CMMC 2.0 Compliance: A Critical Guide for Chemical Supply Manufacturers in the Defense Industrial Base

Chemical supply manufacturers represent an essential segment of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), producing critical compounds and materials for military applications, including propellants, explosives, protective materials, and specialized coatings. As the Department of Defense (DoD) implements the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, these manufacturers face unique compliance challenges that directly impact military capabilities and operational readiness.

The stakes for chemical supply manufacturers are exceptionally high. Their operations involve highly sensitive technical data, from proprietary formulations to precise manufacturing processes and quality control specifications. The industry handles substantial amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) across complex production processes that must meet stringent safety and security requirements. A security breach could not only compromise military capabilities but also pose significant risks if sensitive chemical formulations or handling procedures are exposed.

CMMC 2.0 Overview and Implications for Chemical Supply Manufacturers

CMMC 2.0’s streamlined approach to cybersecurity presents specific challenges for the chemical supply sector. While the framework has been simplified from five levels to three, the requirements remain rigorous, particularly for organizations handling sensitive chemical formulations and manufacturing processes. For chemical supply manufacturers, noncompliance means more than lost contracts – it represents a critical gap in the military’s ability to maintain essential materials for defense applications.

The certification process impacts every aspect of chemical manufacturing operations. Companies must ensure compliance across research laboratories, production facilities, and testing environments, while protecting sensitive data throughout the chemical manufacturing lifecycle. Most chemical supply manufacturers will require Level 2 certification, demanding third-party assessment and implementation of 110 security practices across their operations.

CMMC 2.0 Framework: Domains and Requirements

The CMMC 2.0 framework is structured around 14 domains, each with specific requirements that defense contractors must meet in order to demonstrate CMMC compliance.

DIB contractors would be well advised to explore each domain in detail, understand their requirements, and consider our best practice strategies for compliance: Access Control, Awareness and Training, Audit and Accountability, Configuration Management, Identification & Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Assessment, Security Assessment, System & Communications Protection, and System and Information Integrity.

Special Considerations for Chemical Supply Manufacturers

The chemical supply industry’s unique operating environment demands special attention to several key areas under CMMC 2.0. Chemical formulation data requires extraordinary protection, as it contains detailed specifications for compounds critical to military applications. These systems must remain secure while enabling necessary coordination between research teams, production facilities, and quality control operations.

Supply chain security presents particular challenges in chemical manufacturing. Companies must verify the authenticity and quality of raw materials while protecting proprietary formulations and production processes. This includes managing security across supplier networks while preventing the exposure of sensitive chemical compositions and manufacturing techniques.

Environmental and safety documentation creates additional security considerations. Manufacturers must protect not only the technical specifications but also the extensive environmental compliance data and safety protocols that ensure safe handling and storage. This includes securing environmental impact assessments, safety data sheets, and detailed handling procedures that could reveal military material capabilities.

Need to comply with CMMC? Here is your complete CMMC compliance checklist.

The integration of automated systems in modern chemical manufacturing adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must secure both traditional chemical processes and the increasingly sophisticated control systems that manage production. This includes protecting automated process controls and real-time monitoring systems while maintaining strict control over all technical documentation.

Best Practices for CMMC Compliance in Chemical Supply Manufacturing

For chemical supply manufacturers in the DIB, achieving CMMC compliance requires a precise approach that addresses both safety requirements and security protocols. The following best practices provide a framework for protecting sensitive chemical manufacturing data while maintaining efficient production processes. These practices are specifically designed to help manufacturers secure their formulations, protect manufacturing processes, and ensure the integrity of military chemical supplies throughout their lifecycle.

Secure Formulation Management

Implement comprehensive security controls for all chemical formulation data. This requires establishing encrypted repositories for proprietary formulas, implementing strict access controls based on clearance levels, and maintaining detailed audit trails of all formula access and modifications. The system should include separate security protocols for different classification levels of formulations, with specific controls for military-grade compounds. Emplace version control systems that track all changes to formulations, with secure procedures for distributing updated specifications to production facilities.

Protect Process Control Systems

Create dedicated security measures for automated manufacturing control systems. This includes securing industrial control systems (ICS), implementing protected networks for process monitoring, and maintaining encrypted communications for all control system data. The system must include specific security protocols for different production processes, with separate controls for classified materials. Continuously monitor all control systems, with automated alerts for any deviations from established parameters or unauthorized access attempts.

Manage Environmental and Safety Documentation

Establish robust security measures for all environmental and safety data. This includes establishing secure systems for maintaining safety data sheets, implementing strict controls over environmental compliance documentation, and maintaining detailed records of all safety protocols. The system should include specific procedures for protecting sensitive disposal methods and emergency response procedures. Use secure communication channels for sharing safety information with authorized personnel while maintaining strict control over access to detailed handling procedures.

The CMMC certification process is arduous but our CMMC 2.0 compliance roadmap can help.

Secure Quality Control Operations

Put in place comprehensive security measures for all quality control processes. This includes deploying secure laboratory information management systems (LIMS), implementing protected databases for test results, and maintaining encrypted storage for all quality specifications. The system must include specific controls for military-grade material testing, with separate protocols for different security classifications. Establish secure procedures for sharing quality control data with military stakeholders while maintaining strict control over testing methodologies and acceptance criteria.

Control Production Environments

Integrate physical and digital security controls across all production facilities. This includes establishing secure access controls for different production areas, implementing continuous monitoring of manufacturing processes, and maintaining detailed logs of all production activities. The system should include specific security zones for classified material production, with separate protocols for different security levels. Deploy real-time surveillance systems that monitor both personnel movement and digital system access, with automated alerts for any security violations.

Protect Supply Chain Information

Invest in secure systems for managing supplier information and material specifications. This includes establishing encrypted channels for sharing material requirements, implementing secure supplier portals for documentation exchange, and maintaining detailed tracking of all raw materials. The system must include specific protocols for verifying supplier credentials and maintaining confidentiality of military specifications. Use—and enforce—secure communication channels for coordinating with suppliers while protecting sensitive formulation requirements.

Monitor Security Operations

Establish comprehensive security monitoring capabilities across all chemical manufacturing operations. This includes deploying integrated surveillance systems, implementing automated intrusion detection, and maintaining continuous monitoring of all digital systems. The system should include real-time alerting for security events, with automated response procedures for potential breaches. Create a dedicated security operations center with 24/7 monitoring capabilities, maintaining rapid response protocols for all security incidents.

Kiteworks Supports CMMC Compliance

For chemical supply manufacturers in the DIB, achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance requires a sophisticated approach to securing sensitive data across complex manufacturing and laboratory environments. Kiteworks offers a comprehensive solution specifically suited for the unique challenges faced by manufacturers of military-grade chemical materials.

The Kiteworks Private Content Network, a FIPS 140-2 Level validated secure file sharing and file transfer platform, consolidates email, file sharing, web forms, SFTP, managed file transfer, and next-generation digital rights management solution so organizations control, protect, and track every file as it enters and exits the organization.

Kiteworks supports nearly 90% of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements out of the box. As a result, DoD contractors and subcontractors can accelerate their CMMC 2.0 Level 2 accreditation process by ensuring they have the right sensitive content communications platform in place.

Kiteworks enables rapid CMMC 2.0 compliance with core capabilities and features including:

• Certification with key U.S. government compliance standards and requirements, including SSAE-16/SOC 2, NIST SP 800-171, and NIST SP 800-172
• FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validation
• FedRAMP authorized for Moderate Impact Level CUI
• AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest, TLS 1.2 for data in transit, and sole encryption key ownership

To learn more about Kiteworks, schedule a custom demo today.

Additional Resources

• Blog Post CMMC Compliance for Small Businesses: Challenges and Solutions
• Blog Post If You Need to Comply With CMMC 2.0, Here Is Your Complete CMMC Compliance Checklist
• Blog Post CMMC Audit Requirements: What Assessors Need to See When Gauging Your CMMC Readiness
• Guide CMMC 2.0 Compliance Mapping for Sensitive Content Communications
• Blog Post 12 Things Defense Industrial Base Suppliers Need to Know When Preparing for CMMC 2.0 Compliance