Let’s be real for a second. If you are a small to medium-sized defense contractor, the CMMC 2.0 deadline isn't just a "technical hurdle": it’s a looming financial mountain. You’ve probably looked at the requirements for CMMC 2.0 Level 2, seen the 110 CMMC requirements and 320 objectives, and thought: "There goes my profit margin for the next three years."
Traditionally, you had one choice: fix everything. We call this "Full Network Remediation." It involves scouring every corner of your existing IT infrastructure, replacing old hardware, and trying to force compliance on systems that were never built for it. It's expensive, it’s slow, and honestly, it’s often unnecessary.
At Planet Security Inc., we’re changing the entire industry by offering a better way: the Small Business Protected Enclave, also known as the "Planetary Option."
In this post, we’re going to break down why shrinking your scope is the smartest financial move you can make and why our CPE Level 2 is the ultimate "Easy Button" for your budget.
The "Boil the Ocean" Approach: Why Full Network Remediation Fails
Full Network Remediation is the "old school" way of doing things. It assumes that if you want to be compliant, your entire company: from the front desk to the loading dock: needs to meet the strictest security standards.
Here is why this approach usually ends in a budget disaster:
- Massive CapEx: You’re looking at huge upfront costs for servers, firewalls, and encrypted endpoints for every single employee.
- Timeline Paralysis: Remedying a legacy network can take 12 to 18 months. By the time you’re done, the standards might have changed again.
- Complex Audits: When your "Scope" is your entire company, the auditor has to check everything. More scope equals more hours, and more hours equals a massive audit bill.
- Operational Friction: High-security protocols often slow down non-sensitive work. Why should your marketing team deal with CUI-level lockdowns if they never touch a blueprint?
Simply put, there is no reason to secure your entire office to a military grade if your sensitive data only lives in one place.

The "Small Business Protected Enclave": A Better Way
The "Planetary Option" is built on a simple premise: Shrink the scope to save the business.
Instead of trying to fix your whole network, we build a high-security "digital vault" inside your company. This is your Protected Enclave. All your Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) lives inside this enclave. Your existing network stays exactly as it is for your day-to-day, non-sensitive operations.
Why the Enclave Model Wins:
- Zero CapEx: We provide the infrastructure. You don't need to go out and buy $50,000 worth of hardware.
- Rapid Implementation: We can have you up and running in 8 weeks. Compare that to the year-long slog of traditional remediation.
- Predictable Pricing: Our Small Business Protected Enclave is priced at $1,999/month. No surprises, no hidden fees.
- Audit Savings: Because we’ve shrunk the assessment scope to just the enclave, your audit costs will plummet. The auditor only cares about the vault, not the whole building.

100% Coverage: No Gaps, No Guesses
When we talk about our CPE Level 2 solution, we aren't talking about a "starter kit." This is a full-scale compliance powerhouse.
It covers all 110 CMMC requirements and 320 objectives. We handle the hardware, the software, the policies, the procedures, and even the employee training. It is unparalleled security posture designed specifically for the DoD supply chain.
What’s Included in the $1,999/Month "Planetary Option"?
- Full CMMC 2.0 Level 1 & 2 Coverage: Everything you need to pass an assessment.
- 8-Week Deployment: A structured, fast-paced implementation that doesn't drag on for months.
- Zero Upfront Capital: Keep your cash for growing your business.
- AI-Obfuscated Data Workflows: We use cutting-edge technology to ensure your data is handled safely. Unlike generic Big-Tech AI tools that feed on your data, our workflows use AI-obfuscated data to maintain absolute privacy and security.
- Built-in Attestation: We provide the documentation you need for your SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System) score.

Comparing the Costs: The Real Math
Let’s look at the numbers. A typical small business with 20 users trying to do full network remediation might spend:
- $40,000+ in hardware and software licenses.
- $30,000+ in consulting and policy writing.
- $20,000+ in specialized labor for implementation.
- Total: $90,000+ before you even pay for the audit!
With the CPE Level 2 enclave model at $1,999/month, you avoid that $90k gut punch. You get a turnkey, audit-ready solution for a manageable monthly subscription. There is simply not a more comprehensive offering on the market for small defense contractors.
Shrinking the Scope: The Secret to Audit Success
The biggest hidden cost in CMMC is the audit itself. C3PAOs (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations) charge by the hour. If you have 50 computers, 3 servers, and 5 locations in your "scope," they have to look at all of them.
By using a Protected Enclave, you tell the auditor: "The CUI only lives here."
Now, the auditor only looks at the enclave. Your assessment scope is tiny. This doesn't just save you time; it saves you thousands in audit fees.

Common Questions About the Protected Enclave
Q: Does this really cover all 110 requirements of CMMC 2.0 Level 2?
A: Yes. We have mapped every single one of the 110 CMMC requirements and 320 objectives to our enclave architecture. We provide the "Shared Responsibility Matrix" so you know exactly how each control is met.
Q: What happens to my current computers?
A: They stay exactly as they are. Your team can still use their current machines for email, browsing, and non-CUI work. When they need to work on a protected contract, they log into the CPE Level 2 environment. It’s seamless and secure.
Q: Why 8 weeks for implementation?
A: Efficiency. We have a proven methodology. We don't reinvent the wheel for every client. We have a "Reference Architecture" that is already hardened and ready to deploy. This allows us to move fast without cutting corners.
Q: Can I trust AI in this environment?
A: Only if it’s ours. We know the risks of Big-Tech AI tools. That’s why we emphasize AI-obfuscated data. We leverage the power of automation and AI to help you manage compliance, but we do it in a way that never exposes your sensitive CUI to the public cloud.
The Verdict: Enclave vs. Full Remediation
If you are a multi-billion dollar corporation, full network remediation might make sense. But if you are a small to medium-sized business trying to stay competitive, the Protected Enclave is the clear winner.
- Cost: Enclave wins (Zero CapEx, low monthly fee).
- Speed: Enclave wins (8 weeks vs. 12+ months).
- Simplicity: Enclave wins (Smaller audit scope, less operational friction).
- Security: Enclave wins (A dedicated, hardened environment specifically for CUI).
Planet Security Inc. is dedicated to helping the "little guys" in the defense industrial base not just survive, but thrive. We provide the tools, the tech, and the expertise to get you compliant and keep you there.

Get Started Today
Don't let CMMC compliance drain your bank account or distract you from your mission. Choose the "Planetary Option" and get the peace of mind that comes with a 100% covered, audit-ready solution.
There is no substitute for a specialized, hardened enclave when it comes to protecting CUI and your company's future.
Ready to secure your spot in the DoD supply chain?
Visit planetsecurity.net today to learn more about our CPE Level 2 solutions and schedule your consultation. Let's get your compliance sorted in just 8 weeks.
