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CMMC COMPLIANCE FOR AVIONICS SUPPLIERS

CMMC Compliance for Avionics Suppliers

Avionics suppliers produce the embedded electronics that fly defense aircraft. We bring your firmware, FPGA, and PCB operations to CMMC Level 2 while respecting DO-178, DO-254, and export control obligations.

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Why Avionics Suppliers Companies Need CMMC Compliance

Avionics suppliers handle some of the most sensitive unclassified data in defense. Flight-control firmware, FPGA HDL, PCB schematics, and mission-system software are all typically CUI — and much of that data is also export-controlled under ITAR. A compromise is both a CMMC failure and a potential export violation.

The engineering stack in an avionics shop is wide: embedded C/C++, Ada, VHDL and Verilog, DO-178 software lifecycle evidence, DO-254 hardware evidence, Altium and Cadence schematics, and mechanical enclosure CAD. Every one of those assets lives on engineering seats that must be protected at CMMC Level 2.

Primes — Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, BAE Electronic Systems, L3Harris, RTX Avionics — are flowing CMMC Level 2 on every new DoD avionics award. Small and mid-size avionics subs cannot wait to start.

We build CMMC programs for avionics suppliers that integrate with DO-178 and DO-254 processes, protect firmware and HDL as crown-jewel IP, and satisfy ITAR access controls alongside CMMC.

$7.2M
average breach cost when an avionics supplier exposes flight-control firmware or HDL.

Our CMMC Services for Avionics Suppliers

End-to-end CMMC consulting tailored to avionics suppliers. Whether you are starting from scratch or preparing for your C3PAO assessment, we meet you where you are.

Avionics Gap Assessment

Full NIST 800-171 review across firmware, HDL, schematics, DO-178/254 lifecycle artifacts, and manufacturing test.

Readiness Assessment

Mock C3PAO review with evidence captured for source-code protection, build integrity, and HDL security.

Policy & Documentation

SSP, POA&M, and avionics-specific policies for source control, build pipeline security, and firmware release.

Technical Controls Implementation

MFA on developer seats, signed builds, FIPS-encrypted source repositories, isolated build pipelines, and audit logging.

Managed Compliance

Ongoing monitoring, vulnerability management, and evidence refresh.

C3PAO Certification Support

Mock audits, interview coaching for firmware and FPGA leads, and on-site support.

Which CMMC Level Do You Need?

The CMMC level you need is dictated by the information you handle under your DoD contracts. Here is how CMMC 2.0 breaks down for avionics suppliers.

Level 1

Foundational

  • 17 basic safeguarding practices from FAR 52.204-21
  • For contractors that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) only
  • Annual self-assessment with senior-official affirmation in SPRS
  • No CUI in scope
Level 2 — Most Common for Avionics Suppliers

Advanced

  • All 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2
  • Required for any contractor that stores, processes, or transmits CUI
  • Third-party C3PAO assessment every three years
  • The level most avionics suppliers will need
Level 3

Expert

  • All Level 2 controls plus selected NIST SP 800-172 enhanced requirements
  • Required for contractors on the DoD's highest-priority programs
  • Government-led DIBCAC assessment every three years
  • Applies to a narrow set of contractors

Nearly every avionics supplier to DoD needs Level 2. Flight-safety-critical programs on priority platforms may require Level 3. We will review your contracts and DFARS clauses with you at no cost to confirm.

CUI We Protect for Avionics Suppliers

Under NIST SP 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012, every one of these artifacts is typically CUI when tied to a DoD contract. Each one is in scope for CMMC Level 2.

Firmware Source Code

Embedded C, C++, and Ada source for flight-control, mission, and weapon systems.

FPGA HDL (VHDL/Verilog)

HDL source for safety-critical and mission-critical FPGAs.

PCB Schematics & Layouts

Altium, Cadence Allegro, Mentor Xpedition designs for defense avionics.

DO-178 / DO-254 Artifacts

Requirements, design, verification, and certification artifacts tied to CUI systems.

Flight-Control Algorithms

Algorithmic designs and MATLAB/Simulink models.

Test Procedures & Data

Verification test procedures and results tied to CUI systems.

$7.2M
average loss for avionics suppliers leaking firmware or HDL
63%
of avionics suppliers lack segregated build pipelines for defense code
7-12 Mo
typical Level 2 readiness timeline
110
NIST 800-171 controls at Level 2

Our 5-Step CMMC Process for Avionics Suppliers

1

Initial Consultation

Scope the CUI enclave across software, hardware, and test.

2

Gap Analysis

Control-by-control review of engineering and build environments.

3

Remediation Planning

Prioritized roadmap that protects source and HDL first.

4

Implementation

Deploy controls, author policies, train team.

5

Assessment Support

Mock audits and on-site C3PAO support.

Why Telco United for Avionics Suppliers CMMC

Embedded & FPGA Expertise

Our team knows DO-178, DO-254, and the tools avionics teams use.

Fixed-Price Engagements

Scoped, capped.

ITAR & EAR Expertise

Export-aware access controls.

24/7 Managed SOC

US-person SOC.

Build Pipeline Security

Signed builds, SBOMs, and segregated pipelines.

End-to-End Delivery

Implement, document, train, audit.

Avionics Suppliers CMMC FAQ

When do avionics suppliers need CMMC?
Primes are flowing Level 2 onto new awards now. Flight-safety-critical programs may move to Level 3.
What CUI do we handle?
Firmware, HDL, schematics, DO-178/254 artifacts, algorithms, and test procedures.
How do we protect source?
Isolated source repositories, MFA, signed builds, SBOMs, and audit logging.
How long does it take?
Seven to twelve months for most avionics suppliers.
Cost?
$100,000-$250,000 for readiness.
How does ITAR interact?
Every CMMC control that governs access must also satisfy ITAR US-person rules. We design for both.

Start Your Avionics Suppliers CMMC Journey Today

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