Summit 7 has engaged in thousands of discussions with defense contractors of all sizes, from companies with 20 users to 20K users. In all of those calls, our most frequently asked question is: “What should I budget?”  

What Is CMMC And Why Is It So Expensive?  

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a unified standard for cybersecurity that Department of War (DoW) contractors must meet to do business with the DoW. This model is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171, which outlines the security requirements federal contractors must adhere to. The CMMC framework is designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.  

To put it simply, CMMC Level 2 is keeping DoW Contractors accountable for upholding NIST SP 800-171.  Becoming CMMC compliant is expensive because it requires a significant amount of dedicated time from staff, as well as licensing, equipment, and, sometimes, overhauling your current IT infrastructure.  

While an expensive undertaking, it’s also a necessary one. Starting November 10, 2025 contracts can require CMMC certification as a prerequisite for even bidding on contracts. Even outside of contracts with requirements, certified organizations may be preferred because of the concrete proof of commitment to information security.  

What Should My Company Budget for CMMC?  

While the DoW offers estimates for the cost of CMMC assessments, it offers no guidance on all-in costs of licensing, equipment, labor, and implementing organizational changes.  

Through previous publications dating back to DFARS 7012, the DoW suggests companies allocate at least .5% of their revenue to security. “At least” is doing all the work here. What about the costs of implementing NIST SP 800-171? Should only companies making $100M+ be getting CMMC certified?  

More realistically, DIB companies actually spend 5-8% of their revenue on IT and compliance, lowering the barrier to entry. That said, if you plan to do it all in-house, you’ll have to budget much more than if you team up with Summit 7.  

With all that exposition out of the way, here’s what our typical clients spend all in (licensing, labor, equipment, assessment, etc.) on CMMC level 2 by employee count using Guardian and Vigilance (Summit 7’s IT, security, and compliance services).

Of course, these numbers will vary based on the exact scope of your project and how much change your organization needs in order to become compliant.  

Is CMMC compliance worth the price? 

CMMC Compliance is a costly endeavor, but you’ll make it back in spades. Try Summit 7’s ROI calculator to see how much revenue you stand to gain with a CMMC certification.  

Beyond all the money to be gained, there’s a lot to lose by not getting certified. If your business serves the DoW or contractors of the DoW, it will need CMMC certification to win contracts. By the DoW’s estimate, 62% of DIB contractors will need CMMC Level 1 certification; 37% of DIB contractors will have to take the next step to level 2 certification; and the last 1% will need CMMC Level 3 certification. Really the question is when and how to do it, not if. Fill the form below to learn how Summit 7 can save you up to 70% on CMMC implementation and certification.