and Risk Assessment.
    • Assessment via self, C3PAO, or DIBCAC with SPRS/eMASS reporting.
    • POA&Ms limited to 180 days.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI to secure contracts, reduce supply chain risks, avoid debarment, and gain competitive edges. Enhances resilience, lowers breach costs, and builds stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires SSP, evidence collection, annual affirmations. Timelines 12+ months; costs $100K+ for SMEs.

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D (AS9100 Rev D, 2016) is a certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation, space, and defense. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a process-based, risk-based thinking approach across 10 clauses.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: operational planning (Clause 8), risk management, leadership (Clause 5), performance evaluation (Clause 9).
    • Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit parts prevention (8.1.4), human factors, supplier controls.
    • Built on Annex SL structure; certification via accredited third-party audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets OEM/contractual mandates for market access.
    • Reduces defects, improves delivery, ensures supply chain integrity.
    • Mitigates safety risks, enhances reputation via OASIS visibility.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-18 months).
    • Applies to designers/manufacturers in ASD; global, all sizes.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CMMC
    Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection
    AS9100
    Quality management for aerospace products

    Industry

    CMMC
    DoD defense industrial base
    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense manufacturing

    Nature

    CMMC
    Tiered certification model, mandatory for contracts
    AS9100
    Voluntary QMS certification, ISO 9001 enhanced

    Testing

    CMMC
    Self-assess/C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years
    AS9100
    Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recertify 3 years

    Penalties

    CMMC
    Contract ineligibility, debarment
    AS9100
    Certification loss, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CMMC and AS9100

    CMMC FAQ

    AS9100 FAQ

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