CMMC
DoD framework certifying cybersecurity maturity for contractors
AS9100
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.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
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
AS9100
AS9100D Quality Management Systems Requirements
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
| Aspect | CMMC | AS9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Quality management for aerospace products |
| Industry | DoD defense industrial base | Aviation, space, defense manufacturing |
| Nature | Tiered certification model, mandatory for contracts | Voluntary QMS certification, ISO 9001 enhanced |
| Testing | Self-assess/C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years | Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance, recertify 3 years |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Certification loss, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and AS9100
CMMC FAQ
AS9100 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

NIST 800-53 Private Sector ROI Reality Check: Isolating Control Family Impacts on 2024 Breach Costs
Discover NIST 800-53 ROI in private sector: control families like RA, SI, SR reduce median breach costs from $100K to under $50K. Get benchmarks to prioritize i

Breaking Down NIST CSF 2.0 Structure: Core, Tiers, Profiles, and Real-World Application
Master NIST CSF 2.0 structure: Govern + 5 Core functions, Tiers (Partial-Adaptive), Profiles for gaps, and real-world apps. Build effective cyber risk strategie

Decoding Tomorrow's Regulations: How Advanced Compliance Tools Predict and Prepare for Future Shifts
Advanced compliance tools use AI, analytics & real-time monitoring to predict regulatory shifts, cut non-compliance costs 3x, and ensure audit readiness. Stay p
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 14001 vs ISO 55001
Compare ISO 14001 vs ISO 55001: EMS for environmental excellence meets AMS for asset optimization. Uncover Annex SL alignment, PDCA benefits, and implementation strategies. Discover now!
K-PIPA vs ISA 95
Discover K-PIPA vs ISA-95: Korea's strict privacy law meets manufacturing integration stds. Key diffs, compliance tips & security for factories. Boost ops now!
SOX vs Australian Privacy Act
Discover SOX vs Australian Privacy Act: Compare U.S. financial controls with Aussie data protection rules. Key differences in compliance, penalties & strategies for global firms. Optimize governance now.