Protecting Your Business in Mobile, AL, Pensacola, FL, and Beyond
As cyber threats continue to rise, compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is no longer optional for businesses that work with the Department of Defense (DoD). Whether you’re a defense contractor or part of the supply chain, organizations across the Gulf Coast—from Mobile, Alabama to Pensacola, Florida—need to prepare now for successful CMMC audits.
For operations managers tasked with compliance, preparing for a CMMC audit may seem overwhelming. But breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process and help ensure you’re not caught off guard.
Level 2 (Advanced) — Aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and includes 110 practices.
Level 3 (Expert) — Still under development; expected to align with NIST SP 800-172.
Most small to mid-size Gulf Coast contractors will need to meet Level 1 or Level 2, depending on the type of information they handle. Identifying the correct level early helps guide your compliance strategy.
2. Conduct a Gap Assessment
Before scheduling a formal CMMC audit, conduct a gap assessment to identify where your business falls short of compliance.
This involves:
Reviewing current cybersecurity practices
Comparing them against CMMC requirements
Documenting areas that need improvement
A local IT or cybersecurity provider familiar with CMMC and NIST 800-171 standards—like BIS in Mobile—can help you perform a thorough evaluation.
3. Develop a System Security Plan (SSP)
An SSP is a required document under CMMC. It outlines your security policies, systems in use, and how you manage controlled unclassified information (CUI).
Your SSP should include:
Your network architecture
Data storage and access procedures
Security controls implemented
Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for any deficiencies
Having an accurate and up-to-date SSP is critical when auditors review your environment.
4. Implement and Document Cybersecurity Practices
Whether you’re in Pensacola’s industrial corridor or working from a shipyard in Mobile, your team needs to consistently apply cybersecurity protocols across all departments.
Key practices include:
Multifactor authentication (MFA)
Role-based access controls
Regular patching and updates
Employee cybersecurity training
Encrypted backups and incident response plans
Documentation is just as important as implementation. Auditors will want to see not only that you’re securing your systems—but that you’re doing it in a repeatable, measurable way.
5. Schedule a C3PAO or Self-Assessment (If Eligible)
Depending on your CMMC level:
Level 1 organizations may perform a self-assessment.
Level 2 organizations handling CUI must undergo an audit by a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization).
Plan your audit well in advance and coordinate internally so your team is available to assist with documentation and technical questions.
6. Partner with Local IT Experts Who Understand CMMC
Navigating CMMC compliance isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about building a long-term cybersecurity posture. Working with an IT partner like BIS in Mobile, AL, who understands the Gulf Coast business landscape and CMMC requirements, can save time, reduce risk, and increase confidence when it’s time for the audit.
Let’s Talk About CMMC Compliance
Whether you’re operating out of a defense manufacturing plant in Pensacola or running a subcontractor business in downtown Mobile, preparing for a CMMC audit now can protect your contracts and improve your overall security.
Start with a gap assessment, build your documentation, and invest in cybersecurity practices that meet the new standard. The sooner you begin, the smoother your audit—and future contracts—will be.
Book your discovery meeting with Phillip Long below.
Phillip Long – CISSP, CEO of , along with his team of marketing and information technology experts, will walk you through an overview of what your business should be doing to protect your data and plan your digital marketing strategies.
You may reach out to us at: Phone: 251-405-2555 Email: support@askbis.com
