CMMC Compliance Checklist:
Step-by-Step Guide to Readiness
As the Department of Defense’s CMMC 2.0 enforcement begins, organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must verify compliance to remain eligible for contracts. This guide and free downloadable checklist help you simplify preparation, verify your systems, and stay compliant under the new rules.
Download Your Free CMMC Compliance Checklist
As the Department of Defense’s new CMMC 2.0 enforcement rules take effect, every contractor must be ready to validate compliance in SPRS. To make preparation easier, GO Technology Group created a concise, one-page CMMC compliance checklist summarizing all ten readiness steps in this guide.
Check off each action to confirm your readiness before bidding or renewing DoD contracts:
Download the Free CMMC 2.0 Compliance Checklist (PDF) to ensure your organization meets DoD requirements. This free resource was developed by GO Technology Group, a leading cybersecurity consulting firm in Chicago, to help defense contractors, manufacturers, and government organizations stay compliant under CMMC 2.0.
Step-by-Step CMMC Readiness Checklist
Review each item below to confirm your organization’s compliance with CMMC 2.0 requirements. Check all boxes before bidding or renewing DoD contracts.
Identify Your Data Environment
Determine which systems process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including remote devices and cloud platforms. Understanding where sensitive data lives ensures your assessment scope is accurate and prevents accidental noncompliance across devices or cloud systems.
Confirm Your Required CMMC Level
Determine which CMMC level applies based on your contracts and information sensitivity. Your level depends on the type of data your organization handles—FCI or CUI—and dictates the depth of security controls and validation required to achieve certification. For additional planning support, explore our IT consulting services in Chicago to guide your readiness strategy.
Verify Your CAGE or NCAGE Code
Confirm your CAGE or NCAGE code is active and properly linked in SPRS for validation. In addition, ensure the code reflects the correct business entity and aligns with your assessment scope to prevent rejection during review.
Activate PIEE & SPRS Accounts
Before any CMMC submission, activate and verify your PIEE and SPRS accounts. These systems are essential for uploading assessments and maintaining your organization’s CMMC Unique Identifier (UID), ensuring your compliance records remain current and accessible.
Complete a NIST 800-171 Gap Analysis
To ensure readiness, perform a detailed gap analysis against NIST SP 800-171 controls. This process reveals which safeguards you’ve implemented and where remediation is needed to meet DoD cybersecurity standards, creating a roadmap toward full CMMC compliance. You can also enhance your organization’s resilience with expert cybersecurity services in Chicago from GO Technology Group.
Conduct a CMMC Self-Assessment or Third-Party Audit
Once your systems are prepared, complete your CMMC self-assessment (Level 1–2) or schedule a third-party C3PAO audit for higher levels. This verifies your security implementation, builds evidence for review, and provides documented proof of compliance readiness.
Upload Assessment Results to SPRS
After completing your assessment, upload results to SPRS to generate your CMMC Unique Identifier (UID). As a result, contracting officers can confirm your certification and validate your eligibility for DoD contracts. This step ensures transparency and accountability within the procurement process.
Maintain Continuous Compliance
Compliance doesn’t end at certification. To stay audit-ready, review systems quarterly, track policy updates, and complete your annual affirmation in SPRS. By maintaining continuous compliance, your organization demonstrates reliability and proactive cybersecurity management.
Verify Subcontractor Compliance
Your compliance depends on your supply chain’s compliance. Confirm that all subcontractors handling FCI or CUI maintain the appropriate CMMC level to prevent delays, risk exposure, or contract disqualification. In addition, document their status regularly to ensure your partnerships remain secure. For manufacturers seeking additional guidance, learn more about our managed IT services for manufacturing.
Partner with a Managed IT Services Provider
To ensure continuous readiness, partner with a trusted Managed IT Services Provider like GO Technology Group. Their proactive monitoring, cybersecurity management, and compliance guidance help your organization maintain audit-readiness with confidence and clarity.
Learn more about GO Technology Group's CMMC compliance consulting in Chicago.
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Partner with GO Technology Group, Chicago’s trusted managed IT and cybersecurity provider for defense contractors. Our experts help you simplify compliance, secure your systems, and stay audit-ready under CMMC 2.0.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the CMMC Compliance Checklist
What is the purpose of the CMMC compliance checklist?
This checklist helps organizations track their readiness and ensure they meet the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity standards under CMMC 2.0. It covers essential verification steps for FCI and CUI protection.
Do I need to complete all 10 steps before submitting to SPRS?
Yes. The checklist ensures you’ve met every requirement before uploading results to SPRS, helping you avoid errors and delays during contract evaluation.
Can GO Technology Group assist with CMMC implementation?
Absolutely. GO Technology Group provides cybersecurity consulting and managed IT services to support your organization through every stage of compliance, including assessments, gap analyses, and system security management.
How often should compliance be reviewed?
Your compliance should be reviewed annually, or whenever there’s a system change. Regular reviews maintain your standing under CMMC 2.0 and help prevent lapses in certification.