Let's be real for a second. When most defense contractors hear "CMMC compliance," their eyes glaze over. It sounds like mountains of paperwork, expensive consultants, and months of headaches. And honestly? If you're approaching it the wrong way, that's exactly what it becomes.
But here's the thing, CMMC doesn't have to be a nightmare. In fact, when you look at it through the right lens, it's actually one of the smartest business moves you can make. Not because the government says so, but because protecting your business just makes sense.
That's where the pragmatic approach comes in. And that's exactly what CPE Level 2 delivers.
The Problem With "Checkbox Compliance"
You've probably seen it before. Companies scrambling at the last minute to check boxes on a compliance spreadsheet. They implement some controls, document a few policies, and cross their fingers hoping it'll be enough to pass an audit.
Spoiler alert: it usually isn't.
Checkbox compliance is a trap. It gives you a false sense of security while leaving massive gaps in your actual protection. And when something goes wrong, a breach, a failed audit, a lost contract, you're left wondering what happened.
The reality is that CMMC Level 2 requires all 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171. That's not a small list. And these aren't arbitrary requirements, they exist because the threats are real, the stakes are high, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) needs serious protection.

Why Business Logic Beats Compliance Anxiety
Here's a perspective shift that changes everything: Stop thinking about CMMC as a burden. Start thinking about it as business armor.
When you achieve legitimate CMMC Level 2 compliance, you're not just satisfying a government requirement. You're:
- Protecting your company's reputation from the catastrophic fallout of a data breach
- Securing your position in the defense supply chain (we're talking about 80,000+ contractors who need this!)
- Building trust with prime contractors who are increasingly picky about their supply chain partners
- Creating a competitive advantage over competitors who are still fumbling around
The companies that get this right aren't the ones panicking about compliance deadlines. They're the ones who recognized early that good security is good business.
The Heavy Lifting Problem (And How CPE Level 2 Solves It)
Now, here's where it gets practical.
Even if you understand the business value of CMMC compliance, there's still a massive challenge: actually implementing all 110 controls. For a small or medium-sized defense supplier, this can feel overwhelming. You're trying to run a business, fulfill contracts, and manage employees, not become a cybersecurity expert overnight.
This is exactly why we built CPE Level 2.
CPE Level 2 handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best: running your company.
Think about it this way. You could spend months (or years) trying to:
- Configure compliant IT infrastructure from scratch
- Document hundreds of security policies and procedures
- Train your team on NIST 800-171 requirements
- Implement network segmentation, encryption, access controls, and more
- Prepare for and stress about your C3PAO audit
Or… you could plug into a purpose-built solution that's already done all of that work for you.

What Makes CPE Level 2 Different?
Let's get specific. Because vague promises don't help anyone.
CPE Level 2 delivers 100% coverage of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171 requirements. Not partial coverage. Not "most of the controls." All of them.
Here's what's included:
- Complete hardware and software infrastructure designed for compliance
- 900+ CPE-specific cybersecurity hardening steps already implemented
- Network segmentation that properly isolates your CUI
- FIPS-validated encryption for data at rest and in transit
- Managed Security Services (MSP/MSSP) so you're not on your own
- vCISO support for strategic guidance and audit preparation
- Comprehensive training for your team
- A best-in-class System Security Plan (SSP) already documented
And the kicker? You can be audit-ready in as little as 4 weeks. Not 4 months. Not a year. Four weeks.
The Execution-Driven Difference
At Planet Security, we're not interested in theoretical compliance. We're interested in getting it done.
Our approach is execution-driven. That means:
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We do the work. We're not handing you a checklist and wishing you luck. We're implementing the controls, configuring the systems, and preparing the documentation.
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We verify everything. Every control is validated. Your SPRS score reflects reality, not wishful thinking.
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We support you through the audit. When the C3PAO shows up, you'll be ready. And we'll be there to back you up.
This isn't about checking boxes. It's about building a genuinely secure environment that protects your business and satisfies every CMMC requirement.

The Real Cost of Waiting
Let's talk about timing for a second.
CMMC requirements are being phased into DoD contracts right now. Prime contractors are already asking their suppliers about compliance status. And the longer you wait, the harder this gets.
Here's what happens when you procrastinate:
- You lose contracts. Primes won't wait around for you to figure this out. They'll find compliant suppliers.
- You pay more. Rush implementations are expensive. Starting early gives you time to do it right.
- You stress more. Last-minute scrambles lead to mistakes, gaps, and failed audits.
The pragmatic move? Start now. Even if your contracts don't require CMMC certification today, they will soon. Getting ahead of the curve isn't just smart: it's essential for survival in the defense supply chain.
Who Is CPE Level 2 For?
CPE Level 2 was specifically designed for small to medium defense suppliers who:
- Handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Need CMMC Level 2 / NIST 800-171 compliance
- Don't have a massive IT department or in-house cybersecurity team
- Want a proven, turnkey solution instead of piecing things together
- Value their time and want to focus on their core business
If that sounds like you, this is exactly what you need.
The Bottom Line: Compliance That Makes Business Sense
CMMC compliance isn't going away. The threats aren't going away. And the competitive pressure to be a trusted, secure supplier is only going to increase.
The pragmatic approach isn't about doing the bare minimum. It's about recognizing that proper security is a business asset, not just a cost center. It's about choosing solutions that actually work instead of gambling on DIY efforts. And it's about partnering with experts who can get you to the finish line quickly and confidently.
CPE Level 2 is that solution. Complete CMMC 2.0 Level 2 coverage. Audit-ready in 4 weeks. All the heavy lifting handled for you.
That's not just compliance. That's business logic.
Ready to take the pragmatic path to CMMC compliance? Visit us online or reach out directly. Let's get your business protected: and positioned to win.
