CMMC
DoD certification framework for DIB cybersecurity maturity
ISO 14064
International standards for GHG quantification, reporting, verification.
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI, while ISO 14064 provides voluntary GHG accounting standards for organizations worldwide. Companies adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; ISO 14064 for credible emissions reporting and sustainability goals.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
Key Features
- Three tiered levels aligning FAR/NIST for FCI/CUI protection
- Third-party C3PAO assessments ensuring verified compliance
- 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls across 14 domains
- Mandatory flow-down to DIB supply chain subcontractors
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closure timelines
ISO 14064
ISO 14064: Greenhouse gases
Key Features
- Three-part modular structure for GHG inventories, projects, assurance
- Five principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy
- Organizational boundaries with equity/operational control approaches
- Scope 1-3 emissions categorization and quantification methods
- Risk-based validation/verification under ISO 14064-3
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) is a DoD program and certification framework verifying cybersecurity protections in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It safeguards Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) via a tiered model. The cumulative, risk-based approach maps requirements from FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172, with phased rollout effective December 2024.
Key Components
- Three levels: Level 1 (17 FAR practices), Level 2 (110 NIST 800-171 across 14 domains like AC, IA, SI), Level 3 (+24 NIST 800-172 enhancements)
- Assessments: self-assessments (SPRS), C3PAO (eMASS), DIBCAC; SSPs, POA&Ms (180-day limits)
- Built on NIST standards; annual affirmations, triennial recertification
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contracts to qualify for awards and flow-down
- Mitigates supply chain risks, reduces incidents, avoids debarment
- Provides competitive bid advantage, operational resilience
- Builds trust with primes, lowers insurance costs
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, scoping/gaps, remediation, assessment, sustainment
- Targets DIB primes/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI; enclaves possible
- 6-12 months typical; high costs ($100K+ for SMEs); C3PAO/DIBCAC audits required for Levels 2/3
ISO 14064 Details
What It Is
ISO 14064 is an international standard family (ISO 14064-1:2018, -2:2019, -3:2019) providing specifications and guidance for quantifying, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. It adopts a modular, principle-based approach focusing on organizational inventories (Part 1), project-level reductions (Part 2), and validation/verification (Part 3).
Key Components
- Three interdependent parts forming a lifecycle from measurement to assurance.
- Five core principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy.
- Scope 1-3 categorization, boundary setting, uncertainty management.
- Compliance via third-party verification under Part 3; no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables credible reporting for regulations like CSRD, SB-253.
- Builds stakeholder trust, supports carbon markets, green finance.
- Drives operational efficiencies, risk reduction, competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, boundary design, data systems, verification.
- Suited for all sizes/industries; complex Scope 3 needs more effort.
- Optional but recommended independent assurance per ISO 14064-3.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | ISO 14064 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | GHG emissions quantification and reporting |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors | All sectors with GHG footprints |
| Nature | Mandatory DoD certification program | Voluntary international standard |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Optional third-party validation/verification |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility and debarment | No legal penalties, reputational risk |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and ISO 14064
CMMC FAQ
ISO 14064 FAQ
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