CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity maturity for contractors
WELL
Certification standard for occupant health and well-being in buildings
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI, while WELL is voluntary building certification enhancing occupant health via air, water, light. Defense firms adopt CMMC for contracts; real estate uses WELL for productivity, ESG, talent retention.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
Key Features
- Three tiered levels aligned to FAR and NIST standards
- Third-party C3PAO certifications for CUI protection
- Government DIBCAC assessments against advanced threats
- Limited POA&Ms with 180-day closure requirement
- Mandatory flow-down to subcontractors via contracts
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
- 10 core health and well-being concepts
- Preconditions plus point-based optimizations
- Tiered certification levels Bronze to Platinum
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
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 certification program verifying cybersecurity protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It uses a tiered model with three levels, drawing from FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172, emphasizing scoped assessments via enclaves.
Key Components
- **Three cumulative levelsLevel 1 (17 basic practices), Level 2 (110 NIST controls), Level 3 (24 enhanced APT defenses).
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with mapped practices.
- Assessment methods: self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3).
- POA&Ms limited to 180 days; SPRS/eMASS reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contracts, ensuring eligibility and avoiding disqualification. Reduces cyber risks, enhances supply chain trust, lowers incident costs, and provides competitive bidding advantages. Builds operational resilience beyond compliance.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping/gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Targets all DIB sizes via enclaves; requires SSP, evidence collection, training. Triennial recertification with annual affirmations; costs $100K+ for SMEs.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard v2, administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is a performance-based certification framework focused on human health and well-being in buildings. It emphasizes evidence-based strategies across design, operations, and policies, using a concept-based approach with mandatory Preconditions and optional Optimizations.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions and 102 Optimizations.
- Point-based scoring for Bronze (40), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) tiers, with concept minimums at higher levels.
- Built on public health research; requires on-site verification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives occupant health, productivity, and ESG reporting.
- Enhances tenant attraction, rent premiums, and risk mitigation.
- Builds stakeholder trust via verified performance.
- Complements LEED for holistic sustainability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, third-party review, on-site testing.
- Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries.
- Cross-functional teams; recertification every 3 years.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Building health, air, water, well-being |
| Industry | DoD contractors, defense supply chain | Real estate, offices, all building types |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Voluntary performance-based certification |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | On-site performance verification, third-party testing |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | No certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and WELL
CMMC FAQ
WELL FAQ
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