New York, NY | November 10, 2025 – Ariel Partners is announcing today that it has completed its NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment, formally self-certifying compliance with the foundational cybersecurity requirements that underpin the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework.
This milestone aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s implementation of CMMC 2.0, which became effective on November 10, 2025, and marks the beginning of a phased rollout that will make cybersecurity compliance mandatory across the Defense Industrial Base by November 10, 2028. As part of Phase 1, contractors handling Federal Contract Information are required to complete annual selfassessments and submit results to the DoD’s Supplier Performance Risk System.
By completing its NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment, Ariel Partners has demonstrated compliance with the security controls required to protect Federal Contract Information and has established the baseline necessary for CMMC Level 1 alignment. This effort included defining system scope, evaluating security practices against the NIST assessment methodology, documenting controls, and submitting the required assessment information through official DoD channels.
“Protecting sensitive government information is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Craeg Strong, CTO of Ariel Partners. “Completing our NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment ensures we are aligned with the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity expectations and prepared to support customers as CMMC requirements are phased into future contracts.”
NIST SP 800-171 serves as the technical foundation for CMMC Level 2, which applies to organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information. Ariel Partners has already initiated the next phase of its cybersecurity maturity journey and is actively working with a certified CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) to pursue official third-party certification at Level 2. Ariel Partners anticipates completing this assessment within the next four months.
This proactive approach reflects Ariel Partners’ commitment to operational discipline, risk management, and long-term compliance with evolving federal cybersecurity mandates. By aligning early with CMMC requirements, Ariel Partners is positioning itself to continue supporting Department of Defense and government customers as cybersecurity becomes a formal condition of contract award.