CMMC Compliance for Contractors & Construction Companies'

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has recently received a lot of attention as the Department of Defense (DoD) began enforcement of Phase I of its tiered rollout on November 10, 2025.

This framework offers opportunities for individuals and companies in the DoD supply chain, including those in the construction sector. However, the transition to compliance can be tricky. Here’s what contractors need to understand to fully leverage the benefits of CMMC compliance while minimizing challenges.

What Is the CMMC?

The CMMC is a tiered cybersecurity framework created by the DoD. It aims to safeguard sensitive government data by assessing a company’s cybersecurity practices and verifying it’s secure enough to handle such information.

The CMMC has three certification levels. Level I, Foundational, concerns companies handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and relies on a self-assessment model. This is the level of certification that affected companies must meet as of November 2025. Phased rollout will continue through 2028, with increasing certification requirements.

Your best bet is to achieve maximum compliance as soon as possible.

Why Is CMMC Relevant to Construction Companies?

Many construction companies have contracts with the DoD or serve as subcontractors to companies that hold prime contracts. For instance, public works projects (roads, bridges, public buildings, etc.) are often carried out through the government and funded by federal/local programs. Therefore, construction companies must prepare for cybersecurity certification assessments to maintain bidding eligibility on such projects.

In addition to shoring up your own company’s compliance, you must also verify that your suppliers and/or subcontractors meet the appropriate CMMC level. There is no exception to compliance, even for the smallest contractors or subcontractors, as there is an explicit flow-down requirement from prime to subs.

Advantages of CMMC Compliance for Construction Companies, Suppliers, & Subcontractors

Win More Work

Construction companies that want to (or already) work with the DoD must meet specific cybersecurity requirements to be awarded contracts, as discussed.

If your company meets CMMC requirements, you can bid on and win contracts that involve sensitive data. This gives you a clear advantage over noncompliant vendors who cannot access that revenue.

Even if you’re going after jobs that are not government-related, CMMC compliance puts you at an advantage over noncompliant companies. That’s because CMMC compliance demonstrates your company’s commitment to protecting client information and adhering to high standards.

Mitigate Risks

By implementing the controls required by CMMC, your company is better prepared to fight cyber threats, including ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. Consequently, you are minimizing a slew of risks, from financial ruin to reputational harm, and protecting your organization’s short- and long-term success.

Roadblocks to CMMC Compliance

Structured cybersecurity and mature data management practices are often the first roadblocks for construction companies. These firms tend to be accustomed to legacy systems that weren't designed to meet today’s rigorous cybersecurity standards.

Once your technology is up to date, you must meet organizational roadblocks to CMMC compliance. These include creating comprehensive documentation of your compliance, including policies, procedures, and proof of implementation.

Perhaps the most arduous roadblock is accepting that CMMC compliance is not a point-in-time box to check. Companies must regularly monitor systems, update security practices, and stay audit-ready through ongoing training and documentation.

Overcoming CMMC Compliance Roadblocks

It can be especially difficult to overcome these roadblocks as a small- to medium-sized construction company or related business.

At EisnerAmper, our cyber risk specialists, coupled with our construction industry experts, bring extensive expertise and proven capabilities to support your organization throughout its CMMC compliance journey. With this deep industry insight and thorough understanding of DoD engagements, we are uniquely positioned to serve as your trusted advisor. We offer outsourced IT services in addition to handling CMMC compliance support. So, we can service all your IT needs in a way that works for your company.

To discover how our tailored CMMC solutions can help your construction company achieve and maintain compliance, reach out to us today.