Over the last few months, a pattern has emerged across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB): major primes and federal agencies aren’t just talking about CMMC anymore, they’re taking an active role in shaping who will be eligible to compete.
Lockheed Martin kicked off this trend in July 2025 with a bold warning to suppliers: CMMC readiness is no longer optional. When primes issue notices like that, it’s a strong sign that requirements are coming sooner and with less flexibility than many expect.
At the same time, civilian agencies began to follow suit by adopting NIST SP 800-171 as the baseline for protecting CUI; NASA is already enforcing it in procurement, and HHS and DOE are moving in the same direction, signaling that SP 800-171 alignment is quickly becoming a government-wide expectation.
Northrop Grumman Reinforces the New Reality
In early December of 2025, Northrop Grumman joined this push in a supplier communication, emphasizing that CMMC readiness is a prerequisite for doing business.
Their message aligns with what we’re hearing everywhere: if you’re not ready when CMMC appears in solicitations, you won’t be competitive.
Don’t Wait for a Solicitation Surprise
Lockheed and Northrop Grumman are advancing a significant market shift that indicates the CMMC program will not be a slow and protracted rollout. CMMC readiness will be the gating factor that separates firms that win from firms that get stuck scrambling after requirements land.
Next Steps
If you’re unsure where you stand on CMMC preparedness, we can help. A quick conversation can go a long way to help you know where you stand.
MNS Group is an authorized C3PAO, and we’ve been helping DIB organizations close NIST SP 800-171 gaps to get compliant and win contracts.
Reach out to us today!
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