CMMC enforcement has started, and organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are now expected to demonstrate measurable progress toward compliance. Many contractors still believe they can achieve CMMC Level 2 quickly, but reality shows that most environments are more complex, more fragmented, and less documented than leaders realize.
Below are the five hidden barriers preventing manufacturers and federal contractors from achieving CMMC Level 2, along with how to avoid them.
1. Underestimating the Time Required to Achieve CMMC Level 2
CMMC Level 2 is not a simple IT upgrade. Certification requires a full alignment with NIST SP 800-171. This includes:
- Mapping every system that touches CUI
- Implementing required security controls
- Updating or replacing outdated technologies
- Creating new policies and updating existing ones
- Producing evidence that each control is operating correctly
Most organizations need several months to prepare. Once enforcement appears in a contract, there is no time left to start.
2. Incorrectly Scoping the Environment
One of the most significant issues emerges before remediation even begins. Many organizations do not have a complete understanding of where CUI exists within their environment. Common scoping mistakes include:
- Assuming CUI lives only in one application
- Missing synced folders, backups, or shared drives
- Overlooking cloud services
- Failing to isolate systems that interact with CUI
Incorrect scoping expands the assessment boundary, adds cost, and increases the risk of failure. A structured scoping process is critical for building a compliant foundation.
3. Incomplete Documentation That Does Not Meet Assessment Standards
CMMC Level 2 is documentation-driven. Many contractors fail assessments because their documentation is missing, outdated, or inconsistent with their actual environment. Assessors expect to see:
- A complete System Security Plan (SSP)
- A detailed and accurate POA&M (Plan of Action and Milestones)
- Policies aligned to each NIST SP 800-171 control
- Evidence showing operational effectiveness
- Records that support audit trails and change history
Strong documentation is often the difference between passing and being sent back for remediation.
4. Technology Gaps and Legacy Systems
Many manufacturing and industrial environments depend on older systems that were not designed with modern cybersecurity requirements in mind. These gaps can block progress, including:
- Systems that cannot enforce MFA or role-based access
- Limited logging and monitoring capabilities
- Unsupported operating systems
- Unsegmented networks that mix CUI and non-CUI data
These systems often require redesign, segmentation, or replacement before CMMC certification is possible.
5. Limited Availability of Certified Assessors
Even organizations that are fully prepared face a significant obstacle. Certified Third-Party Assessor Organizations (C3PAOs) are limited in number. Demand for assessments is rising quickly as enforcement expands.
Challenges include:
- Long wait times for assessment windows
- Priority given to fully prepared organizations
- Scheduling delays that affect contract eligibility
This bottleneck is one of the most significant risks for contractors. Organizations that start early are far more likely to secure an assessment when they need it.
How ISOutsource Helps
ISOutsource supports manufacturers and regulated organizations through every step of CMMC preparation. Our team helps clients:
- Scope their environment accurately
- Identify and prioritize NIST SP 800-171 gaps
- Create and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, and policies
- Modernize systems to meet compliance requirements
- Implement logging, monitoring, and evidence collection workflows
- Prepare for assessments through readiness reviews
Our compliance-first approach aligns IT decisions with business goals and sets organizations up for a successful assessment.
Now Is the Time to Act
CMMC Level 2 is achievable, but only with preparation, documentation, and expert guidance. Organizations that begin now have a clear advantage. They have more time to remediate gaps, more access to assessors, and fewer risks to contract eligibility.
If you are not ready for CMMC or do not know where to begin, ISOutsource can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
