Take Self Assessment
CMMC COMPLIANCE FOR TIER 2/3 AEROSPACE SUBCONTRACTORS

CMMC Compliance for Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors

Tier 2 and Tier 3 aerospace subcontractors carry all the CUI obligations of a prime with a fraction of the resources. We build CMMC Level 2 programs that fit your size, budget, and AS9100 quality system.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Why Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors Companies Need CMMC Compliance

Tier 2 and Tier 3 aerospace subcontractors are where the defense aerospace supply chain actually gets made. Machined details, sheet-metal assemblies, sub-assemblies, and specialty processing for Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and their Tier 1 suppliers flow through your shop every day. Every one of those drawings, routing sheets, FAIRs, and quality records is typically CUI under NIST SP 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012.

The pressure on Tier 2/3 subs is unique. Primes and Tier 1s are flowing CMMC clauses down on new POs right now, but the budget, staff, and IT sophistication of a 50-250 person sub cannot match a prime. Many subs are still running engineering on flat networks with no MFA, email as file transfer, and domain admin on every PC.

Export control compounds the CMMC problem. Most defense aerospace work is ITAR or EAR controlled. A single foreign-person visit, a supplier in the wrong jurisdiction, or a USB drive going home can create an export violation alongside a CMMC finding.

We specialize in CMMC for Tier 2/3 aerospace subs. Our programs are right-sized, AS9100-aligned, and scoped to protect what has to be protected without turning the shop into a bureaucracy.

312K+
DoD-adjacent suppliers — most of them Tier 2/3 subs — will need CMMC certification to stay in the defense supply chain.

Our CMMC Services for Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors

End-to-end CMMC consulting tailored to Tier 2/3 aerospace subs. Whether you are starting from scratch or preparing for your C3PAO assessment, we meet you where you are.

Tier 2/3 Gap Assessment

Full NIST 800-171 review of your engineering, shop-floor, quality, and ERP environment with a documented SPRS score.

Readiness Assessment

Mock C3PAO review tuned for aerospace supplier realities: FAIR handling, AS9102 evidence, DFARS supplier flow-down.

Policy & Documentation

SSP, POA&M, and subcontractor-specific policies covering drawing receipt, FAIR release, AVL management, and visitor control.

Technical Controls Implementation

MFA, FIPS encryption, segmented engineering enclaves, audit logging, and endpoint hardening — delivered in phases a small team can absorb.

Managed Compliance

Managed SOC, log review, vulnerability management, and quarterly evidence refresh.

C3PAO Certification Support

Mock assessments, interview coaching, and on-site support during your C3PAO audit.

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 Tier 2/3 aerospace subs.

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 Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors

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 Tier 2/3 aerospace subs 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

Almost every Tier 2/3 aerospace sub handling CUI will need Level 2. Level 1 applies only to FCI-only work, which is rare in defense aerospace. We will review your contracts and DFARS clauses with you at no cost to confirm.

Controlled Unclassified Information We Protect for Aerospace Subs

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.

Aerospace Part Drawings

CATIA, NX, and SolidWorks drawings and models flowed down from Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, and Tier 1 suppliers.

AS9102 FAIR Packages

First Article Inspection Reports that aggregate drawing, material, and inspection data for CUI parts.

Process & Routing Sheets

Manufacturing routings, process specs, and special process call-outs (NADCAP-controlled processes).

Material Certs & Specialty Metals

DFARS specialty metals compliance, mill certs, and heat numbers for aerospace grades.

Supplier & AVL Data

Prime-approved vendor lists and supplier quality data flowed down to you.

Quality & NCR Records

Non-conformance reports, MRBs, and corrective actions tied to CUI parts.

312K+
DoD suppliers needing CMMC (majority are Tier 2/3)
81%
of Tier 2/3 aerospace subs run flat IT with no CUI enclave
6-9 Mo
typical Level 2 readiness timeline for a 50-250 person sub
110
NIST 800-171 controls at Level 2

Our 5-Step CMMC Process for Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors

1

Initial Consultation

We review your prime POs, DFARS clauses, and flow-downs to scope the CUI enclave.

2

Gap Analysis

Control-by-control review, technical testing, and interviews with engineering and quality.

3

Remediation Planning

A sequenced roadmap that fits your headcount and delivery schedule.

4

Implementation

Deploy controls, author the SSP, train your team, build evidence.

5

Assessment Support

Mock audits, interview coaching, and on-site C3PAO support.

Why Telco United for Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors CMMC

Small-to-Mid-Size Fit

We right-size CMMC for 50-250 person aerospace subs without over-engineering.

Fixed-Price Engagements

Scoped, capped deliverables.

AS9100 & NADCAP Alignment

Our documentation maps to AS9100 and respects NADCAP special processes.

24/7 Managed SOC

US-person SOC for continuous monitoring controls.

ITAR & EAR Awareness

CMMC implementation that respects export control.

End-to-End Delivery

Implement, document, train, audit support.

Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors CMMC FAQ

When do Tier 2/3 aerospace subs need CMMC?
Primes and Tier 1s are flowing CMMC clauses down on new awards now. If you bid defense aerospace in the next 12-24 months, you should be on a readiness path.
What CUI do we handle?
Drawings, FAIRs, routing sheets, material certs, and quality records tied to defense aerospace programs are almost always CUI.
What level do we need?
Level 2 in almost every case.
How long does readiness take?
Six to nine months for most subs.
Cost?
$60,000-$150,000 for initial readiness plus managed security and the C3PAO fee.
How does ITAR interact?
CMMC addresses cybersecurity; ITAR addresses export. Both apply simultaneously to almost all defense aerospace work. Our controls respect both.

Start Your Tier 2/3 Aerospace Subcontractors 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: