What This Means for Your Organization:
- CMMC applies to small businesses handling CUI or FCI.
- CMMC compliance requires a company-wide effort.
- Waiting until the last minute could cost you contracts so it is important to start readiness now.
- Generic policies won’t cut it. You will need tailored, operationally aligned documentation.
If you're a small business working with the Department of Defense (DoD), there’s no avoiding the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). But misinformation around the program is rampant. Unfortunately, buying into the wrong idea at the wrong time could cost your company its competitive edge or the eligibility to bid on new contracts.
At Total Assure, we work directly with small and mid-sized businesses navigating the CMMC process. We've seen firsthand how certain myths cause delays, missteps, and avoidable expenses. Here's the truth behind the most common misconceptions, and what your business actually needs to do to move forward with confidence.
Myth #1: CMMC Doesn’t Apply to My Small Business.
The Reality: If you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI), you are expected to meet CMMC requirements. The size of your company doesn’t matter. What is important is your contract scope. Even subcontractors must demonstrate compliance to the level appropriate for the data they handle. Ignoring this puts your current and future DoD work at risk.
Myth #2: CMMC Is Just Another IT Problem.
The Reality: CMMC is not just an IT initiative. CMMC is a business-wide responsibility. While your IT team plays a central role, compliance involves policies, documentation, training, and risk management across the entire organization. HR, leadership, and operations need to be part of the process. Brushing it off as an “IT issue” is a fast track to gaps and assessment failure.
Myth #3: We'll Worry About CMMC When It's Required.
The Reality: Waiting until CMMC shows up in a contract clause is waiting too long. The preparation phase (also known as readiness) can take over 9 months. That includes conducting a gap assessment, writing your System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), implementing missing controls, and validating compliance. If you delay until the last minute, you may miss out on bid opportunities.
Myth #4: Self-Assessments Are Good Enough.
The Reality: Only Level 1 (for FCI) allows self-assessments. Level 2, which applies to most companies handling CUI, requires an independent assessment by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Total Assure helps businesses prepare for that formal assessment through detailed readiness support, but you can’t certify yourself. Believing otherwise could lead to false confidence and noncompliance.
Myth #5: We Can Use Generic Templates and Be Fine.
The Reality: CMMC is about showing that your actual practices match your policies. A copy-paste policy won’t reflect your environment and won’t pass scrutiny. Assessors want to see that you’ve tailored documentation to your infrastructure, procedures, and risk profile. That’s why Total Assure offers customized documentation and policy support built around how your business operates.
Final Thoughts
CMMC isn’t going away. In fact, it's becoming more important with every new DoD contract release. The good news? With the right support, small businesses can meet compliance without stress, guesswork, or wasted time.
At Total Assure, we simplify the process so you can focus on what you do best. We make sure your cybersecurity posture meets DoD expectations. Let’s leave the myths behind and get you ready to bid, win, and grow.
To get your free consultation, fill out our form today.
About Total Assure
Total Assure, a spin-off from IBSS, provides uninterrupted business operations with our dedicated 24/7/365 in-house SOC, robust managed security solutions, and expert consulting services. Total Assure provides cost-efficient, comprehensive, and scalable cybersecurity solutions that leverage 30 years of experience and expertise from IBSS. Total Assure partners with its customers to identify security gaps, develop attainable cybersecurity objectives, and deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that protect their businesses from modern cybersecurity threats.
Check out our blog series on NIST SP 800-171.
For more information on how Total Assure can assist your organization in achieving NIST SP 800-171 compliance, please contact our team directly.
