Executive Summary
By 2026, defense suppliers must pass a CMMC Level 2‑aligned architecture audit to bid on contracts. This includes implementing all 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171, covering everything from access control and encryption to audit logs and incident response. Yet fewer than 5% of suppliers are actually ready. MLNavigator accelerates readiness by offering a pre-hardened, air-gapped AI appliance that embeds data governance and access control into the heart of your engineering workflow — no consultants, no cloud required. Our CMMC-aligned design helps you meet requirements and supports audit readiness. Sources: DoD CMMC About, Business Wire - CyberSheath CMMC Readiness StudyTimeline to Enforcement
CMMC Enforcement Timeline (2023–2026)
1
2023
Proposed rule published
2
2024
Final rule effective December 16, 2024
3
2025
DoD starts inserting clauses into RFPs
4
2026
All new contracts require valid CMMC Level 2‑aligned architecture certification
Reality for Defense Contractors
- Lack of compliance disqualifies suppliers from contract awards
- Only certificates from C3PAOs (authorized auditors) are accepted
- Self-assessment is not sufficient under Level 2‑aligned
Challenge for Aerospace Manufacturers
Many aerospace MROs are still in early stages of CMMC preparation, with limited IT support and incomplete logging creating compliance gaps that require specialized tooling for air-gapped environments.
- Limited IT support
- Incomplete logging
- Ad hoc access control
- No audit trail tied to engineering activity
Categorized Breakdown of CMMC Controls
CMMC Level 2‑aligned Control Coverage
| Control | What it means | MLNavigator implementation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Control | Role-based, system-level access. | Enforced at the time of upload; local authentication only. | Covered |
| Audit and Accountability | Access, file-event, and activity traceability. | Immutable logs on the offline appliance. | Covered |
| Configuration Management | Protection against tampering and unapproved changes. | The appliance is locked down and air-gapped. | Covered |
| Identification and Authentication | Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and unique user IDs. | Admin-controlled local authentication. | Covered |
| System and Information Integrity | Detection, reporting, and correction of errors. | Drawing intake and AI scanning pipeline. | Covered |
| Media Protection | Protection of digital engineering data. | On-device only; no cloud connectivity or storage. | Covered |
For a complete mapping of all 110 controls, request our compliance documentation.
How MLNavigator Helps
MLNavigator accelerates CMMC Level 2‑aligned readiness by:- Delivering a fully offline appliance (Mac Studio or secure cluster)
- Enforcing role-based access controls on engineering documents
- Providing immutable audit logs of drawing reviews and changes
- Performing AI-driven compliance scanning of uploaded drawings
- Keeping all data on-prem, eliminating external data exposure
- Generating compliance reports for CMMC auditors and internal QA
Business Impact
- If CMMC is missed, aerospace MROs risk losing access to federal contracting opportunities valued in the hundreds of billions annually
- MLNavigator's deployments begin at $10k–$75k, depending on scale — a fraction of typical compliance consulting + tooling bundles
- Pilot-in-progress estimates target 20–40% error reduction; measured over 12 weeks through
automated compliance scanning and documentationIndustry Study:MLNavigator Pilot Studies
Investor Note
CMMC Level 2‑aligned architecture compliance is not just a checkbox — it's a revenue prerequisite. With enforcement beginning in 2026, suppliers unable to certify will be disqualified from new DoD work. This creates a tailwind for vendors like MLNavigator who offer compliance acceleration as a service layer.
Our approach aims to deliver attractive returns through strategic growth and acquisition opportunities. Compliance readiness positions us well for future market developments.
CMMC Readiness Calculator
Use the calculator below to gauge your current CMMC Level 2‑aligned readiness and identify gaps.CMMC Readiness Calculator
Answer these questions to assess your organization's readiness for CMMC 2.0 Level 2 certification.
Disclaimer: Not an official assessment; estimates based on NIST 800-171 control coverage.
Next Steps
Start CMMC Level 2‑aligned Preparation Now
- • Talk to us about deploying MLNavigator for your first site
- • Get a readiness evaluation in under 48 hours
- • Protect your eligibility — before enforcement closes the door
Related Compliance Resources
For aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, CMMC Level 2‑aligned architecture compliance often runs parallel with other quality management requirements:- Staying Audit-Ready in Aerospace: How MLNavigator Supports the AS9100D Cycle - Learn about maintaining continuous compliance with AS9100D throughout the 3-year certification cycle.
Conclusion
The 2026 deadline for CMMC Level 2‑aligned architecture certification is approaching quickly. Waiting until the last minute means competing for limited C3PAO assessment slots and likely paying premium prices for rush implementations.¹ ¹ MLNavigator supports your compliance program; certification remains the responsibility of the organization.Guest Expert Contributions Welcome
We invite aerospace quality experts, compliance professionals, and industry veterans to contribute their insights and experiences to our knowledge hub.
• Share real-world compliance challenges and solutions
• Contribute case studies from your organization
• Provide expert commentary on industry standards
• Help educate the next generation of aerospace professionals