For businesses working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), cybersecurity compliance isn’t optional—it’s a requirement for winning and keeping contracts. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework ensures contractors meet baseline security standards, starting with CMMC Level 1.
If your company handles Federal Contract Information (FCI), you’ll need to comply with CMMC Level 1’s 17 security controls. While these requirements are foundational, managing compliance manually can be overwhelming. That’s where SnapGRC comes in—transforming a complex process into a streamlined, automated system.
Understanding CMMC Level 1: The Basics
CMMC Level 1 is the entry point of the DoD’s cybersecurity framework, designed to protect sensitive but unclassified government data. It applies to any contractor or subcontractor that processes, stores, or transmits FCI—information provided by or generated for the government under a contract.
Unlike higher CMMC levels, Level 1 does not require a third-party audit. Instead, companies must self-assess their compliance with the 17 security controls derived from FAR 52.204-21. These controls focus on fundamental cybersecurity practices, such as access control, malware protection, and incident reporting.
Why Compliance Matters Now
The DoD is phasing CMMC requirements into contracts between 2024 and 2026. Companies that fail to comply risk losing existing contracts or being disqualified from future bids. Given that CMMC Level 1 is a prerequisite for higher certifications, getting it right early sets the foundation for long-term success.
The Challenge: Manual Compliance Is Time-Consuming and Error-Prone
While the 17 controls of CMMC Level 1 may seem straightforward, proving compliance isn’t as simple as checking boxes. Many organisations rely on spreadsheets, emails, and disconnected documents to track their security measures—leading to:
- Inconsistent evidence collection
- Difficulty maintaining up-to-date records
- Stress when preparing for audits or assessments
Without a centralised system, companies waste valuable time chasing down policies, logs, and configuration details—time that could be spent growing their business.
How SnapGRC Simplifies CMMC Level 1 Compliance
SnapGRC is a next-generation Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform designed to automate and simplify compliance for DoD contractors. Here’s how it transforms the CMMC Level 1 process:
1. Instant Framework Alignment
SnapGRC comes pre-loaded with CMMC controls, eliminating the need to manually map requirements. The platform automatically aligns your security policies with the 17 Level 1 controls, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
2. Effortless Self-Assessments
Pre-built questionnaires guide you through the self-assessment process, reducing hours of work to minutes. SnapGRC flags gaps in compliance and suggests corrective actions, so you’re always audit-ready.
3. Future-Proof Compliance
As your business grows, so do your compliance needs. If you pursue CMMC Level 2 (required for Controlled Unclassified Information, or CUI), SnapGRC scales with you, covering all 110 NIST 800-171 controls without requiring a system overhaul.
Conclusion: Secure Your DoD Contracts with Confidence
CMMC Level 1 compliance doesn’t have to be a burden. With SnapGRC, you can automate documentation, streamline self-assessments, and maintain continuous compliance—freeing up time to focus on your mission.
Ready to simplify CMMC compliance?
