Tactical Air Support Secures CMMC Level 2 Certification; Enhances Cybersecurity Compliance

Tactical Air Support, a Missouri-based prime defense contractor, has successfully achieved the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 assessment with an impressive perfect score. This landmark accomplishment highlights the company's strategic transition from a primarily IT-focused cybersecurity framework to one that encompasses an enterprise-wide operational discipline. By shifting the focus towards governance, documentation, and repeatability in its cybersecurity practices, Tactical Air Support not only bolsters its internal safeguards but also aligns with the evolving standards set forth by the Department of Defense (DoD) for supply chain cybersecurity.

The CMMC certification is increasingly becoming a crucial criterion for defense contractors, particularly as the DoD tightens its cybersecurity mandates. Contractors supporting tactical aviation and adversarial air support missions are now subject to stringent compliance measures and flow-down obligations that require heightened cybersecurity due diligence. With this new regulatory landscape, organizations like Tactical Air Support recognize the critical importance of not just CMMC compliance but also fostering a culture of cybersecurity within their operational frameworks.

With the rapid evolution of threats in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), Tactical Air Support's proactive approach toward its cybersecurity readiness showcases an industry best practice. Ed Harshany, the company’s Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer, has emphasized that the transition in mindset is paramount. “Cybersecurity governance has to mature alongside the business,” he noted. This recognition is crucial as defense contractors expand their mission scopes and technologies become more sophisticated. Failure to comply with these new measures could lead to significant repercussions, including financial penalties and loss of contract eligibility.

Tactical Air Support’s path to CMMC Level 2 certification was not without its challenges. Originally, the organization believed it was well-prepared for the certification process; however, a rigorous internal audit revealed significant gaps in its readiness. This reality check is not unique to Tactical Air Support, as many organizations across the DIB are discovering similar misalignments between perceived and actual cybersecurity preparedness. The CMMC assessment evaluates a contractor’s ability not just to implement cybersecurity tools but to operationalize security measures that are documented, audit-ready, and consistently enforced across all levels of the organization.

The implications for procurement professionals are profound as they now must give heightened scrutiny to cybersecurity certifications during the evaluation process of contractors. Particularly for those supporting critical DoD functions—such as the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps—ensuring a robust cybersecurity posture will be paramount in maintaining contract eligibility. As requirements evolve, procurement strategies must adapt to include comprehensive assessments of vendors’ cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring compliance with CMMC and other relevant cybersecurity regulations.

Contractors and procurement professionals alike stand to benefit from engaging with Registered Provider Organizations (RPOs) like SSE, which specialize in guiding organizations through the CMMC compliance journey. Leveraging such expertise can facilitate a smoother transition to compliance while ensuring adherence to the strict expectations set by the DoD.

Tactical Air Support, by achieving this certification and evolving its cybersecurity posture, sets a precedent for other defense contractors. Its journey underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that integrates operational resilience and cultivates trust with federal partners.

Organizational culture, reinforced by robust practices in compliance and governance, is now more critical than ever in navigating the complexities of today’s defense contracting landscape. As the demand for cybersecurity measures intensifies, companies must recognize that overlooking these requirements is not an option, but rather a foundational aspect of their business strategy moving forward.