HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Department of War has published the long-awaited 48 CFR Final Rule, officially making the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) a binding requirement in defense contracts. This marks a watershed moment for the Defense Industrial Base: cybersecurity certification is no longer optional, it is a condition of doing business with the DoW.
The rule was released for public inspection on September 9, 2025, and published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2025. A 60-day window follows before clauses begin appearing in contracts, meaning contractors could see DFARS 252.204-7021 requirements as early as November 2025.
“This is the most significant milestone in the history of the CMMC program and a watershed moment for US national security,” said Scott Edwards, CEO of Summit 7. “The publishing of 48 CFR officially marks the rollout of CMMC into contracts, solidifying the Department of War’s commitment to protecting Controlled Unclassified Information and safeguarding the supply chain.”
The 48 CFR rule will affect hundreds of thousands of U.S. businesses across the Defense Industrial Base, from large prime contractors to the smallest manufacturers and service providers supporting the DoW. For many of these organizations, meeting the requirements will determine whether they can remain in the defense supply chain.
To help contractors prepare, Summit 7 will host a live webinar on Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. CT titled “CMMC Phase 1: The Final Rule is Here.” The session will provide practical guidance on:
- When DFARS clause 252.204-7021 will appear in contracts
- What phased rollout contractors should expect
- Steps organizations should take now to avoid disruptions in contract eligibility
Registration is available here: https://www.summit7.us/webinars/cmmc-phase-1-the-final-rule-is-here
Summit 7 has published extensive resources explaining the impact of the Final Rule and the path to compliance:
About Summit 7
Summit 7 is the trusted partner for DoW cybersecurity, compliance, and managed services, with the largest team of certified experts in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Specializing in NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance, Summit 7 equips proactive contractors to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), secure the warfighter, and remain competitive in the federal marketplace.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cmmc-final-rule-published-summit-7-urges-defense-contractors-to-prepare-for-immediate-cybersecurity-contract-requirements-302553117.html
SOURCE Summit 7 Systems
