As a result, the Department has paused the planned November 10, 2026, transition to CMMC Phase 2 and placed pending and future CMMC implementation milestones in abeyance until further guidance is issued.

Defense contractors across the country are asking us the same three questions:

• What does this mean for my current contracts?
• Should I change my cybersecurity plans?
• Will this affect upcoming bids or future opportunities?

While the Department’s review may shape the future direction of CMMC implementation, organizations should avoid drawing conclusions beyond what has been formally communicated. Existing contractual cybersecurity obligations and ALL Phase 1 requirements—including CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 Self-Assessments—remain firmly in place, and businesses should continue evaluating their responsibilities based on current contracts, solicitations, and official Department guidance.

The Department has also provided industry with an opportunity to offer feedback regarding the implementation of CMMC and its impact on the Defense Industrial Base. Organizations with firsthand experience navigating these requirements are encouraged to provide thoughtful, fact-based input that may help inform the Department’s ongoing review.

Join us for a special webinar on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, where Kareem Sykes, Director of Industry & Engagement for Project Spectrum, will break down:

• What the DoW CIO memorandum actually says—and what it does not say
• Which cybersecurity and compliance requirements remain firmly in place today
• The implications for your NIST SP 800-171 compliance efforts, SPRS score, and cybersecurity roadmap
• What businesses should continue doing during the Department’s review period
• How organizations can provide meaningful feedback to help inform the Department’s review

Bring your questions—we’ll answer them live.

Project Spectrum remains committed to supporting the Defense Industrial Base with no-cost cybersecurity education, self-assessments, training, and practical guidance—helping organizations separate fact from speculation and move forward with confidence.

The post Understanding the CMMC Phase 2 Suspension appeared first on IN APEX Accelerator.

As a result, the Department has paused the planned November 10, 2026, transition to CMMC Phase 2 and placed pending and future CMMC implementation milestones in abeyance until further guidance is issued.

Defense contractors across the country are asking us the same three questions:

• What does this mean for my current contracts?
• Should I change my cybersecurity plans?
• Will this affect upcoming bids or future opportunities?

While the Department’s review may shape the future direction of CMMC implementation, organizations should avoid drawing conclusions beyond what has been formally communicated. Existing contractual cybersecurity obligations and ALL Phase 1 requirements—including CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 Self-Assessments—remain firmly in place, and businesses should continue evaluating their responsibilities based on current contracts, solicitations, and official Department guidance.

The Department has also provided industry with an opportunity to offer feedback regarding the implementation of CMMC and its impact on the Defense Industrial Base. Organizations with firsthand experience navigating these requirements are encouraged to provide thoughtful, fact-based input that may help inform the Department’s ongoing review.

Join us for a special webinar on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, where Kareem Sykes, Director of Industry & Engagement for Project Spectrum, will break down:

• What the DoW CIO memorandum actually says—and what it does not say
• Which cybersecurity and compliance requirements remain firmly in place today
• The implications for your NIST SP 800-171 compliance efforts, SPRS score, and cybersecurity roadmap
• What businesses should continue doing during the Department’s review period
• How organizations can provide meaningful feedback to help inform the Department’s review

Bring your questions—we’ll answer them live.

Project Spectrum remains committed to supporting the Defense Industrial Base with no-cost cybersecurity education, self-assessments, training, and practical guidance—helping organizations separate fact from speculation and move forward with confidence.

The post Understanding the CMMC Phase 2 Suspension appeared first on IN APEX Accelerator.

This webinar will walk attendees through the assessment criteria for achieving CMMC Level 1 compliance, with a focus on protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI). Participants will learn how to conduct a Level 1 scoping and assessment using practical, real-world examples.

The post CMMC Level 1 Webinar appeared first on IN APEX Accelerator.

The post Indiana APEX – Coffee & Contracts appeared first on IN APEX Accelerator.

Companies eager to establish or expand their partnerships within the Department of Defense (DoD) are invited to participate in BuyIN, a premier networking and business development event for Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Other events include a golf outing on Monday, April 27th at the Donald Ross Golf Course as well as a vendor reception on Monday evening from 5-7 PM. This Expo is designed to connect businesses with key decision-makers, providing unparalleled opportunities to secure valuable insight on DoD contracts and military needs.

Date: April 28th

Location: French Lick Casino and Resort, 8670 West State Road 56 French Lick, Indiana 47432

BuyIN serves as a strategic platform for businesses of all sizes to gain insights into the DoD’s procurement processes and requirements. Attendees will have the chance to:

• Engage with Key Stakeholders: Meet with DoD representatives, procurement officials, and industry leaders to learn about upcoming opportunities and related needs.

• Participate in Workshops: Gain actionable knowledge on navigating federal contracting processes, compliance standards, and proposal development.

• Showcase Capabilities: Highlight your company’s products, services, and innovations to decision-makers seeking cutting-edge solutions.

• Network with Peers: Build relationships with fellow industry professionals and potential collaborators.

“BuyIN is more than just an event—it’s a launchpad for impactful partnerships between industry and the Department of Defense,” says Dan Bortner, CEO of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. “We’re honored to host this initiative, reflecting our deep commitment to driving innovation and strengthening collaboration in support of national security.”

NSWC Crane, a critical hub for technological advancement and defense innovation, is home to some of the most advanced research and development initiatives in the nation. NSWC Crane is seeking companies that can assist with the anticipated growth in all areas of base operations including new technology adoption, maintenance and construction, general operational support, and companies with expertise in advanced technologies supporting their mission areas. These areas include Electromagnetic Warfare, Hypersonics, Autonomous Systems, and Cybersecurity. Companies with capabilities that can contribute to Crane’s strategic priorities and help deliver cutting-edge solutions for the warfighter are encouraged to participate.

Attendees Should Include:

• Small and large businesses interested in federal contracting

• Companies specializing in technology, engineering, manufacturing, and related industries

• Entrepreneurs and startups with exploring defense opportunities that align with NSWC’s mission areas

Registration: Booths at the expo start at $375 (early registration), making this event an affordable investment for businesses looking to expand through government contracting. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Use the link below or find our event on our website www.bedfordchamber.com under signature events to register.

Registration

You can also contact Sally Miller at member@bedfordchamber.com for more details.

Join us at BuyIN and take the first step in building impactful relationships that drive innovation and strengthen national defense capabilities.

The post Buy Indiana 2026 appeared first on IN APEX Accelerator.

Please join Indiana APEX as we host a virtual training session focusing on the Cybersecurity Basics required for those pursuing federal government contracts.

The presentation on Cybersecurity basics will include:

•         A general understanding of the cyber basics
•         A detailing of the NIST 800-171 standard
•         A detailing of FAR 52.204.21 basic safeguarding requirements
•         An overview of CMMC the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
•         And more, including available resources

If you would like to understand more or have any questions about cyber requirements, then join us online at 11:00 AM EST on Wednesday, February 11^th.  This virtual event will be hosted by our Northeast APEX Accelerator Counselor, Jeff Andelin.

Where: Virtual – a Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the event.

When: 2/11/2026 from 11:00am – 12:00pm EST

If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Andelin at jandelin@iedc.in.gov

Thank you, and we hope to see you there! 

The post IN APEX Presents: Cybersecurity Basics appeared first on IN APEX Accelerator.

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