CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity maturity for contractors
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via NIST controls, while SQF provides voluntary GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification for manufacturers using HACCP and GMPs. Organizations adopt CMMC for contracts, SQF for market access.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligned to FAR and NIST standards
- Third-party C3PAO assessments for Level 2 CUI protection
- DIBCAC government assessments exclusively for Level 3 APTs
- Limited 180-day POA&Ms with strict closure requirements
- Mandatory flow-down to DoD supply chain subcontractors
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety Code
Key Features
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- HACCP-based food safety plans with validation
- Mandatory onsite SQF Practitioner role
- GFSI benchmarking for global retailer acceptance
- Annual audits with unannounced verification
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 U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certification framework verifying cybersecurity protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It employs a tiered, risk-based model with three cumulative levels drawn from FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172.
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 Level 1, 110 Level 2, and 24 additional Level 3 practices.
- Assessment scopes via enclaves or enterprise.
- Built on NIST controls; certification via self-assessment (Levels 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), or DIBCAC (Level 3).
- SPRS/eMASS reporting with annual 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, and provides competitive bidding advantage. Builds stakeholder trust via verified maturity.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; complex for multi-tier chains. Requires SSP, evidence artifacts, triennial recertification.
SQF Details
What It Is
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is a GFSI-benchmarked certification administered by the SQF Institute (SQFI). It ensures food safety and quality across supply chains via a modular, HACCP-based framework from farm to fork.
Key Components
- **Module 2Core system elements like management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing).
- 100+ auditable clauses emphasizing PRPs, CAPA, internal audits.
- Graded audits (E:96-100, G:86-95) with unannounced checks.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates, aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Cuts recall risks, audit duplication; boosts efficiency.
- Builds trust, market access, food safety culture.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, SQF Practitioner designation, documentation, training, audits.
- Suits all sizes/industries globally; annual certification required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Food safety/quality HACCP-based management |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution |
| Nature | DoD-mandated certification program | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Annual third-party audits, unannounced possible |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Loss of certification, market access denial |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and SQF
CMMC FAQ
SQF FAQ
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