Government contractors are under increasing pressure to meet CMMC requirements while continuing to rely on modern SaaS tools to operate efficiently. That pressure is no longer theoretical. In this conversation, Sean Doherty, CEO of GovDash, sits down with Dan Page, Cybersecurity expert from Ignyte, to unpack what CMMC actually requires and how SaaS security fits into the equation.

Why FedRAMP® Matters When Buying Software

For Tier 1 and Tier 2 defense contractors, software acquisition has fundamentally changed. Any tool that touches CUI must meet FedRAMP Moderate or an approved equivalent. This is how the government enforces protection of sensitive data through DFARS flow-down requirements across the supply chain. Cloud tools are no longer operational conveniences. They are part of the contractor’s compliance posture.

How Contractors Should Evaluate SaaS Vendors

Evaluating SaaS vendors requires more than a checkbox. Contractors need to confirm whether a provider is listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace or can substantiate FedRAMP equivalency. That means reviewing control implementation summaries, control responsibility matrices, and system security plans aligned to NIST 800-53. If a vendor cannot produce this documentation, contractors are inheriting risk they can no longer absorb under CMMC.

The Relationship Between FedRAMP and CMMC

FedRAMP and CMMC serve different purposes but are closely linked. FedRAMP validates that a cloud service provider’s infrastructure and processes meet federal security standards under NIST 800-53. CMMC requires contractors to implement NIST 800-171 controls to protect CUI. When contractors rely on cloud platforms, FedRAMP certification or equivalency enables those environments to be used in a compliant manner. Without it, CMMC compliance breaks down.

FedRAMP Moderate vs High and Where Ready Fits

The choice between FedRAMP Moderate and FedRAMP High depends on the customer. Vendors selling directly to federal agencies typically require FedRAMP High. Vendors supporting Tier 1 and Tier 2 defense contractors normally pursue FedRAMP Moderate or equivalency to start, like GovDash. 

The Bottom Line

CMMC has shifted the burden of proof across the defense ecosystem. Contractors must validate the tools they use. SaaS vendors must demonstrate their security posture. The era of informal assurances is over. If you handle CUI, every system matters, and waiting is no longer a strategy.

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