So you want to break into defense contracting. You've heard about the opportunities, the stable contracts, and the chance to support critical national security missions. But then someone mentions "CMMC compliance," and suddenly you're drowning in acronyms, 110 security controls, and consultants quoting you $50,000 just to get started.

Here's the reality check most people won't tell you: If you're a new defense supplier who only handles hard-copy CUI, paper blueprints, physical specifications, printed engineering drawings, you don't need a full digital CMMC assessment right out of the gate.

But (and this is a big but), you absolutely DO need to safeguard that physical information under DoDI 5200.48. The Department of Defense doesn't care if your CUI is on a server or in a filing cabinet, it must be protected.

That's exactly why we built the New Defense Supplier Startup Package (NDSSP) at just $999. It's your fast pass to start bidding on defense contracts without the massive IT headache or the five-figure price tag.

Crawl, Walk, Run! The Right Way to Enter Defense Contracting

Let's talk strategy for a minute. Too many new defense suppliers try to sprint before they can crawl. They see a juicy subcontract opportunity, panic about compliance, dump $100,000 into infrastructure they don't need yet, and then realize they're only handling paper documents.

We believe in the Crawl, Walk, Run approach:

CRAWL: You're starting out. Maybe you're handling physical CUI, paper plans, printed specs, hard-copy technical data. You need policies, procedures, and physical security controls that meet DoD requirements. This is where the $999 NDSSP comes in.

WALK: Your contracts are growing. Now you're handling digital CUI, emails with export-controlled data, CAD files, digital engineering specs. This is when you need CPE Level 2 and full CMMC 2.0 Level 2 compliance.

RUN: You're a mature defense supplier with multiple contracts, complex supply chains, and sophisticated cyber requirements. You've got your compliance dialed in and you're scaling operations.

The mistake most people make? They try to Walk or Run before they Crawl. They overspend, overcomplicate, and often give up before they even submit their first bid.

CMMC compliance stages for defense contractors: crawl, walk, run progression approach

The Physical CUI Reality: You Still Need Compliance

Here's what confuses a lot of new suppliers: Just because you're not handling digital CUI doesn't mean you're off the hook for compliance.

DoDI 5200.48 (the DoD Instruction on Controlled Unclassified Information) applies to ALL CUI, whether it's on a hard drive or in a three-ring binder. If a defense prime hands you a set of engineering drawings marked "CUI," you're legally obligated to protect them according to federal standards.

That means you need:

  • Access control policies (who can see the documents?)
  • Physical security procedures (where are they stored?)
  • Training programs (do your employees know what CUI is?)
  • Incident response plans (what happens if something goes missing?)
  • Visitor management protocols (can a delivery driver walk past your secure storage?)
  • Media sanitization procedures (how do you destroy CUI when you're done with it?)

The good news? This is WAY simpler than implementing 110 digital security controls. The bad news? You still can't just wing it. The DoD expects documented compliance, not "we're being careful."

What's Actually Included in the $999 Package

Alright, let's get specific. For $999, here's exactly what you get with the New Defense Supplier Startup Package:

1. Customized Policies and Procedures
We're not handing you a generic template and wishing you luck. You get tailored documentation that covers physical CUI protection, personnel security, access control, and incident response: all written in plain English that your team can actually understand and implement.

2. DoD-Compliant Physical Protection Guides
Step-by-step instructions on how to set up your physical security environment: how to secure storage areas, implement access controls, manage visitors, handle CUI transportation, and everything else required under DoDI 5200.48.

3. Employee Training Materials
Your entire team needs to understand what CUI is, why it matters, and how to handle it properly. We provide the training curriculum, presentation materials, and documentation to prove your people are trained (because the DoD will ask for that proof).

4. Three Months of Subject Matter Expert (SME) Meetings
This isn't a "buy it and figure it out yourself" situation. You get quarterly check-ins with our CMMC and compliance experts to answer questions, troubleshoot implementation challenges, and make sure you're on track. Think of it as having a compliance advisor in your corner without the retainer fees.

5. One Full Year of Help Desk Support
Got a question at 9 PM before a proposal submission? Our help desk has your back for an entire year. Email us at cmmc@planetsecurity.net or call 702.634.7233 and get answers from people who actually understand DoD compliance requirements.

6. 2-Week Full Implementation
Here's where it gets impressive: We implement this nationwide in just TWO WEEKS. We're not talking about a six-month consulting engagement with endless meetings. We get you compliant, documented, and ready to start bidding in 14 days.

Complex IT systems versus simplified physical CUI document security for defense suppliers

Why This Matters for First-Time Defense Bidders

Let's talk about the real-world impact here. Every day you delay getting compliant is another day you can't bid on contracts. Meanwhile, your competitors who figured this out are already submitting proposals and winning work.

The NDSSP solves three massive problems for new defense suppliers:

Problem #1: Compliance Confusion
You have no idea where to start. The regulations are written in bureaucratic language, and Google searches just make it worse. The NDSSP gives you a clear roadmap with everything documented and ready to implement.

Problem #2: Cost Barriers
Traditional compliance consultants charge $20,000–$50,000+ for what amounts to document templates and a few meetings. At $999, this package removes the financial barrier that keeps small businesses out of defense contracting.

Problem #3: Time Constraints
You can't wait six months to "get compliant" while opportunities pass you by. Two weeks. That's all it takes. We've done this hundreds of times, and we've streamlined the process to get you operational fast.

Who Is This Package For?

The NDSSP is perfect if you:

  • Are a machine shop, fabrication company, or manufacturer looking to work with defense primes
  • Handle physical blueprints, specifications, or technical drawings marked as CUI
  • Don't currently process or store digital CUI on your systems
  • Want to start bidding on defense contracts but don't have $50,000 to spend on compliance
  • Need compliant policies and procedures NOW, not six months from now
  • Want expert guidance without paying for a full-time compliance officer

This package is NOT for you if:

  • You're already handling digital CUI (emails, CAD files, digital specifications): you need CPE Level 2
  • You're already a mature defense contractor with existing CMMC compliance
  • You don't handle any CUI whatsoever (though honestly, if you're serious about defense work, you will soon)

The Bottom Line: Crawl First, Then Walk

Here's the honest truth: Defense contracting is lucrative, but compliance is non-negotiable. The DoD isn't going to hand you a contract if you can't demonstrate that you'll protect their sensitive information: even if it's just paper documents.

The $999 New Defense Supplier Startup Package is your entry point. It's the "crawl" phase that sets you up for success without breaking the bank or overwhelming your small team.

Once you're established and start handling digital CUI, we'll be right here to help you "walk" with CPE Level 2 deployment. And when you're ready to "run" as a mature defense supplier, we've got the infrastructure and expertise to scale with you.

But first? You need to crawl. And we can get you there in two weeks for $999.

Ready to Start Your Defense Contracting Journey?

Stop letting compliance confusion keep you out of the defense industrial base. If you're serious about winning defense contracts but you're only handling physical CUI right now, this is your fastest and most affordable path to compliance.

Call us at 702.634.7233 or email cmmc@planetsecurity.net today. Let's get you compliant, documented, and bidding on contracts in the next two weeks.

It's time to crawl, then walk, then run. Let's start now.

Planet Security Inc. • Nationwide CMMC Compliance Solutions • https://planetsecurity.net

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