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The January 2026 CMMC Town Hall brought several important clarifications and program updates that directly impact Department of War (DoD) contractors.

In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, we break down what changed, what was clarified, and what contractors should take away from the latest guidance.

We cover:

• New DOW CIO leadership changes and what they mean for CMMC
• Updated clarification on Hard Copy CUI (and what qualifies)
• Why encryption alone does NOT define scope
• Government shutdown impact on assessments
• C3PAO reauthorization and ISO 17020 accreditation
• KECO transition to ISACA and certification updates
• What all of this means for contractors planning in 2026

The biggest theme? CMMC is not slowing down. It’s becoming more standardized, more mature, and more defined.

If you’re planning contracts in 2026, now is the time to understand how these updates affect your scope, documentation, and assessment strategy.