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Are you sure you're NIST 800-171 compliant? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the most overlooked NIST 800-171 requirements that continue to trip up DoD contractors—and what you can do today to avoid those costly mistakes.

From data flow diagrams to documentation pitfalls, supply chain risks, and misunderstood MFA and logging requirements, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable takeaways. If you’re pursuing CMMC Level 2 or just trying to boost your SPRS score, this is a must-listen.

💡 You’ll Learn:

• Why poor scoping is the #1 mistake in compliance
• How to map your CUI data flow across systems and subcontractors
• What assessors really expect from your MFA, logging, and risk assessment controls
• Why your documentation strategy can make or break your assessment
• What it takes to maintain compliance after you’re “done”
• How to use the NIST 800-171A Assessment Guide to conduct a real gap analysis
• The truth about ongoing compliance vs. one-time audits
• GRC tools, POAMs, and how to build your project roadmap

This episode is your self-assessment gut check. Whether you're just starting or already deep into your compliance journey, don’t miss these expert tips.

🔗 For free resources, visit: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com
📅 Meet us at DibCon, June 3–5, in Oklahoma City!

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Get the latest insider takeaways from CMMC Day 2025 straight from Washington D.C. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down the most critical updates small and midsized businesses (SMBs) in the defense supply chain need to know now.

We cover:
 ✅ Why CMMC is NOT going away (despite what skeptics think)
 ✅ Critical mistakes businesses still make with SSPs, scoping, and access control
 ✅ Real-world assessment horror stories you need to avoid
 ✅ Why subcontractors can't hide in the supply chain anymore
 ✅ Tools, technology, and zero trust lessons from the show floor

Whether you're a manufacturer, IT lead, or compliance manager, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you stay off the DoD's naughty list and win more contracts in 2025.

🎯 Need help? Get your free SPRS Score Roadmap → https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap

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Feeling overwhelmed by CMMC compliance and NIST 800-171’s 110 controls? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to be stuck.

In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down NIST 800-171 Revision 2 in plain English — no government-speak, no tech jargon — so you can finally understand what each control family means for your business.

You'll learn:

• What NIST 800-171 really requires (and why it matters for your SPRS score)
• How to tackle key control families like Access Control, Awareness & Training, and Audit & Accountability
• The critical mistakes contractors make (and how to avoid them)
• Why documentation is the #1 secret weapon for CMMC success
• Real-world tips for manufacturing, machine shop, and aerospace contractors navigating CMMC Level 2

🔥 Don’t wait until an assessor says “No Soup for You” — build a compliance system that actually protects your business and wins contracts.

👉 Need help fast-tracking your compliance journey? 

Visit https://cmmccomplianceguide.com to download free resources or schedule a discovery call.

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Is your SPRS score putting your DoD contracts at risk? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, we break down exactly what the SPRS score is, why it matters, and how to improve it fast—before you lose out on federal work.

Whether you're stuck at -72 or hovering at 80, we’ll walk you through how to get to 110 with practical, plain-English guidance. From gap analysis to POA&Ms, system security plans, encryption, MFA, and the best GRC tools—we’re covering it all.

👉 Schedule your FREE SPRS Roadmap Session (Limited Time):  www.cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap
✅ $1,500 Value — No pitch, no pressure. Just expert help.

🎯 What You'll Learn:
✅What an SPRS score is and why it matters
✅How to assess your current score (and why most are wrong)
✅What documentation and tech controls you must have
✅How to get to 110 — even if you’re starting from a negative score

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If someone tells you CMMC compliance can't be easy… they’re not necessarily wrong — but they’re also missing the point.

In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down one of the biggest myths in the compliance space: that achieving CMMC compliance has to be overwhelming, time-consuming, and painfully complex.

Using our E.A.S.Y. framework, we’re showing you how strategic companies are simplifying their compliance efforts and turning cybersecurity into a competitive edge:

✅ E – Expert Guided: Why going it alone can cost you more in time and money.
✅ A – Aligned to Requirements: How to avoid the tech-first trap and focus on business process.
✅ S – Streamlined Approach: Proven tools, trusted frameworks, and no need to reinvent the wheel.
✅ Y – Your Competitive Advantage: Compliance isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a business differentiator.

Whether you're a defense contractor starting your compliance journey or trying to stay ahead of evolving requirements, this episode gives you the mindset and framework to make CMMC easier — not effortless, but easier.

📞 Need help fast-tracking your compliance?
Reach out at: cmmccomplianceguide.com/podcast — we’ll answer your questions for free right here on the show.

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In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin dive into a key question many DoD contractors face: Should you handle CMMC compliance yourself or hire a consultant?

We break down the risks, costs, and benefits to help you make the best decision for your business. Discover the 6 major risks of DIY compliance, including:

1️⃣ Losing DoD contracts due to non-compliance
2️⃣ Keeping up with ever-changing CMMC requirements
3️⃣ Hidden costs that make DIY compliance more expensive
4️⃣ The gap in IT teams’ compliance expertise
5️⃣ Security risks that linger even after passing an assessment
6️⃣ How CMMC assessors prioritize well-prepared organizations

🎯 Whether you’re starting your compliance journey or stuck midway, this episode offers actionable advice to help you stay compliant and secure.

🔗 For expert guidance and resources, visit https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/

👍 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on achieving CMMC compliance with confidence.

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In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey reveal a critical factor that could make or break your compliance journey: your IT provider.

✅ Discover why your IT provider plays a crucial role in your CMMC assessment.
✅ Learn the risks of working with an unqualified IT provider — and how they could cost you contracts.
✅ Find out what a qualified IT provider should bring to the table to simplify your compliance process.
✅ Get actionable tips on how to vet an IT provider to ensure they’re an asset — not a liability.

🎯 Don’t leave your compliance journey to chance. Tune in to learn how to make your IT provider your strongest ally.

🔗 For more resources, visit https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/

❗Get past all the CMMC jargon by downloading our CMMC Glossary: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/glossary

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The DoD is tightening its cybersecurity regulations, and your aerospace contracts could be on the line. In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, we break down the latest changes to CMMC, DFARS, and FAR that could directly impact your business.

Join Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting as they explain:
✅ The upcoming CMMC, DFARS, and FAR rule changes & deadlines
✅ Why self-reported compliance is no longer enough
✅ How SPRS scores and third-party assessments will determine contract eligibility
✅ The legal risks of non-compliance, including False Claims Act violations
✅ Steps you must take right now to stay ahead of the cybersecurity crackdown

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Compliance deadlines are fast approaching, and failing to prepare could mean losing out on DoD contracts. Stay informed, stay compliant, and protect your business.

📌 Download your free guide here: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/ultimate-aerospace-contractor-guide

📌 Need help with compliance? Contact us at https://cmmccomplianceguide.com

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In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, we break down the most important updates from the CyberAB January Town Hall. From the latest developments in CMMC implementation to the newly proposed FAR CUI rule, we discuss what these changes mean for DoD contractors and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• The CMMC program is officially live under CFR 32—what this means for your business.
• The FAR CUI rule and how it expands compliance beyond the DoD.
• What DoD contractors should be doing right now to stay ahead of upcoming certification requirements.
• The latest challenges in obtaining CMMC Level 2 certification and how to navigate delays.

If your business is in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) or sells to the Federal Government, this episode is a must-listen! Stay informed, stay compliant, and don’t get left behind.

📩 Got questions? Contact us at cmmccomplianceguide.com/podcast – we’ll answer them for free on the podcast!

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In this week’s episode, Brooke Justice and guest cohost Stacey break down one of the most crucial topics for DoD contractors: how CMMC compliance directly impacts your ability to win and keep defense contracts.

From understanding compliance levels to avoiding costly mistakes, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stay competitive and avoid compliance pitfalls. You’ll learn:

✅ Why CMMC is becoming a non-negotiable requirement for DoD contracts
✅ How being CMMC compliant gives you a competitive edge
✅ What compliance level you should aim for to secure future opportunities
✅ The biggest mistakes companies make that put their contracts at risk
✅ How to ensure your supply chain isn’t a weak link

Whether you’re a prime contractor, subcontractor, or just starting your CMMC journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the compliance landscape.

💡 Have questions? We want to hear from you! Send us your questions at cmmccomplianceguide.com and we’ll answer them in a future episode—for free!