Security Education Center

When a defense contractor submits a CMMC self-attestation, they're not filling out a preference form. They're making a legal declaration under federal law. And if that declaration is inaccurate — because the IT provider managing their systems isn't actually delivering what compliance requires — the contractor is the one exposed.

This is the part of the CMMC conversation that doesn't get enough attention. The focus tends to be on controls, timelines, and assessments. The legal consequences of misrepresentation are less discussed — but for manufacturers and DIB suppliers weighing IT proposals right now, they're worth understanding clearly.