Will DOGE Affect CMMC? The Real Story Behind the Headlines

If you’ve been following federal cybersecurity news lately, you’ve probably seen the Department of Government Efficiency making waves, and not just the meme coin kind. With rumors, high profile firings, and even a few security breaches, many in the defense industrial base are asking: Will the Department of Government Efficiency impact the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification? Let’s break down what’s really happening, what’s just noise, and what it means for your Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification journey.

What Is the Department of Government Efficiency, Anyway?

The Department of Government Efficiency is a new federal agency tasked with modernizing federal technology and software to maximize efficiency and productivity. Think of it as the government’s attempt to move fast and break things, except, as recent headlines show, sometimes things break a little too easily.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Landscape: Still Charging Forward

Despite the turbulence caused by the Department of Government Efficiency, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program is not only still standing, it’s charging ahead. The Department of Defense remains laser focused on safeguarding sensitive information shared with contractors, and this framework is the backbone of that effort.

Key facts:

• The framework is designed to protect federal contract information and controlled unclassified information
• There are three assessment levels, with Level 2 now split between self assessment and certification, depending on the sensitivity of the data
• The Department of Defense continues to update guidance to clarify requirements for contractors and subcontractors

So, How Has the Department of Government Efficiency Actually Impacted the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification?

Let’s address the elephant (or Shiba Inu) in the room: Is the Department of Government Efficiency derailing this effort?

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The short answer is not really.

No Direct Link

There is no official directive, executive order, or policy that targets or changes the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Despite some government contract cancellations and cybersecurity shakeups, there’s no evidence that the Department of Government Efficiency is trying to roll it back or undermine it. In fact, their mission to modernize technology could actually support broader cybersecurity and compliance goals. Especially with Katie Arrington endorsed by Trump and placed back at the DoD as Chief Information Officer.

Momentum Remains Strong

The program’s momentum is driven by the Department of Defense, not the Department of Government Efficiency. Recent leadership changes and continued updates to requirements are clear signals that this remains a top priority. Contractors are expected to comply as usual.

Potential Indirect Effects: A Few Speed Bumps

While the Department of Government Efficiency hasn’t directly altered the certification, their broader actions like firing cybersecurity officials, canceling contracts, and disrupting federal IT could create indirect risks. For example:

• Dismantling agencies and reducing oversight could make the federal environment less secure
• Budget cuts could reduce resources for audits or compliance support
• Operational chaos could delay modernization efforts, but so far, implementation remains on track

What Should Contractors Do Now?

Stay the course:

• Monitor official updates from the Department of Defense
• Continue assessments and certifications as required
• Don’t let headlines distract you, the mandate still stands

If the Department of Government Efficiency ever does try to move fast and break the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, you can bet industry groups and the Department of Defense will respond swiftly.

Final Thoughts

The Department of Government Efficiency may be shaking up federal IT, but the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification remains firmly under the Department of Defense. While their actions have raised eyebrows and blood pressure, there’s no indication that the certification is going away. In fact, with cyber threats on the rise and the Department doubling down on enforcement, it's more critical than ever.

So, while the Department of Government Efficiency might be barking up a storm, for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, it’s business as usual, just with a few more headlines over your morning coffee.