CMMC
DoD certification for DIB cybersecurity maturity levels
ISO 20000
International standard for service management systems
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via NIST controls and assessments, ensuring supply chain security. ISO 20000 provides voluntary service management certification for global providers, focusing on IT service lifecycle governance and continual improvement.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligned to NIST/FAR controls
- Third-party C3PAO and DIBCAC assessments required
- Mandatory flow-down to DIB subcontractors
- 180-day POA&M closure limits enforcement
- SPRS/eMASS reporting for contract eligibility
ISO 20000
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Service management system requirements
Key Features
- Annex SL structure for ISO integration
- Full service lifecycle operational controls
- Risk-based planning and PDCA improvement
- Leadership accountability and measurable objectives
- Flexible with ITIL, DevOps, multi-supplier
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 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 mapped to FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 (110 controls), and NIST SP 800-172 (24 enhancements).
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 Level 1, 110 Level 2, and 134 Level 3 practices.
- Built on NIST controls; assessments via interview, examine, test.
- Certification model: self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3); 3-year validity, annual SPRS affirmations, limited POA&Ms (180 days).
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI; ensures contract eligibility, reduces supply chain risks, enhances resilience against APTs. Provides competitive advantage, operational efficiency, and trust in multi-tier DIB.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires SSP, evidence collection. Costs $100K+ for SMEs; 12-18 months typical.
ISO 20000 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 is the international certifiable standard for service management systems (SMS). It specifies requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and improve an SMS covering the full service lifecycle. The primary purpose is consistent service delivery meeting customer needs, using a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach aligned with Annex SL for integration with other ISO standards.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Operational domains in Clause 8: service portfolio, relationships, supply/demand, design/transition, resolution/fulfilment, assurance.
- Core processes: incident/problem management, change/release, configuration/asset, availability/continuity, security.
- Certifiable via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Builds trust, reduces risks, improves efficiency (e.g., 50% certificate growth).
- Enables market differentiation, customer retention, supplier governance.
- Supports voluntary compliance, integrates with ISO 9001, ISO 27001.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, design, deploy, audit (12-18 months typical).
- Applies to all sizes/industries delivering services (ITSM, cloud, BPO).
- Requires leadership, training, tooling, continual improvement.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | ISO 20000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Service management system lifecycle |
| Industry | DoD contractors and subcontractors | All service providers globally |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Voluntary certifiable standard |
| Testing | C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and ISO 20000
CMMC FAQ
ISO 20000 FAQ
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