CMMC Is Coming: What It Means for Your Shop, Your Costs, and Your Customers, Ep #42

CMMC is no longer something manufacturers can afford to ignore.

If you’re doing work in the defense supply chain—or even thinking about it—this is quickly becoming a requirement, not a “nice to have.” And what makes it challenging is that it’s not just about passing an audit. It’s about how your entire business handles data, systems, and security.

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, we break down what CMMC actually means for manufacturers in practical terms. What does it require? What does it cost? And how do you even begin to approach something that touches everything from your ERP to who can access your building?

We walk through the full scope of compliance—from documentation and system requirements to concepts like FedRAMP, POAMs, and shared responsibility across your vendor network. We also dig into the financial side, including how to think about ROI, the real cost and timeline, and why this could become a barrier to entry for some shops.

If you’re unsure whether CMMC applies to you—or how serious you need to take it yet—this episode will give you a clear, practical starting point.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

(0:00) CMMC requirements and what manufacturers need to know
(3:30) Why compliance is becoming a real financial consideration
(8:52) The process of CMMC: systems, documentation, and process changes
(16:51) A discussion about FedRAMP compliance
(19:35) User access, building control, and security considerations
(22:57) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area at FacturMFG.com/chips
(24:01) Get advice from a Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPOs)
(25:01) How ProShop helps you reach CMMC compliance
(31:26) The real cost of compliance and how to think about ROI
(33:51) POAM: Plan of Actions and Milestones
(35:40) CMMC compliance may be a barrier to entry for some shops—but not all
(41:47) The vendors you use must also protect CUI
(45:40) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA
(46:51) Cost and timeline for CMMC compliance
(50:04) Do your due diligence on any consultant you may use
(51:40) Ask your supplier for a “Shared Responsibility Matrix”
(54:46) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding
(55:30) Who is currently FedRamp compliant?
(59:41) The opportunities that will be available if you’re CMMC compliant
(1:04:31) Does the math make sense for your shop to become compliant?
(1:09:10) Assess your readiness and build systems around it