CMMC
DoD certification model for DIB cybersecurity maturity
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors.
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI, while AS9120B provides quality management for aerospace distributors ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention. Organizations adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; AS9120B for supply chain access and trust.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligned to FAR/NIST controls
- Third-party C3PAO assessments for Level 2 certification
- DIBCAC government assessments for Level 3 APT defenses
- Limited POA&Ms with strict 180-day closure requirements
- Supply chain flow-down via DFARS contract clauses
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Requirements
Key Features
- Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
- Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
- Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
- Configuration management via sales order identifiers
- Preservation and storage controls for product conformity
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) Program, codified in 32 CFR Part 170, is a DoD certification framework verifying cybersecurity for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It uses a tiered, cumulative maturity model with three levels, mapping to FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 (110 controls), and NIST SP 800-172 (24 enhancements).
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 (Level 1), 110 (Level 2), or 134 (Level 3) practices.
- Built on NIST controls; assessment via interview, examine, test.
- Certification model: self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3); SPRS/eMASS reporting; limited POA&Ms (180 days).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contractors/subcontractors; contract ineligibility without certification.
- Reduces cyber risks, supply chain compromises; enhances bid competitiveness.
- Builds operational resilience, lowers incident costs; gains primes' trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scope/gap analysis, remediate, assess, sustain.
- Targets DIB firms (SMEs to primes); U.S.-focused.
- Requires SSP, evidence artifacts; 3-year validity, annual affirmations.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aviation, space, and defense distributors. It augments ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure with distributor-specific requirements. Primary purpose: ensure traceability, prevent counterfeit parts, and maintain product conformity without altering characteristics. Adopts a risk-based thinking approach via Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001 clauses 4-10.
- Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation, external providers), performance evaluation, improvement.
- Built on 10-clause HLS; emphasizes counterfeit prevention, configuration management, supplier controls.
- Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM supply chains.
- Mitigates risks like traceability loss, documentation errors.
- Builds customer trust, enables market access (2,442 global certifications).
- Enhances efficiency, reduces nonconformities.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
- Applies to distributors globally; scales by size.
- Requires internal audits, management reviews, Stage 1/2 certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Quality management for aerospace distribution |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base (DoD contractors) | Aerospace parts distributors globally |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Voluntary QMS certification (ISO 9001-based) |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Third-party certification audits (3-year cycle) |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Loss of certification, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and AS9120B
CMMC FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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