

CMMC compliance is now a tangible, impactful requirement for A/E/C firms supporting the DoD. CAD-heavy workflows (AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D) make it far more complex than simply “locking things down.” One way to be successful in CMMC Level 2 implementation is a virtual enclave where CUI is separated from non-CUI, collaboration is secure, and there are robust file-transfer processes that protect data without destroying engineering productivity.

Choosing to build an enclave can significantly reduce costs and effort by isolating compliance to just the systems and personnel who handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). On the other hand, taking an enterprise approach—where your entire environment is brought into compliance—can streamline operations if DoD work is central to your business, while also elevating cybersecurity maturity across the organization.

Scoping is the cornerstone of the CMMC journey. DIB contractors should pay special attention to properly defining assessment scope and ensure compliance with CMMC requirements to avoid costly missteps. In this post, we break down the five CMMC asset categories—CUI Assets, Contractor Risk Managed Assets (CRMA), Security Protection Assets (SPA), Specialized Assets (SA), and Out-of-Scope Assets—to help you streamline your scoping process and ace your CMMC Level 2 assessment.