
CMMC Phase 2 Pause: A Delay in Certification Does Not Mean a Delay in Cybersecurity Compliance
Why defense contractors must continue implementing NIST SP 800-171 requirements despite the suspension of CMMC Phase 2 October 2026 | Cybersecurity & Defense Industrial Base Compliance The Department of Defense’s decision to suspend Phase 2 of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rollout has generated considerable discussion throughout the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). For thousands of defense contractors and subcontractors, the announcement initially appeared to provide welcome relief from the financial and administrative challenges associated with obtaining third-party cybersecurity certification. However, there is a critical distinction that every defense contractor must understand: The suspension of CMMC Phase 2 does not




