CMMC Phase 2 Is Suspended... So Why Is the DoD Still Assessing Contractors?

CMMC Phase 2 Is Suspended... So Why Is the DoD Still Assessing Contractors?

Everyone saw the headline that CMMC Phase 2 was suspended. Almost nobody read the part that says government-led assessments are still happening. In this episode we look at what the DoD actually said, how DIBCAC decides who gets assessed, why the LogZone False Claims Act case matters, and why today's approach looks surprisingly similar to the original CMMC 1.0 phased rollout. If you think the suspension means nobody is verifying cybersecurity anymore, you may want to read the Phase 2 suspension memo one more time. Phase 2 Suspension: https://youtu.be/TfdwAc5tdMA?si=H8Dtz6Z1UbG_aYpX LogZone FCA: https://youtu.be/T5wJYnQzWws?si=ME3p2C8Sx_jhXTGJ DFARS 7020: https://youtu.be/D4JLkfvB-Ws?si=rG-4enAdaj0InsfY DoD Critical Tech: https://www.cto.mil/osc/critical-technologies/ CIO Interview: https://defensescoop.com/2026/07/17/pentagon-task-force-to-review-cmmc-hits-the-ground-running/ Suspension Memo (PDF): https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Library/CMMC-ReformMemo.pdf

CMMC Phase 2 Is Suspended... But Contractor Liability Just Went UP

Miss the CUI Hotline Telethon? Watch it on-demand: https://summit7.us/event/secure-the-dib-telethon The DoD has suspended the November 2026 transition to Phase 2 of CMMC implementation, but that doesn't mean cybersecurity requirements have been relaxed. In this episode, we explain what actually changed, what didn't, why Level 2 self-assessments now matter more than ever, and how contractors could expose themselves to significant False Claims Act liability if they misunderstand the news. We also discuss the 60-day CMMC program review, the DoD's Request for Information, and what defense contractors should focus on moving forward. Phase 2 Announcement: https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4542329/forging-the-arsenal-of-freedom-department-of-war-suspends-cmmc-phase-ii-require/ Phase 2 Blog: https://summit7.us/blog/cmmc-phase-2-suspended-with-60-day-review-what-happens-next 32 CFR 170.16: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/section-170.16 32 CFR 170.22: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-170/subpart-D/section-170.22 False Claims Act: https://youtu.be/T5wJYnQzWws?si=pn8iwA7_8Ys_wvdq

Last Chance to Influence the FAR CUI Rule

Register for Secure The DIB: https://summit7.us/event/secure-the-dib-telethon The public comment period for the proposed FAR CUI rule closes on July 23, making this your last opportunity to influence one of the biggest cybersecurity changes coming to federal contracting. Simply supporting or opposing the rule isn't enough. In this episode, we break down the Government's own guidance for writing effective public comments and explain the seven principles that make comments persuasive. You'll learn the common mistakes to avoid, how to build evidence-based arguments, and how to give regulators constructive recommendations they can actually use. Whether you're planning to comment on the FAR CUI rule or want to better understand how federal rulemaking works, this episode will help you make your comment count before the deadline. Register for Summit 7 Live: https://www.summit7.us/s7live FAR CUI Rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/23/2026-12559/federal-acquisition-regulation-revolutionary-federal-acquisition-regulation-overhaul-parts-1-2-4-33 GSA Comment Guidance: https://www.regulations.gov/commenting-guidance

There Are Enough CMMC Assessors, Contractors Just Aren't Ready

Another 279 companies achieved CMMC Level 2 certification in June 2026, bringing the total to 1,717 certified organizations. That's a record month and far ahead of DoD's original projections. But the data also shows something surprising: the industry still isn't using all of its available assessment capacity. In this episode, we break down the latest Cyber AB numbers, explain our assessment capacity methodology, and discuss why contractor readiness, not assessor availability, remains the biggest constraint on CMMC adoption. Topics covered: • June 2026 CMMC Level 2 certification numbers • Available CMMC assessment capacity • Why the assessor shortage narrative doesn't match the data • The connection between CMMC readiness and DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance • What these trends could mean for the rest of the phased rollout Have questions? Contact us: https://summit7.us/ Register for Secure The DIB: https://summit7.us/event/secure-the-dib-telethon Monthly Cyber AB Town Hall: https://cyberab.org/News-Events/Town-Halls/pager/7916/page/2

A Perfect SPRS Score Turned Into a $507K Settlement

The DOJ has announced its first cybersecurity False Claims Act settlement of 2026, and the details should get every defense contractor's attention. In this episode, we break down the LOGZONE settlement, the difference between DFARS 252.204-7012 and CMMC, how a perfect SPRS score became a DIBCAC assessment score of -170, and why this case may be a preview of additional enforcement actions still working their way through the system. Topics covered: • LOGZONE FCA settlement details • DFARS 252.204-7012, 7019, and 7020 • SPRS self-assessment scores • DIBCAC medium assessments • Why no whistleblower was required • What this means for defense contractors moving forward Settlement and source documents linked below. Register for Secure The DIB: http://summit7.us/event/secure-the-dib-telethon Register for Summit 7 Live: https://www.summit7.us/s7live DOJ Settlement: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/alabama-defense-contractor-agrees-pay-507144-resolve-false-claims-act-liability-relating DoD IG + DOJ (2023): https://youtu.be/_3GLX6ele_E?t=448 FCA pod w/ Alexander Canizares: https://youtu.be/Tga0krfIrEk?si=i6E2FuLY7QLNGmos FCA pod w/ Stephanie Siegmann: https://youtu.be/d1yweDy2wV4?si=drOwbWxBm9GAlh38 FCA w/ Bruce Judge: https://youtu.be/tqT_5yQBlOk?si=xgmqev-87KTKpxUJ