In this episode, Michael Brooks unpacks the DoD’s suspension of CMMC Phase II — what it changes (third-party validation) and what it doesn’t (Phase I self-attestation, DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST 800-171 obligations). He covers why the pause happened, what the 60-day CMMC Reform Task Force review means for contractors, and why readiness, not certification status, is what matters right now.

Listen to this episode on your favorite platform: https://lnk.to/BaW679

About The Mission Continues: Hosted by Michael Brooks, CMMC Strategy and Engagement Director at A-LIGN, The Mission Continues is a weekly video series about CMMC and protecting the DIB. As the CMMC Phase II suspension unfolds, Michael will separate fact from rumor and translate each week’s developments into clear next steps for defense contractors.