Pentagon Official to Address CMMC Phase 2 Suspension at CyberSheath Conference
Event summary
- Pentagon suspended CMMC Phase 2 on July 13, pausing mandatory third-party certification requirements for a 60-day review.
- James R. Mismash, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Growth, will keynote CMMC CON 2026 on Sept. 24.
- CMMC CON 2026 is a two-day virtual conference featuring speakers from Microsoft, A-LIGN, and Cybersec Investments.
- CyberSheath, a trusted IT security services partner for the U.S. defense industrial base, organizes the event.
The big picture
The suspension of CMMC Phase 2 reflects ongoing tensions between stringent cybersecurity requirements and the operational realities of defense contractors. James Mismash's keynote at CMMC CON 2026 underscores the strategic importance of aligning regulatory frameworks with industry capabilities, particularly for small and nontraditional businesses in the defense industrial base. The event highlights the broader trend of integrating cybersecurity and industrial base readiness to foster innovation and competition.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Reform
- How the Pentagon's review of CMMC Phase 2 will reshape cybersecurity compliance requirements for defense contractors.
- Industry Feedback
- Whether the Department of Defense can balance cybersecurity needs with reducing compliance burdens for small and nontraditional businesses.
- Market Impact
- The pace at which defense contractors adapt to potential changes in CMMC certification processes.