CMMC 2.0 Compliance: A Critical Guide for Raw Materials Manufacturers in the Defense Industrial Base

Raw materials manufacturers represent a foundational segment of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), producing essential materials including specialized metals, advanced composites, rare earth elements, and critical minerals. As the Department of Defense (DoD) implements the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, these manufacturers face unique compliance challenges that directly impact the entire defense supply chain.

Cyber Risks Impacting Raw Materials Manufacturers

The stakes for raw materials manufacturers are exceptionally high. Their operations involve highly sensitive technical data, from material formulations and processing techniques to quality control specifications and specialized manufacturing processes. The industry handles substantial amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) across complex production processes. A security breach could not only compromise current military capabilities but also reveal critical vulnerabilities in the defense supply chain.

CMMC 2.0 Overview and Implications for Raw Materials Manufacturers

CMMC 2.0’s streamlined approach to cybersecurity presents specific challenges for the raw materials sector. While the framework has been simplified from five levels to three, the requirements remain rigorous, particularly for organizations producing specialized materials for critical defense applications. For raw materials manufacturers, noncompliance means more than lost contracts – it risks disrupting the entire defense manufacturing ecosystem.

The certification process impacts every aspect of raw materials manufacturing operations. Companies must ensure compliance across processing facilities, testing laboratories, and production environments, while protecting sensitive data throughout the material lifecycle. Most raw materials 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 Raw Materials Manufacturers

The raw materials industry’s unique environment demands special attention to several key areas under CMMC 2.0. Material processing systems require extraordinary protection, as they contain detailed specifications for creating defense-critical materials. These systems must remain secure while enabling necessary coordination between processing facilities, quality control teams, and defense contractors.

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

Supply chain risk managementpresents particular challenges in raw materials manufacturing. Companies must verify the authenticity of source materials while protecting proprietary processing techniques. This includes managing security across global supply chains while preventing the exposure of critical material specifications and capabilities.

Quality control processes create additional security considerations. Manufacturers must protect not only the material specifications but also the extensive testing data that validates material performance. This includes securing test results, certification documentation, and detailed processing parameters that could reveal military material capabilities.

The integration of advanced processing technologies adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must secure both traditional material processing methods and increasingly sophisticated control systems. This includes protecting automated processing parameters, quality monitoring systems, and technical documentation while maintaining strict control over sensitive specifications.

Best Practices for CMMC Compliance in Raw Materials Manufacturing

For raw materials manufacturers in the DIB, achieving CMMC compliance requires a precise approach that addresses both material security and processing integrity. The following best practices provide a framework for protecting sensitive material technologies while maintaining efficient production processes. These practices are specifically designed to help manufacturers secure their technical specifications, protect processing methods, and ensure the quality of defense-critical materials throughout their lifecycle.

Secure Material Processing Documentation

Implement comprehensive security controls for all processing specifications. This requires establishing encrypted repositories for material formulations, implementing strict access controls based on clearance levels, and maintaining detailed audit trails of all document access. The system should include separate security protocols for different material classifications, with specific controls for defense-critical materials. Deploy version control systems that track all changes to processing documentation, with secure procedures for updating and distributing revised specifications.

Protect Testing and Certification Systems

Establish dedicated security measures for all testing and quality control operations. This includes securing materials testing data, implementing protected databases for certification records, and maintaining encrypted storage for all performance specifications. The system must include specific controls for specialized testing procedures, with separate protocols for different material types. Deploy secure communication channels for sharing certification data with defense contractors while maintaining strict control over test methodologies.

Manage Supply Chain Security

Establish and enforce robust security measures for material sourcing and delivery. This includes establishing secure tracking systems for critical materials, implementing strict controls over supplier qualifications, and maintaining detailed records of material chain of custody. The system should include specific protocols for verifying material authenticity, with systematic procedures for validating source documentation. Monitor, in real-time, material movements, with automated alerts for any supply chain anomalies.

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

Control Production Environments

Apply integrated physical and digital security measures across all processing facilities. This includes deploying access control systems that regulate entry to different production areas based on security requirements, implementing continuous monitoring of processing operations, and maintaining secure logging of all production activities. The system must include specific controls for critical material processing areas, with separate security protocols for different material classifications. Install real-time surveillance systems that monitor both personnel movement and digital system access, with automated alerts for any security violations.

Secure Technical Data Management

Implement comprehensive systems for protecting material specifications and processing parameters. This includes establishing secure environments for storing technical documentation, implementing encrypted channels for sharing processing requirements, and maintaining strict control over access to performance specifications. The system should include specific protocols for managing different classification levels of technical data, with separate controls for various material types. Establish systematic backup procedures for all technical documentation, with secure off-site storage for critical specifications.

Protect Quality Management Systems

Introduce secure systems for all quality management processes. This includes establishing protected databases for material analysis results, implementing secure channels for reporting quality issues, and maintaining encrypted records of all quality control activities. The system must include specific controls for tracking non-conformance reports, with separate protocols for different material grades. Deploy secure communication channels for coordinating with customer quality requirements, while maintaining strict control over access to quality records.

Monitor Security Operations

Monitor all material processing 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. Organizations need to establish a dedicated security operations center with 24/7 monitoring capabilities, maintaining rapid response protocols for all security incidents.

Accelerate CMMC Compliance with Kiteworks

For raw materials manufacturers in the DIB, achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance requires a sophisticated approach to securing sensitive data across complex processing and testing environments. Kiteworks offers a comprehensive solution specifically suited for the unique challenges faced by manufacturers of defense-critical 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