DFARS 252.204-7021 is the official clause that requires Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and subcontractors to meet Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards in order to receive and maintain contracts.
It effectively transforms CMMC from a framework into a mandatory compliance requirement.
DFARS 252.204-7021 will appear in DoD solicitations and contracts, and when it does, contractors must already be certified at the CMMC level specified in the RFP.
This clause is now part of the final rule, with enforcement beginning on November 10, 2025.
What Does DFARS Stand For?
DFARS stands for Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement — the set of rules and clauses that the DoD uses to govern how contractors do business with the federal government.
The clause 252.204-7021 was created specifically to enforce CMMC requirements.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a cybersecurity framework developed by the DoD to secure the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It has three levels:
DFARS 252.204-7021 ties CMMC Level 2 directly to eligibility for most new DoD contracts involving sensitive data.
Requirement Area | What It Requires |
CMMC Level | Contractors must meet the specific level outlined in the solicitation |
Timing | You must be certified before contract award |
Assessment Type | Must be conducted by an authorized C3PAO (Third-Party Assessment Org) |
Applicability | Applies to prime contractors and their subcontractors handling CUI |
Certification Duration | Certification must be valid throughout the life of the contract |
✅ Key Point: If DFARS 252.204-7021 is in the contract, self-assessments are no longer allowed for Level 2.
Clause | Purpose |
7012 | Requires implementation of NIST SP 800-171 controls |
7019 | Requires uploading a self-assessment score to the SPRS system |
7020 | Gives DoD the right to conduct their own assessment |
7021 | Makes CMMC certification mandatory for contract award |
When all four clauses appear together, you must:
You must comply if:
The clause applies to both prime and sub-tier suppliers. Even if you’re not the primary contractor, you may be required to show compliance.
Date | Milestone |
Nov 10, 2025 | DFARS 252.204-7021 Final Rule becomes enforceable |
FY 2026 | Hundreds of contracts expected to include it |
Ongoing | CMMC certifications required before award |
⚠️ If you’re not preparing now, you may miss out on FY26 contract opportunities.
Being DFARS compliant means:
Cuick Trac is a fully managed enclave solution built specifically for defense contractors pursuing CMMC Level 2.
With Cuick Trac, you get:
📈 Cuick Trac has been used successfully in CMMC Level 2 assessments.
What is DFARS 252.204-7021?
It’s a DoD regulation that makes CMMC certification mandatory before awarding contracts. It’s part of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
What does DFARS compliant mean?
It means you’ve met the cybersecurity standards required by the DoD — including implementing NIST SP 800-171 and, if applicable, passing a CMMC certification assessment.
When does DFARS 252.204-7021 go into effect?
The final rule becomes enforceable on November 10, 2025.
How is CMMC tied to DFARS?
DFARS 252.204-7021 is the clause that legally requires CMMC certification for contract eligibility.
What is a C3PAO?
A Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization — the authorized entity that conducts your CMMC Level 2 assessment.
DFARS 252.204-7021 is no longer optional — it’s the rule.
If your next RFP includes it, and you’re not certified, you won’t be eligible to win.
Cuick Trac is your fastest, most reliable path to DFARS 252.204-7021 compliance:
👉 Schedule a Strategy Call or call 612-428-3008
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