Sometimes the most valuable lessons come straight from the field. Recently, a defense contractor shared their experience in the CMMC subreddit:
“We thought we had everything buttoned up: SSP, POA&M, even evidence mapped to each control. But during a mock audit, the assessor asked who last updated each document and how we track changes over time.
We had no version history. No change logs. Nothing that showed ongoing compliance. Just a folder full of Word docs labeled ‘final_v3_revised_REALLYFINAL.’"
It’s a story that resonates with many contractors preparing for CMMC. On the surface, everything looked compliant. But one question from the assessor revealed a critical gap, the lack of evidence for ongoing governance and change management.
CMMC assessments aren’t just about whether you have policies and procedures in place. They also require proof that those documents are actively managed and maintained. Assessors look for:
Without these elements, even the best-prepared documentation can fall short.
Too often, contractors treat compliance as a one-time project: draft the documents, map the evidence, check the box. But CMMC, especially at Level 2, is about maturity. That means proving your organization doesn’t just write policies but also manages and updates them consistently.
An assessor won’t be impressed by a folder of “final” versions. They want to see that your organization has the discipline to sustain compliance long-term.
That Reddit post is a reminder that CMMC readiness isn’t just about having the right documents. It’s about proving you can manage them over time.
If your compliance evidence is buried in a folder of “REALLYFINAL” Word files, you may be closer to failing an assessment than you realize.
Strong documentation isn’t enough. You need to show maturity. Talk to an expert today and make sure your compliance story stands up under assessment.
Version control proves that compliance documentation is actively maintained. Assessors look for clear records showing who made updates, when they occurred, and why. Without this evidence, even well-written policies may not meet CMMC Level 2 assessment standards.
Ongoing compliance means that organizations continually update and manage their cybersecurity documentation, processes, and evidence, not just once before an audit. This includes maintaining change logs, version histories, and ownership accountability, which are key maturity indicators in CMMC Level 2.
A frequent mistake is treating compliance as a one-time project. Many organizations create documentation without version control, ownership tracking, or regular review schedules. These oversights can cause failure during a CMMC readiness assessment or formal certification.
Centralizing documents in a secure repository with built-in version control is essential. Assign document owners, implement change-management processes, and schedule regular reviews. Finding the right partner helps organizations establish and maintain documentation discipline aligned with CMMC requirements.
If you cannot show active management of compliance artifacts, assessors may mark controls as not met. This can delay certification and impact eligibility for defense contracts. Continuous improvement and regular documentation reviews are essential for staying compliant.