CMMC
DoD certification model for DIB cybersecurity maturity
CAA
U.S. federal law for protecting air quality standards
Quick Verdict
CMMC ensures cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI, while CAA mandates emission controls and air quality standards for industrial facilities. Defense firms adopt CMMC for contracts; emitters use CAA to avoid fines and meet environmental compliance.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0)
Key Features
- Three cumulative certification levels for FCI, CUI, APTs
- C3PAO third-party assessments verifying Level 2 compliance
- NIST SP 800-171/172 controls with evidence requirements
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closure timelines
- DFARS flow-down mandates to subcontractors
CAA
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)
Key Features
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants
- State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and nonattainment planning
- Technology-based standards (NSPS, MACT/NESHAPs)
- Title V operating permits consolidating requirements
- Robust enforcement with penalties and citizen suits
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 program verifying cybersecurity protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It uses a tiered, risk-based model with three levels: foundational (Level 1), advanced (Level 2), and expert (Level 3).
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 Level 1, 110 Level 2 (NIST SP 800-171), and 24 Level 3 (NIST SP 800-172) practices
- Built on FAR 52.204-21 and NIST standards
- Certification via self-assessments (Levels 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), or DIBCAC (Level 3), reported to SPRS/eMASS
- POA&Ms allowed with 180-day closures
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contracts; non-compliance risks ineligibility
- Reduces cyber risks, enhances supply chain trust
- Provides competitive edge in bids, lowers incident costs
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment. Applies to all DIB firms; SMEs use enclaves. Involves SSP development, training, continuous monitoring; triennial recertification.
CAA Details
What It Is
The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a comprehensive U.S. federal statute establishing the national framework for air pollution control. Its primary purpose is protecting public health and welfare through ambient air quality standards and source-based emission limits, employing cooperative federalism where EPA sets standards and states implement via plans and permits.
Key Components
- NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary standards.
- SIPs, NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT, Title V permits, NSR/PSD preconstruction reviews.
- Built on health-based ambient targets, technology-forcing source controls, and enforcement pillars; no fixed control count, but layered requirements via SIPs/permits.
- Compliance via state-administered programs with federal oversight.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for emitters; drives compliance to avoid penalties, sanctions, citizen suits. Offers risk management, operational planning certainty, ESG benefits, and market access via proven controls.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, permitting, controls/monitoring installation, training. Applies to industries (energy, manufacturing); varies by size/location; ongoing audits, no central certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | CAA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Air quality and emission controls |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors | Manufacturing, energy, all emitters |
| Nature | Mandatory DoD certification program | Mandatory federal environmental statute |
| Testing | C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | CEMS/stack testing, continuous monitoring |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Fines, shutdowns, citizen suits |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and CAA
CMMC FAQ
CAA FAQ
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