CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity maturity for defense contractors
EPA
U.S. federal regulations for environmental protection
Quick Verdict
CMMC certifies cybersecurity for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while EPA enforces environmental standards for industries through permits, monitoring, and inspections. Companies adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; EPA for legal compliance and risk avoidance.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligning FAR NIST 800-171 800-172
- Third-party C3PAO DIBCAC assessments verify implementation
- Mandatory flow-down ensures supply chain compliance
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day remediation timelines
- Enclave scoping targets FCI CUI without enterprise overhaul
EPA
EPA Standards (40 CFR Title 40)
Key Features
- Technology-based and health-based performance standards
- Facility-specific NPDES and Title V permits
- Monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting requirements
- Federal-state layered implementation model
- Structured enforcement with penalty policies
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 the U.S. Department of Defense's unified certification program ensuring cybersecurity protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It uses a tiered model with prioritized assessments to verify compliance beyond self-attestation.
Key Components
- Three cumulative levels: Level 1 (17 FAR 52.204-21 practices), Level 2 (110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls), Level 3 (+24 NIST SP 800-172 enhancements)
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response)
- Assessment scopes via self-assessments, C3PAOs, DIBCAC
- System Security Plans (SSPs), limited POA&Ms (180-day closures)
Why Organizations Use It
- Essential for DoD contract eligibility and procurement
- Mitigates supply chain risks, IP theft
- Provides competitive edge, operational resilience
- Builds stakeholder trust through verified maturity
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gaps, remediation, assessment, sustainment
- Targets DIB contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI
- 12-24 months typical; high complexity/cost ($100K+)
- Annual affirmations, triennial recertifications required
EPA Details
What It Is
EPA Standards comprise the family of legally binding federal regulations issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implementing statutes like the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Codified mainly in Title 40 CFR, they establish enforceable requirements for emissions, discharges, and waste via risk-based approaches combining health-protective ambient criteria with technology-driven performance standards.
Key Components
- Pillars: ambient standards (NAAQS), technology limits (MACT, effluent guidelines), permits (NPDES, Title V), monitoring/reporting, enforcement.
- Hundreds of 40 CFR parts across air, water, waste.
- Principles: national baselines, site-specific tailoring, evidence regimes.
- Compliance via permits, self-demonstration through data.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory to avert penalties, shutdowns, liabilities.
- Manages risks to health, environment, reputation.
- Drives efficiency, ESG value, grant access.
- Enhances trust via ECHO transparency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, gap analysis, controls, deployment, audits.
- Targets regulated sectors (energy, manufacturing); all sizes.
- No certification; focuses on permits, inspections.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | EPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in DoD systems | Environmental protection across air/water/waste |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors | Manufacturing, energy, chemicals, all industrial sectors |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Mandatory regulations via permits/enforcement |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Continuous monitoring, inspections, DMR reporting |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Civil fines, criminal liability, remediation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and EPA
CMMC FAQ
EPA FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
CIS Controls v8.1 for Cloud & Kubernetes: A Practical Implementation Playbook (AWS/Azure/GCP + IaC)
Translate CIS Controls v8.1 to cloud-native: Kubernetes patterns for IAM, logging, vuln mgmt, hardening on AWS, Azure, GCP + IaC. Practical playbook for teams.
The Human-AI Synergy: How Modern Compliance Tools Amplify Your Team's Strategic Impact
Unlock human-AI synergy with modern compliance tools. Automate monitoring, cut non-compliance risks 3x, and boost strategic decision-making. Elevate your team's
Real-World ISO 27701 Success: Synthesized Case Studies, Metrics, and Lessons for Privacy Resilience
Real-world ISO 27701 success from Tribeca, Kocho: DSAR efficiency gains, risk score reductions, certification ROI. Synthesized metrics prove privacy resilience
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
NIST 800-171 vs AS9120B
Compare NIST 800-171 vs AS9120B: Decode cybersecurity for CUI protection and aerospace distributor quality controls. Gain compliance strategies for defense supply chains. Align standards now!
GDPR vs OSHA
Discover GDPR vs OSHA: Contrast EU data privacy law's global reach & fines with US workplace safety standards. Key principles, compliance strategies & enforcement insights. Compare now!
PMBOK vs ISO/IEC 42001:2023
PMBOK vs ISO/IEC 42001:2023: Compare project mgmt standards for AI governance. Tailor processes, manage risks, ensure compliance & value delivery. Optimize now!