5 Common CMMC Level 1 Myths (and the truth behind them)
Whether you have been looking into CMMC certification for a while or are just getting started, you have probably heard a few of these common CMMC Level 1 myths. There is a lot of misinformation out there that can easily cause you to either overpay for a system with more than you need or underestimate the CMMC requirements. Today, we are addressing five myths we hear all the time — and the truth behind them:
Myth #1: CMMC is just for large defense contractors and I’m just a subcontractor.
Reality:
If you work anywhere in the Defense Industrial Base, including as a subcontractor, service provider, or vendor that handles Federal Contract Information (FCI), you’re in scope for CMMC Level 1. Even if you never touch classified data, if your contract includes or supports DoD information that isn’t intended for public release, you’re expected to meet the Level 1 baseline. CMMC Level 1 is designed specifically for small businesses handling unclassified but sensitive government data. Many small firms lose opportunities or delay compliance because they assume CMMC is only required for large primes. In reality, the DoD expects all contractors and subcontractors with FCI to meet Level 1, regardless of company size.
Myth #2: I can just upload a passing score into SPRS without actually implementing a compliant system.
Reality:
Submitting a self-assessment to SPRS without implementing the required security practices is a violation of DFARS 252.204-7012. If you falsely claim compliance, you expose your business to contract termination, False Claims Act penalties, and loss of future eligibility. At Branch Compliance, we help you implement a compliant system beforeuploading your SPRS score — so your self-assessment is accurate, honest, and defensible.
Submitting a false CMMC score to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) can result in severe penalties, including the potential loss of government contracts, significant fines under the False Claims Act (FCA)(31 U.S.C.§§ 3729–3733), and even legal action, with the potential fine reaching three times the value of the damage to the government, civil penalty, and the cost of civil actions.Essentially, a company could be barred from future government contracts/subcontracts due to a false score.
Myth #3: You have to pass an audit to meet CMMC Level 1 requirements.
Reality:
CMMC Level 1 is currently a self-assessment model. You do not need a third-party certification, but you must implement all 17 controls based on NIST 800-171 and upload your self-assessment score to the SPRS portal. Our product includes everything you need to do this yourself, including system setup instructions and documentation mapped to each requirement. However, because your prime contractors have to verify that their supply chain is compliant in order to meet their CMMC compliance requirements, it is likely that you will be required to provide evidence of your compliance.
Note: the Branch Compliance CMMC Level 1 package includes documentation showing how your IT environment meets all of the CMMC Level 1 controls. This document is perfect to submit to a prime as evidence of compliance.
Myth #4: I have plenty of time before CMMC is required.
Reality:
Many contractors assume enforcement is far off — but CMMC Level 1 self-attestation is already required for contracts that involve Federal Contract Information (FCI). Even if your current contract hasn’t been flagged yet, you could be asked to prove compliance at any time — especially during renewals or subcontractor reviews. Starting now with a complete, guided system ensures you're not caught off guard and can compete confidently. CMMC compliance is not a future concern. It’s here, and it’s required. If you’re a small business in the defense space, becoming compliant is not just a good idea — it’s a necessity for survival.
Myth #5: Compliance is expensive and time consuming.
Reality:
Not with us. We hear from customers all the time that either they or a friend of theirs was quoted $50,000–$100,000+ for Level 1 compliance and decided not to move forward at the time. Rightfully so! Many companies out there are repackaging Level 2 compliance packages and overcharging extremely high prices for systems that are overbuilt for small companies. At Branch Compliance, we offer a complete CMMC Level 1 solution for a one-time cost — including IT setup guidance, policies, SPRS upload instructions, and all required documentation. You don’t need to be technical, and you don’t need a consultant.
Also note: If you encounter a company charging significantly lower prices, verify what you are getting for the price. Many companies sell pieces of compliance packages that leave the buyer to complete a gap analysis and fill in the holes.
