Standards Comparison

    CMMC

    Mandatory
    2021

    DoD certification framework for DIB cybersecurity maturity

    VS

    ISO 14064

    Voluntary
    2018

    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.

    Cybersecurity Maturity

    CMMC

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    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
    Greenhouse Gas Accounting

    ISO 14064

    ISO 14064: Greenhouse gases

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    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

    Scope

    CMMC
    Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection
    ISO 14064
    GHG emissions quantification and reporting

    Industry

    CMMC
    Defense Industrial Base contractors
    ISO 14064
    All sectors with GHG footprints

    Nature

    CMMC
    Mandatory DoD certification program
    ISO 14064
    Voluntary international standard

    Testing

    CMMC
    Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years
    ISO 14064
    Optional third-party validation/verification

    Penalties

    CMMC
    Contract ineligibility and debarment
    ISO 14064
    No legal penalties, reputational risk

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CMMC and ISO 14064

    CMMC FAQ

    ISO 14064 FAQ

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