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CMMC COMPLIANCE FOR TIER 2/3 SUBCONTRACTORS

CMMC Compliance for Tier 2/3 Subcontractors

Tier 2 and Tier 3 defense subs carry CMMC obligations on small-business budgets. We deliver Level 2 readiness programs sized for your headcount, margin, and contract portfolio.

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Why Tier 2/3 Subcontractors Companies Need CMMC Compliance

Tier 2 and Tier 3 defense subcontractors make up the vast majority of the defense industrial base. You provide machined parts, electronics sub-assemblies, cables, harnesses, connectors, tooling, specialty services, and more to Tier 1 subs and primes. Almost every PO you accept on defense work carries CUI flow-down.

The pressure is real. Primes and Tier 1s are pushing CMMC Level 2 down to new awards, and a sub without a readiness program will lose qualification as awards refresh. Meanwhile, the same sub must run CMMC on a fraction of the IT and security staff a prime can deploy.

Export control compounds the problem. Most defense work is ITAR or EAR controlled, which means access control decisions are both CMMC and export questions simultaneously.

We specialize in right-sized CMMC for Tier 2/3 subs. Fixed-price, AS9100-aligned, scoped to fit small and mid-size suppliers.

225K+
Tier 2/3 defense subs expected to pursue CMMC Level 2 over the three-year enforcement rollout.

Our CMMC Services for Tier 2/3 Subcontractors

End-to-end CMMC consulting tailored to Tier 2/3 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 with a right-sized SPRS-ready report.

Readiness Assessment

Mock C3PAO review tuned for Tier 2/3 scale.

Policy & Documentation

SSP, POA&M, and sub-specific policies.

Technical Controls Implementation

MFA, FIPS encryption, segmented enclave, audit logging — in phases your team can absorb.

Managed Compliance

Managed SOC, log review, evidence refresh.

C3PAO Certification Support

Mock audits 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 Tier 2/3 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 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 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

Tier 2/3 subs handling CUI need Level 2. Level 1 applies to FCI-only subs. We will review your contracts and DFARS clauses with you at no cost to confirm.

CUI We Protect for Tier 2/3 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.

Prime-Furnished Drawings

Drawings and models from primes and Tier 1s.

Routing & Process Sheets

Manufacturing routings and process specs.

FAIRs & Inspection Records

FAIRs and quality records tied to CUI parts.

Material Certs

Specialty metals and other DFARS-compliant material documentation.

POs & Flow-Downs

Prime and Tier 1 POs citing DFARS 7012 and related clauses.

Supplier Data

AVLs and supplier quality data.

225K+
Tier 2/3 subs pursuing CMMC Level 2
82%
of Tier 2/3 subs run flat IT with no CUI enclave
6-9 Mo
typical Level 2 readiness timeline
110
NIST 800-171 controls at Level 2

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

1

Initial Consultation

Scope the CUI enclave.

2

Gap Analysis

Control-by-control review.

3

Remediation Planning

Prioritized roadmap.

4

Implementation

Deploy controls, author policies, train team.

5

Assessment Support

Mock audits and on-site C3PAO support.

Why Telco United for Tier 2/3 Subcontractors CMMC

Small-Business Fit

We right-size CMMC for 20-200 person subs.

Fixed-Price Engagements

Scoped, capped.

AS9100 & Quality Alignment

Policies fit your quality system.

24/7 Managed SOC

US-person SOC.

ITAR Awareness

Controls respect export.

End-to-End Delivery

Implement, document, train, audit.

Tier 2/3 Subcontractors CMMC FAQ

When do we need CMMC?
Flow-down is already hitting new awards.
What CUI do we have?
Drawings, routings, FAIRs, material certs, and POs tied to defense work.
Level 2 or Level 1?
Level 2 if you handle CUI; Level 1 if you only handle FCI.
How long?
Six to nine months.
Cost?
$50,000-$140,000 for readiness.
Do we need a full-time security person?
No; our managed compliance service fills the role.

Start Your Tier 2/3 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.

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