Now that the CMMC program is officially live, many government contractors are realizing that compliance is more complex than they initially expected. Early 2026 is exposing gaps between what organizations thought was “good enough” and what auditors and contracting officers are actually looking for.
CMMC is no longer a future initiative or a theoretical framework. It is a contractual requirement that directly impacts eligibility for Department of Defense work. Below are the most common mistakes government contractors are making right now, and how to correct them before they become costly problems.
Mistake #1: Assuming Tools Equal Compliance
One of the most common misconceptions is that purchasing security tools automatically makes an organization compliant. Endpoint protection, MFA, and secure email platforms are important, but CMMC is about how those tools are configured, monitored, documented, and maintained over time.
Compliance requires evidence. That includes policies, procedures, system security plans, and proof that controls are consistently enforced.
Mistake #2: Underestimating Level 2 Requirements
Many contractors misunderstand the scope of CMMC Level 2. They assume it is simply a checklist of technical controls, when in reality it requires maturity, documentation, and repeatability.
Common oversights include:
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Incomplete or outdated System Security Plans
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Weak or missing POA and M documentation
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Lack of continuous monitoring processes
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No clear incident response procedures
These gaps are often discovered too late, during readiness reviews or assessment preparation.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Subcontractor and Supplier Risk
CMMC responsibilities do not stop with the prime contractor. If subcontractors handle CUI or FCI, they must meet the appropriate CMMC requirements as well.
In early 2026, many organizations are finding that:
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Subcontractors are not compliant
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Flow down clauses were not properly enforced
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Vendor access is poorly documented
This creates risk not only for compliance but also for contract performance.
Mistake #4: Treating CMMC as a One-Time Project
CMMC is not a one-and-done effort. Controls must be maintained continuously, not just implemented for an assessment. Organizations that pause security efforts after initial preparation often fall out of alignment quickly.
Auditors expect to see consistent behavior over time. That includes patching, access reviews, monitoring, and training.
Mistake #5: Relying on Consultants Without Operational Support
Many contractors worked with consultants to interpret CMMC requirements but did not have the operational support needed to implement and maintain them. Without ongoing IT and security management, even well-designed compliance plans can fail.
This is where managed service providers play a critical role.
How MSPs Help Contractors Get CMMC Right
An MSP with government contracting experience helps bridge the gap between compliance theory and real-world execution. At V2 Systems, we support contractors by:
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Managing and monitoring security controls continuously
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Maintaining documentation that aligns with CMMC expectations
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Supporting incident response and audit readiness
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Enforcing access control and identity security
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Coordinating subcontractor and vendor security alignment
For contractors requiring secure environments, we also partner with Rimstorm to support CMMC-aligned enclave solutions.
Conclusion
Early 2026 is revealing a clear truth about CMMC. Compliance is not just about intent or tools. It is about execution, consistency, and accountability.
Government contractors that address these early mistakes now will be better positioned to pass assessments, protect CUI, and remain competitive. Those that delay risk contract delays, remediation costs, or disqualification.
👉 Contact V2 Systems today for a complimentary two-hour consultation to evaluate your current CMMC posture and close gaps before they become issues.
