Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

Missed CEIC West 2025 in Las Vegas? We’ve got your insider recap. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Austin and Brooke break down the most critical insights defense contractors need to know—from Katie Arrington’s keynote to real-world flowdown risks, mock assessment walkthroughs, and what AI means for your CUI documentation.

If you’re a small or mid-sized DoD contractor trying to stay compliant with CMMC, NIST 800-171, and DFARS, this episode gives you the takeaways that actually matter.

📞 Have questions? Text, call, or email us. We’ll answer them for free on the podcast.

🔗 Visit www.cmmccomplianceguide.com for free resources

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

Are you sure you're NIST 800-171 compliant? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the most overlooked NIST 800-171 requirements that continue to trip up DoD contractors—and what you can do today to avoid those costly mistakes.

From data flow diagrams to documentation pitfalls, supply chain risks, and misunderstood MFA and logging requirements, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable takeaways. If you’re pursuing CMMC Level 2 or just trying to boost your SPRS score, this is a must-listen.

💡 You’ll Learn:

• Why poor scoping is the #1 mistake in compliance
• How to map your CUI data flow across systems and subcontractors
• What assessors really expect from your MFA, logging, and risk assessment controls
• Why your documentation strategy can make or break your assessment
• What it takes to maintain compliance after you’re “done”
• How to use the NIST 800-171A Assessment Guide to conduct a real gap analysis
• The truth about ongoing compliance vs. one-time audits
• GRC tools, POAMs, and how to build your project roadmap

This episode is your self-assessment gut check. Whether you're just starting or already deep into your compliance journey, don’t miss these expert tips.

🔗 For free resources, visit: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com
📅 Meet us at DibCon, June 3–5, in Oklahoma City!

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

Get the latest insider takeaways from CMMC Day 2025 straight from Washington D.C. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down the most critical updates small and midsized businesses (SMBs) in the defense supply chain need to know now.

We cover:
✅ Why CMMC is NOT going away (despite what skeptics think)
✅ Critical mistakes businesses still make with SSPs, scoping, and access control
✅ Real-world assessment horror stories you need to avoid
✅ Why subcontractors can't hide in the supply chain anymore
✅ Tools, technology, and zero trust lessons from the show floor

Whether you're a manufacturer, IT lead, or compliance manager, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you stay off the DoD's naughty list and win more contracts in 2025.

🎯 Need help? Get your free SPRS Score Roadmap → https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

Feeling overwhelmed by CMMC compliance and NIST 800-171’s 110 controls? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to be stuck.

In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down NIST 800-171 Revision 2 in plain English — no government-speak, no tech jargon — so you can finally understand what each control family means for your business.

You'll learn:

• What NIST 800-171 really requires (and why it matters for your SPRS score)
• How to tackle key control families like Access Control, Awareness & Training, and Audit & Accountability
• The critical mistakes contractors make (and how to avoid them)
• Why documentation is the #1 secret weapon for CMMC success
• Real-world tips for manufacturing, machine shop, and aerospace contractors navigating CMMC Level 2

🔥 Don’t wait until an assessor says “No Soup for You” — build a compliance system that actually protects your business and wins contracts.

👉 Need help fast-tracking your compliance journey?

Visit https://cmmccomplianceguide.com to download free resources or schedule a discovery call.

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

Is your SPRS score putting your DoD contracts at risk? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, we break down exactly what the SPRS score is, why it matters, and how to improve it fast—before you lose out on federal work.

Whether you're stuck at -72 or hovering at 80, we’ll walk you through how to get to 110 with practical, plain-English guidance. From gap analysis to POA&Ms, system security plans, encryption, MFA, and the best GRC tools—we’re covering it all.

👉 Schedule your FREE SPRS Roadmap Session (Limited Time): www.cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap
✅ $1,500 Value — No pitch, no pressure. Just expert help.

🎯 What You'll Learn:
✅What an SPRS score is and why it matters
✅How to assess your current score (and why most are wrong)
✅What documentation and tech controls you must have
✅How to get to 110 — even if you’re starting from a negative score

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

If someone tells you CMMC compliance can't be easy… they’re not necessarily wrong — but they’re also missing the point.

In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down one of the biggest myths in the compliance space: that achieving CMMC compliance has to be overwhelming, time-consuming, and painfully complex.

Using our E.A.S.Y. framework, we’re showing you how strategic companies are simplifying their compliance efforts and turning cybersecurity into a competitive edge:

✅ E – Expert Guided: Why going it alone can cost you more in time and money.
✅ A – Aligned to Requirements: How to avoid the tech-first trap and focus on business process.
✅ S – Streamlined Approach: Proven tools, trusted frameworks, and no need to reinvent the wheel.
✅ Y – Your Competitive Advantage: Compliance isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a business differentiator.

Whether you're a defense contractor starting your compliance journey or trying to stay ahead of evolving requirements, this episode gives you the mindset and framework to make CMMC easier — not effortless, but easier.

📞 Need help fast-tracking your compliance?
Reach out at: cmmccomplianceguide.com/podcast — we’ll answer your questions for free right here on the show.

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin dive into a key question many DoD contractors face: Should you handle CMMC compliance yourself or hire a consultant?

We break down the risks, costs, and benefits to help you make the best decision for your business. Discover the 6 major risks of DIY compliance, including:

1️⃣ Losing DoD contracts due to non-compliance
2️⃣ Keeping up with ever-changing CMMC requirements
3️⃣ Hidden costs that make DIY compliance more expensive
4️⃣ The gap in IT teams’ compliance expertise
5️⃣ Security risks that linger even after passing an assessment
6️⃣ How CMMC assessors prioritize well-prepared organizations

🎯 Whether you’re starting your compliance journey or stuck midway, this episode offers actionable advice to help you stay compliant and secure.

🔗 For expert guidance and resources, visit https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/

👍 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on achieving CMMC compliance with confidence.

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!

In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey reveal a critical factor that could make or break your compliance journey: your IT provider.

✅ Discover why your IT provider plays a crucial role in your CMMC assessment.
✅ Learn the risks of working with an unqualified IT provider — and how they could cost you contracts.
✅ Find out what a qualified IT provider should bring to the table to simplify your compliance process.
✅ Get actionable tips on how to vet an IT provider to ensure they’re an asset — not a liability.

🎯 Don’t leave your compliance journey to chance. Tune in to learn how to make your IT provider your strongest ally.

🔗 For more resources, visit https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/

❗Get past all the CMMC jargon by downloading our CMMC Glossary: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/glossary