Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1546025
36 SMT007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2026 "Robust cybersecurity and operational resilience remain critical to protecting American innovation and supporting warfighter readiness. We believe the DIB can achieve both, while we reduce unnec- essary government red tape." Effective immediately, the Department will suspend the transition to Phase II requirements of CMMC, as well as pending and future CMMC imple- mentation milestones across the Department of War solicitations and contracts. "We have a strategic imperative to reduce bureau- cracy as we build the world's strongest Arsenal of Freedom. The CIO's decision ensures we maintain a strict security baseline while removing paralyzing costs and keeping innovators and competition growing in the defense supply chain," said Hon. Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisi- tion and Sustainment. To realign our cybersecurity posture with the principles of the ATS, the Department CIO is estab- lishing a CMMC Reform Task Force to conduct a comprehensive top-to-bottom review of the certi- fication program. This task force will serve as the central hub for synthesizing industry feedback from our public Request for Information (RFI) regarding compliance challenges. Using these insights, the team will recommend realistic, scalable security measures that prioritize speed to capability and lower barriers for small and non-traditional busi- nesses, delivering their final report to the DoW CIO within 60 days. During this interim period, the Department will enforce cybersecurity compliance with the NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 standard through self-assessments and select government-led assessments, focusing on tangible cyber hygiene rather than administra- tive overhead. It is critical to note that this action does not elimi- nate the requirement for companies to protect federal data. All defense contractors and subcon- tractors remain contractually obligated to safe- guard covered defense information in accordance with DFARS clause 252.204-7012. The Department of War remains steadfast in its commitment to securing its digital domain while empowering the DIB to rapidly provide the most advanced capabilities to the warfighter. More information can be found here. SMT007