DoW CMMC Reform Task Force Input
Featuring the Director of Defense Industrial Base Operations, Cynthia Carpenter, Office of the CIO of the U.S. Department of War.
Following the suspension of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements, the Department of War (DOW) continues its comprehensive review of the program. This session will provide the cybersecurity community with a direct opportunity to share practical feedback on where CMMC is working, where it may be creating unintended barriers, and what considerations should inform the DoW’s review as it works to strengthen security while supporting speed, innovation and a more diverse supplier ecosystem.
Event Details
Date: 27 August 2026
Time: 1 – 2 pm ET
Location: Virtual
What to expect from the session
This session will provide participants with the opportunity to:
- Provide practical feedback on how CMMC affects organizations across the defense industrial base
- Discuss where compliance requirements may create barriers for small, medium-sized and nontraditional suppliers
- Explore how CMMC can balance rigorous cybersecurity with speed, scalability and operational resilience
- Consider how AI and other emerging technologies should factor into the Department’s review
- Engage directly with government and industry leaders in a constructive dialogue about defense cybersecurity
Goals and Objectives
This session is intended to create a candid, constructive forum for the Department to hear directly from the Defense Industrial Base. The discussion will focus on identifying practical opportunities to strengthen CMMC, reduce unnecessary compliance burdens and ensure the program remains responsive to an evolving technology and threat landscape.
Who should attend?
Defense industrial base executives and cybersecurity leaders - Prime contractors, subcontractors and nontraditional defense suppliers - Small and medium-sized businesses participating in or seeking to enter the defense ecosystem - CISOs, CIOs and senior technology, risk and compliance professionals - Leaders responsible for federal acquisition, supply-chain security and CMMC readiness.