Compliance
CMMC Compliance for Massachusetts Businesses
The Department of Defense is requiring CMMC certification for all contractors in the defense supply chain. If your Massachusetts business handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), you need to act now. We help South Shore businesses prepare for and achieve CMMC compliance.
What You Need to Know
CMMC 2.0 Requirements
Foundational
17 practices
Basic cyber hygiene — antivirus, passwords, physical security. Required for contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).
Advanced
110 controls (NIST 800-171)
Comprehensive security program including encryption, incident response, access control, and audit logging. Required for CUI.
Expert
110+ controls (NIST 800-172)
Advanced security for the most sensitive programs. Requires government-led assessment. Few small businesses need this level.
How We Help
Our CMMC Readiness Process
Gap Assessment
We audit your current IT against CMMC requirements and identify every gap that needs to be addressed.
Remediation Plan
We create a prioritized plan with timelines and costs — no surprises, clear expectations.
Implementation
We deploy the technical controls: encryption, MFA, endpoint protection, logging, network segmentation, and more.
Documentation & Prep
We prepare your System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), and evidence packages for the assessor.
FAQ
CMMC Compliance FAQ
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a Department of Defense framework that requires defense contractors to meet specific cybersecurity standards to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC 2.0 has three levels, with most small contractors needing Level 1 or Level 2.
Does my Massachusetts business need CMMC?
If your business is part of the DoD supply chain — even as a subcontractor — you likely need CMMC certification. Many South Shore manufacturers and engineering firms are affected. The requirement is rolling out in phases starting in 2025.
What's the difference between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 requires 17 basic cybersecurity practices (like using antivirus and strong passwords). Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and requires 110 security controls including encryption, access management, and incident response.
How long does it take to get CMMC compliant?
For most small businesses, achieving Level 1 takes 1-3 months. Level 2 can take 6-12 months depending on your starting point. We help you build a realistic timeline and prioritize the most critical gaps.
How much does CMMC compliance cost?
Costs vary widely based on your current IT maturity and the level required. For small businesses, Level 1 readiness might cost $5,000-$15,000 in IT improvements. Level 2 can range from $20,000-$100,000+. We provide a free assessment to give you realistic numbers.
Can Power Up Boston help with the CMMC assessment?
We prepare your IT environment for CMMC certification by implementing all required technical controls. For the formal assessment, you'll work with a certified C3PAO assessor — but we handle all the technical preparation and remediation.
Ready to Start Your CMMC Journey?
Free gap assessment for Massachusetts businesses. We'll tell you exactly where you stand and what it takes to get certified.
On-site visits available · Plymouth & South Shore