Article

Industry Spotlight: Achieving CMMC Level 2 Compliance in Supply Chain and Logistics

August 25, 2025

Where material flow meets information security.

Industry Snapshot 

Supply chain and logistics organizations are essential to the movement of materials, components, and data that power the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). From warehousing and transportation to procurement and supplier management, they move not just parts and materials, but also sensitive contract data and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). That access makes them a prime target for CMMC scrutiny. 

Common CMMC Challenges in Supply Chain and Logistics 

Defining the CUI Boundary

CUI moves across internal systems, vendors, and transport partners. Without precise scoping, organizations risk overspending on compliance or leaving blind spots.

Fragmented Systems

Legacy ERPs, spreadsheets, and custom tools create silos. Enforcing access controls, tracking data movement, and meeting technical requirements becomes nearly impossible.

Subcontractor Exposure

As a prime or logistics hub, you’re accountable for downstream vendors. Many lack CMMC readiness, leaving your contracts vulnerable.

Documentation Gaps

Even strong technical practices can fail without policies and evidence to back them up. Assessors need proof that operations align with written procedures.

Four Strategic Moves Toward CMMC Readiness

Map the CUI Boundary

Pinpoint where CUI is created, stored, transmitted, and accessed across ERP systems, portals, and shipping platforms. Isolate non-CUI systems to shrink compliance scope.

Modernize the Toolset

Retire ad hoc platforms that lack security. Consolidate into systems with monitoring, logging, and role-based access controls.

Document What You Do

Build SSPs, diagrams, and access narratives around real workflows. Tailor—not template—your documentation to the systems and teams handling CUI.

Run a Readiness Review

A mock assessment by CMMC experts identifies vendor risks, IT/OT gaps, and workflow weaknesses—before they derail a formal audit.

FAQs

In supply chain and logistics, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) often moves across ERP systems, shipping platforms, supplier portals, and transportation partners. Without properly defining and controlling the CUI boundary, companies risk data exposure, compliance gaps, and failed CMMC Level 2 assessments.

Logistics providers that rely on legacy ERP systems, spreadsheets, or manual processes struggle to enforce consistent access controls, monitor data movement, and meet technical control requirements. Consolidating systems into secure, modern platforms is essential for achieving and maintaining CMMC Level 2 compliance.

Under CMMC Level 2, prime contractors and logistics hubs are accountable for the cybersecurity posture of their subcontractors and tier-2 suppliers. If vendors handling shipments, procurement data, or warehousing systems are not CMMC compliant, the entire contract could be placed at risk.

Even strong cybersecurity practices can fail an audit without supporting documentation. Supply chain and logistics organizations need system security plans (SSPs), network diagrams, and access control narratives that align with daily operations. Without evidence, CMMC assessors may flag an otherwise compliant environment as deficient.

A third-party CMMC mock assessment conducted by a C3PAO helps logistics companies identify compliance gaps across IT/OT systems, subcontractor relationships, and fast-moving operations. Addressing these issues early reduces risk, prevents costly last-minute fixes, and ensures readiness for a formal CMMC Level 2 certification assessment.

CMMC Level 2 Compliance in Supply Chain and Logistics

Supply chain organizations that move early will gain a competitive edge, maintain contract eligibility, and prove they’re equipped to protect sensitive data in an increasingly contested threat landscape. Talk to an expert today.