Cybersecurity and Government Contracting: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Cyberattacks are an escalating threat to small businesses, particularly those working with the federal government. These attacks can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and result in significant financial losses. For businesses contracting with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or other federal agencies, cybersecurity is not just a best practice—it’s a contractual obligation.
Small businesses must be prepared to protect both
Federal Contract Information (FCI) and
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Compliance with cybersecurity standards such as
NIST SP 800-171 and the
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is essential. These frameworks help ensure that businesses can safeguard sensitive government data and maintain eligibility for federal contracts.
To mitigate these risks, small businesses should:
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By taking proactive steps, small businesses can protect their operations, meet federal requirements, and contribute to national security.
While the NH APEX Accelerator is not certification body, our counselors are well-equipped to assist Department of Defense (DoD) prime and subcontractor clients in navigating the requirements for Level 1 compliance, which are generally not highly technical.
For clients pursuing higher levels of certification, NH APEX Accelerator counselors can provide guidance on the overall framework, recommend helpful tools, and connect clients with accredited, independent third-party organizations for further support.
Additional Resources
Below are links to learn more about the risks of cyber-attacks, self-assessment tools, and the latest regulations.
CMMC Model and Assessment Guides | Department of Defense (DoD)
Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) | Department of Defense (DoD)
CMMC Maturity Level 1 (ML1) Questionnaire | RD Risk Advisors, LLC.
Assessing Security Requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information (PDF) | National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Assessment & Auditing Resources | National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Cybersecurity Resources for Manufacturers | National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Small Business Cybersecurity | Small Business Administration (SBA)