CMMC Delays, Backlog Risks, and What Contractors Should Do Now
CMMC is no longer a future requirement. It is actively being written into contracts, and enforcement is beginning to take shape across the defense industrial base.
But while requirements are moving forward, a new challenge is emerging.
There may not be enough assessors to keep up.
This is quickly becoming one of the most important issues contractors need to understand.
The Growing CMMC Bottleneck
CMMC Level 2 certifications require assessments performed by Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs).
These assessments are not optional when required in a contract.
However, the number of authorized assessors is still limited.
As more contractors begin preparing for certification, demand is increasing faster than assessment capacity.
This creates a bottleneck.
Contractors who wait too long may find themselves unable to schedule an assessment before contract deadlines.
Why This Matters Right Now
This is not just a scheduling issue. It directly impacts eligibility.
If a contract requires CMMC Level 2 certification and your organization does not have it at the time of award, you may not be eligible to win.
That means:
• Strong technical proposals may still lose
• Qualified contractors may be disqualified
• Opportunities may go to competitors who prepared earlier
CMMC is shifting from a compliance exercise to a competitive requirement.
What We Are Seeing in the Market
Across the industry, several trends are already emerging:
1. Early Movers Are Securing Assessments
Organizations that started preparation early are already:
• Completing gap assessments
• Building System Security Plans (SSPs)
• Scheduling C3PAO assessments
They are positioning themselves ahead of the backlog.
2. Late Movers Are Facing Delays
Companies that delay are running into:
• Limited assessment availability
• Longer scheduling timelines
• Increased remediation pressure
Some organizations are discovering gaps too late in the process.
3. Costs Are Increasing Under Pressure
Rushed compliance efforts often lead to:
• Higher consulting costs
• Emergency remediation work
• Poor system design decisions
Planning early helps control both cost and scope.
Not sure where your organization stands with CMMC, ITAR, or federal cybersecurity requirements? The fastest way to get clarity is to talk with an expert. Book a call with our team to review your current environment, identify compliance risks, and understand what steps are required to move forward. A short conversation can help you avoid costly mistakes and focus on what matters for contract eligibility and security.
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The Role of SPRS and Self-Assessments
Even before certification, contractors are required to maintain current assessment scores in SPRS.
For many organizations, this includes:
• NIST SP 800-171 self-assessments
• Score submission into SPRS
• Affirmation by a senior official
This is already being checked in certain contracts.
CMMC is building on top of this existing requirement.
Why Waiting Creates Risk
Many organizations are still taking a wait-and-see approach.
This creates multiple risks:
• You may not be ready when CMMC appears in your contract
• You may not be able to book an assessment in time
• You may be forced into rushed and expensive fixes
• Leadership may be pressured to attest without full confidence
The longer organizations wait, the more limited their options become.
What Contractors Should Do Now
To stay ahead of CMMC delays and reduce risk, organizations should focus on:
Define Scope Early
Identify which systems process or store CUI.
Perform a Gap Assessment
Understand where your current controls fall short of NIST SP 800-171c3.
Build Required Documentation
Develop your SSP, policies, and procedures.
Plan for Assessment
Engage early with a C3PAO or readiness partner.
Strengthen Internal Controls
Ensure access, monitoring, and data protection are properly implemented.
Strategic Takeaway
CMMC is not slowing down.
But assessment availability may.
Contractors that act early are controlling their timeline, cost, and eligibility.
Those who wait are taking on unnecessary risk.
If your organization supports defense contracts and is unsure how CMMC timelines, SPRS requirements, or assessment readiness apply to you, now is the time to get clarity.
About Brea Networks
Brea Networks is a cybersecurity and compliance-focused IT partner dedicated to supporting Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors. We help organizations understand and implement the security requirements outlined in FAR 52.204-21, DFARS 252.204-7012, and the CMMC framework. From Level 1 self-assessments to Level 2 readiness and certification preparation, our team works alongside contractors to strengthen system security, define scope, prepare documentation, and build sustainable compliance programs that protect FCI and CUI.
