CMMC
DoD framework certifying cybersecurity maturity for DIB contractors
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and performance improvement.
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via NIST controls and assessments, while CMMI is a voluntary process maturity model for improving predictability and quality across industries through staged appraisals.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligned to FAR/NIST controls
- Third-party C3PAO and DIBCAC assessments for verification
- Mandatory flow-down to DoD subcontractors handling FCI/CUI
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closures for remediation
- Annual affirmations in SPRS/eMASS with triennial recertification
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational process progression
- 25 Practice Areas across Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving
- Staged and continuous capability representations
- SCAMPI A/B/C appraisals for benchmarking
- Agile/DevOps integration with institutionalization practices
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 model with three levels, mapping to FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172 requirements through risk-based assessments.
Key Components
- **Three levelsLevel 1 (17 basic FCI safeguards), Level 2 (110 CUI controls), Level 3 (24 APT enhancements).
- 14 domains like Access Control, Incident Response.
- Built on NIST frameworks; certification via self-assessment, C3PAO, or DIBCAC.
- POA&Ms for limited remediation (180 days).
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors; ensures contract eligibility, reduces supply chain risks, enhances resilience, and provides competitive edge in bids. Builds stakeholder trust via verified maturity.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires SSP, evidence collection, annual affirmations in SPRS/eMASS. Typical for SMEs to enterprises, with enclave scoping.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by Carnegie Mellon’s SEI and now governed by ISACA’s CMMI Institute. It provides a structured approach to process institutionalization across development, services, and acquisition, using maturity and capability levels to enhance predictability and quality.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 (staged) or Capability Levels 0-3 (continuous).
- Generic and specific practices for institutionalization.
- SCAMPI appraisals (Classes A/B/C) for official benchmarking.
Why Organizations Use It
- Improves delivery predictability, reduces rework, boosts ROI (e.g., 34% cost reduction).
- Meets contractual requirements in defense, regulated sectors.
- Enhances risk management, stakeholder trust, competitive bidding.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, piloting, rollout, appraisal.
- Applies to mid-to-large organizations in IT, software, services.
- Involves gap analysis, training, tooling; voluntary but appraisal-driven.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Process improvement across development/services |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors | Software, services, acquisition multi-industry |
| Nature | Mandatory DoD certification program | Voluntary process maturity framework |
| Testing | C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | SCAMPI appraisals by certified lead appraisers |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | No penalties, loss of competitive advantage |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and CMMI
CMMC FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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