Take Self Assessment
CMMC COMPLIANCE FOR PRECISION MACHINING

CMMC Compliance for Precision Machining

Precision machining shops handle the tightest-tolerance work in the defense supply chain — often on export-controlled platforms. We get your Swiss, multi-axis, and EDM operations to CMMC Level 2 while protecting the CAD and metrology data that make your shop competitive.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Why Precision Machining Companies Need CMMC Compliance

Precision machining shops live and die on tolerance, repeatability, and intellectual property. The CAD models, inspection routines, and process notes that deliver sub-micron results are the most valuable digital assets in your company — and when the work is tied to a DoD contract, every one of those files is almost certainly CUI under NIST SP 800-171.

Swiss-type lathes, five-axis mills, wire and sinker EDMs, and micro-grinders each produce their own flavor of process data, from CAM setup sheets to probing cycles to compensation tables. That data rarely stays on a single machine; it moves between CAM seats, DNC servers, metrology rooms, and quality inspection systems. Every one of those hops is a point where a CMMC assessor will look for access control, audit logging, and encryption.

Export-controlled work compounds the risk. A foreign-person machinist, a USB drive carried home, or a cloud-based CAM license that stores files outside the US can all create an ITAR violation on top of a CMMC finding. Primes including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney, and General Dynamics are already enforcing CMMC flow-down on new precision machining subcontracts.

We build CMMC programs that respect how precision shops actually work. We scope the CUI enclave to protect the engineering, CAM, and metrology data without dragging every pallet pool and bar feeder into scope.

83%
of precision machining shops reviewed in 2024 held CUI on engineering workstations that lacked MFA and full-disk encryption.

Our CMMC Services for Precision Machining

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

Precision Shop Gap Assessment

Targeted review of your CAM seats, metrology computers, CMM software, and ERP/quality integrations against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls.

Readiness Assessment

A formal pre-assessment that walks the CUI path from prime drawing drop to shipped FAIR package, with objective evidence captured for each control.

Policy & Documentation

SSP, POA&M, and precision-shop-specific policies covering tight-tolerance CAD handoff, metrology data retention, and contractor/visitor access.

Technical Controls Implementation

Segmented enclaves for engineering and metrology, MFA on CAM and CMM seats, encrypted file shares, and audit logging across quality systems.

Managed Compliance

Quarterly evidence refresh, managed log review, vulnerability management, and ongoing SSP maintenance so your score holds between C3PAO assessments.

C3PAO Certification Support

Mock assessments, interview coaching for CAM programmers and quality engineers, and on-site support during your Level 2 assessment.

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 precision machining shops.

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 Precision Machining

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 precision machining shops 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

Precision shops running defense platforms almost always need CMMC Level 2. Shops on commercial-only work may qualify for Level 1. We will review your contracts and DFARS clauses with you at no cost to confirm.

Controlled Unclassified Information We Protect in Precision Machining

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.

Tight-Tolerance CAD & PMI Models

Fully dimensioned MBD models with PMI annotations; almost always CUI when received from a defense prime.

CAM Setup Sheets & Posts

Custom post-processor outputs, setup photographs, and work-offset records that reveal how the part is produced.

Probing & Inspection Programs

On-machine probing cycles, CMM routines, and vision-system macros tied to CUI drawings.

Process Capability Data (SPC)

Cpk and Ppk records, control charts, and gauge R&R data linked to defense part numbers.

Material Traceability Records

DFARS specialty metals compliance documentation, heat numbers, and lot histories.

First Article & PPAP Packages

AS9102 FAIRs, PPAPs, and CoCs that aggregate drawings, data, and process details into a single CUI artifact.

83%
of precision shops store CUI on CAM/metrology seats without MFA or full-disk encryption
$3.8M
average IP theft loss when tight-tolerance process data is compromised
5-9 Mo
typical Level 2 readiness timeline for a precision machining shop
110
NIST SP 800-171 controls in scope at CMMC Level 2

Our 5-Step CMMC Process for Precision Machining

1

Initial Consultation

We map every contract clause, drawing drop, and CAM-to-CMM handoff to identify exactly where CUI lives in your environment.

2

Gap Analysis

Technical testing plus engineer interviews across all 110 controls with a written SPRS score report.

3

Remediation Planning

A sequenced roadmap that addresses highest-risk, highest-weight controls first while respecting production commitments.

4

Implementation

We deploy the controls, author the policies, train your staff, and build every evidence artifact your SSP requires.

5

Assessment Support

Mock audits, interview coaching for programmers and quality leads, and on-site support through your C3PAO assessment.

Why Telco United for Precision Machining CMMC

Metrology-Aware Approach

We understand that a CMM seat offline is a shipment delayed. We implement controls that protect data without breaking inspection flow.

Fixed-Price Engagements

Clear scope, capped cost, and defined deliverables so ownership can budget with confidence.

ITAR & EAR Expertise

Our policies account for export control so a CMMC fix does not create an ITAR issue.

24/7 Managed SOC

US-person-staffed security operations center to satisfy the 3.6 and 3.14 families.

AS9100 & ISO Alignment

Our documentation integrates with AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 quality systems without duplication.

End-to-End Delivery

We implement, document, train, and stand with you in front of the C3PAO.

Precision Machining CMMC FAQ

When do precision machining shops need to be CMMC compliant?
CMMC clauses are already appearing on new DoD contracts under Phase 1. Phase 2 adds third-party assessment requirements in 2025-2026. If you plan to bid defense work in the next 12-24 months, start now.
What CUI does my precision shop handle?
Your CAM files, CMM routines, setup sheets, PMI-annotated CAD, material certs, and FAIR packages are almost always CUI when tied to a DoD contract. The prime PO and DFARS 7012 flow-down are the definitive markers.
How long does CMMC take for a precision shop?
Five to nine months is typical for a 20-80 employee shop. Engineering and metrology segmentation is the long pole.
Does CMMC replace ITAR?
No. CMMC is a DoD cybersecurity framework; ITAR is State Department export control. Both apply simultaneously to most precision defense work.
How much will CMMC cost my shop?
Typical range is $60,000-$150,000 for initial Level 2 readiness plus $2,000-$6,000 per month of managed compliance plus the C3PAO fee.
Do I need to encrypt every CMM and CAM workstation?
Any endpoint that stores, processes, or transmits CUI needs FIPS-validated encryption at rest. For seats that never touch CUI we scope them out of the enclave.

Start Your Precision Machining CMMC Journey Today

Get a free consultation with our CMMC experts. No commitment, just clear next steps tailored to your contracts, your environment, and your timeline.

Subscribe to our Newsletter: