CMMC
DoD certification for DIB cybersecurity maturity levels
IFS Food
International standard for food safety and quality compliance
Quick Verdict
CMMC enforces cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while IFS Food certifies food manufacturers' safety and quality through annual product-process audits. Defense firms adopt CMMC for contracts; food producers gain retailer trust and market access.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligned to NIST standards
- Third-party C3PAO assessments for Level 2/3
- Mandatory DoD contract eligibility gate
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closures
- Supply chain flow-down requirements via DFARS
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with traceability tests
- Minimum 50% on-site audit time in production
- Risk-based HACCP and prerequisite programs
- 10 Knock-Out critical requirements
- Food fraud and defense vulnerability assessments
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 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 cumulative levels: Level 1 for basic FCI safeguards, Level 2 for NIST SP 800-171 CUI protections, and Level 3 for NIST SP 800-172 APT defenses.
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 Level 1, 110 Level 2, and 24 additional Level 3 practices.
- Built on FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172.
- Certification via self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), or DIBCAC (Level 3), reported to SPRS/eMASS.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors; ensures contract eligibility, reduces supply chain risks, enhances resilience, and provides competitive advantage in bids. Builds stakeholder trust against cyber threats.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires SSP, evidence collection, POA&Ms (180-day limit), annual affirmations. Typical for SMEs: 12 months.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for food manufacturers, auditing product and process compliance in food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements. It employs a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) with on-site verification and traceability tests.
Key Components
- Structured into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (allergens, foreign matter, fraud/defense), and performance monitoring.
- Hundreds of requirements across 5 sections, with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria like traceability and hygiene.
- Built on HACCP principles; annual audits yielding Higher (≥95%) or Foundation (≥75%) levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by European retailers for market access and private labels.
- Reduces duplicate audits, enhances supply chain trust, mitigates recall/fraud risks.
- Drives operational efficiency, resilience, and competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS development, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to global food processors; site-specific, typically 6-12 months with annual recertification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in 14 domains | Food safety, quality, processes site-wide |
| Industry | Defense contractors, DIB globally | Food manufacturers, retailers Europe-focused |
| Nature | Mandatory DoD certification, tiered levels | GFSI voluntary certification, annual audits |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Annual on-site product/process audits |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Certification denial, market access loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and IFS Food
CMMC FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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