FCI vs CUI: The Confusion Costing Defense Contractors Millions in Lost Contracts
Most defense contractors handle Federal Contract Information without realizing it—and it's costing them contract opportunities
Picture this scenario: A mid-sized defense subcontractor, providing logistics support services for over a decade, received a devastating email from their prime contractor. "We need proof of CMMC Level 1 certification to continue awarding you task orders." The owner was confused. "We don't handle any classified information. We don't even get technical drawings. We're just a service provider—surely we don't need CMMC compliance."
This contractor was wrong. Dead wrong. And this misunderstanding cost them three months of contract work, approximately $400,000 in revenue, and their standing with a prime contractor they'd worked with for years.
The problem? They didn't understand what Federal Contract Information (FCI) actually is. Like most defense contractors, they assumed FCI meant classified data or technical specifications. They had no idea that every invoice they sent, every email about contract performance, every statement of work they received—all of it was FCI. And all of it required CMMC Level 1 compliance.
⚠️ The November 10, 2025 Deadline Has Passed
As of November 10, 2025, DoD contracts requiring the handling of Federal Contract Information now mandate CMMC Level 1 certification. Prime contractors are actively requiring proof from their subcontractors. If you handle FCI and aren't compliant, you're at risk of losing contracts right now.
The Fundamental Confusion That's Costing Contractors Millions
Here's the mistake costing defense contractors millions in lost opportunities: they think Federal Contract Information means technical data, classified information, or engineering specifications. They think FCI is something special, something marked, something obvious.
They're wrong.
The reality is far broader, and far more inclusive, than most contractors realize. If you're doing business with the Department of Defense, you almost certainly handle FCI—even if you've convinced yourself you don't.
The Common Misconception
Walk into any defense contractor's office and ask, "Do you handle Federal Contract Information?" You'll likely hear responses like:
- "No, we don't get any technical data from the government."
- "We're just a service provider—we don't handle that kind of information."
- "The prime contractor keeps all the sensitive stuff. We just do the work."
- "We work on government sites. We don't take any data back to our office."
- "We've never received anything marked CUI, so we're clear."
Every single one of these statements reflects a dangerous misunderstanding of what FCI actually is. And with the November 10, 2025 deadline now in effect, this misunderstanding is actively costing contractors their livelihoods.
What is Federal Contract Information? (The Complete Truth)
Let's start with the official definition, straight from DFARS 252.204-7012:
Federal Contract Information (FCI) means information, not intended for public release, that is provided by or generated for the Government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the Government, but not including information provided by the Government to the public (such as that on public websites) or simple transactional information, such as that necessary to process payments.
Now, let's translate that into plain English and break down what it really means for your day-to-day operations.
FCI in Plain English
Federal Contract Information is any information created or received as part of performing a DoD contract that isn't meant for the general public. It's the business information of government contracting. It's not classified. It's not export-controlled. It's not technically sensitive.
It's just business information that the government doesn't want shared publicly.
What Federal Contract Information Actually Includes
This is where contractors get it wrong. FCI isn't just technical specifications or classified data. Here's what FCI actually encompasses—and this list will likely surprise you:
Notice what's not on this list: technical drawings, classified information, export-controlled data. Those are different categories with different requirements.
The Critical Realization
If you send invoices for DoD contracts, you handle FCI. If you receive task orders via email, you handle FCI. If you store contract documents, you handle FCI. There's no escaping it—if you're a defense contractor, you handle Federal Contract Information.
What is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)?
Now let's talk about CUI—Controlled Unclassified Information. This is what most contractors think FCI means. CUI is different, more restrictive, and triggers higher compliance requirements.
The Official CUI Definition
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls pursuant to federal law, regulation, or government-wide policy. CUI is not classified information, but it requires protection.
What CUI Actually Includes
CUI is specifically marked and categorized. When you receive CUI, you'll know it because it will be marked with specific CUI markings and designations. Common types of CUI in defense contracting include:
- Technical drawings and specifications marked as CUI
- Export-controlled information (ITAR, EAR)
- Proprietary business information specifically marked CUI
- Research and development data marked CUI
- Critical infrastructure information
- Privacy information with CUI designation
The key difference: CUI is marked. You know when you receive it because it explicitly tells you it's CUI. FCI, on the other hand, is unmarked but still requires protection.
Not Sure If You Handle FCI or CUI?
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation and we'll help you identify exactly what type of information you handle and what compliance level you need.
📅 Schedule Free ConsultationFCI vs CUI: The Critical Differences
Understanding the difference between FCI and CUI is crucial because it determines your entire compliance approach, timeline, and cost. Let's break down these differences clearly:
| Characteristic | Federal Contract Information (FCI) | Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) |
|---|---|---|
| What It Is | Business information related to government contracts | Technical, sensitive, or export-controlled information |
| Marking | Typically unmarked (you have to know what it is) | Explicitly marked as "CUI" with category designations |
| Examples | Contracts, invoices, SOWs, task orders, proposals, email about contracts | Technical drawings marked CUI, ITAR data, classified research, export-controlled specs |
| CMMC Level Required | Level 1 | Level 2 or Level 3 |
| Number of Controls | 17 practices (from NIST SP 800-171) | 110 practices (full NIST SP 800-171) |
| Assessment Type | Self-assessment (Annual Affirmation) | Third-party assessment by C3PAO |
| Typical Timeline | 2-4 weeks (varies by infrastructure and pace) | 6-12 months |
| Typical Cost | $1,495-$2,495 (with expert tools) | $15,000-$150,000+ |
| Who Handles It | Nearly ALL defense contractors | Contractors working with technical/sensitive data |
✅ The Good News About FCI
If you only handle FCI (no CUI), your compliance burden is significantly lighter. You need CMMC Level 1, which requires just 17 practices instead of 110, uses self-assessment instead of expensive third-party audits, and can typically be completed in 2-4 weeks rather than 6-12 months. You control the pace completely.
Common FCI Sources That Contractors Miss
Even after understanding what FCI is, contractors often miss where it lives in their organizations. FCI isn't just in one place—it's distributed across multiple systems that you use every day for business operations.
Your Email System — The Biggest FCI Repository
Your email system is likely your largest repository of Federal Contract Information, and most contractors don't even realize it.
Think about the emails you send and receive every day related to DoD contracts:
- Discussions about contract performance and deliverables
- Task order assignments from prime contractors
- Questions about statement of work requirements
- Status updates and progress reports
- Contract modifications and change orders
- Invoicing correspondence
- Meeting scheduling and notes about contract work
- Personnel assignments and resource discussions
All of this is FCI. Every single email. And all of it needs to be protected according to CMMC Level 1 requirements.
Your Accounting Software — More FCI Than You Think
Your accounting system contains extensive Federal Contract Information:
- Every invoice sent for DoD contracts
- Payment records and transaction history
- Contract-specific pricing information
- Labor charging and time tracking for government contracts
- Subcontractor payment records
- Cost breakdowns and budget tracking
Many contractors assume accounting data isn't covered because it's "just financial information." Wrong. If it's related to a government contract and isn't public information, it's FCI.
Your Contract Management System — Obviously FCI
This one should be obvious, but contractors often overlook the full scope:
- Complete contract documents
- Statements of Work and specifications
- Delivery schedules and milestone tracking
- Contract modifications and amendments
- Terms and conditions
- Performance metrics and KPIs
Your Proposal Development Files — Pre-Contract FCI
Here's one many contractors miss: your proposal development process creates FCI before you even win the contract:
- Request for Proposal (RFP) documents
- Your proposal responses and technical approaches
- Pricing strategies and cost estimates
- Past performance references
- Team structure and personnel plans
- Subcontractor teaming agreements
The moment you receive an RFP from the government or a prime contractor, you're handling FCI. The moment you start writing a response, you're creating FCI.
Your Project Management Tools — Daily FCI Operations
If you use project management software to track DoD contract work, it's full of FCI:
- Task assignments and deliverable tracking
- Project timelines and milestone status
- Resource allocation for contract work
- Issue tracking and problem resolution
- Meeting notes and action items
- Status reports and progress updates
Your HR System — Personnel FCI
Your human resources systems contain FCI when they track contract-specific information:
- Personnel assigned to specific DoD contracts
- Labor categories and billing rates for government work
- Security clearance status for contract personnel
- Training records related to contract requirements
The Uncomfortable Truth
If you're using standard business systems like email, accounting software, and project management tools for DoD contract work, those systems contain FCI. You can't segregate contract-related business operations from FCI protection—they're one and the same.
Real-World Examples: Contractors Who Didn't Realize They Had FCI
Let's look at three real scenarios (details changed to protect confidentiality) that illustrate how contractors miss the FCI in their organizations.
Example 1: The Service Contractor Who Focused on the Wrong Thing
The Company: A facilities maintenance contractor providing services at military installations. Twenty employees, $4M in annual revenue, 80% from DoD contracts.
The Misconception: The owner believed they didn't handle FCI because they didn't receive technical drawings or specifications. "We just clean buildings and maintain grounds. We don't handle sensitive information."
The Reality Check: During a consultation, we asked simple questions:
- "Where do you receive your task orders?" — "Via email from the contracting officer."
- "How do you submit invoices?" — "Through our accounting system, then email them."
- "Do you track which personnel work at which facilities?" — "Yes, in our scheduling software."
- "Do you store copies of your contracts?" — "Of course, in our shared drive."
The Aha Moment: Every single one of those activities involved FCI. The task orders, invoices, personnel schedules, and contracts were all Federal Contract Information requiring CMMC Level 1 protection.
The Outcome: Within three weeks of realizing they handled FCI, they implemented CMMC Level 1 controls using detailed artifact definitions and expert consultation. They completed their self-assessment and are now compliant. Total investment: $2,495 plus eight hours of internal time across three weeks.
Example 2: The Manufacturing Sub Who Thought Admin Was Exempt
The Company: A precision manufacturing subcontractor making components for defense systems. They received technical drawings from their prime contractor.
The Misconception: They knew the technical drawings were sensitive (marked as CUI), so they protected those. But they assumed their administrative systems—email, accounting, and contract management—didn't need the same level of protection.
The Reality Check: While their technical drawings were indeed CUI requiring Level 2, they also had extensive FCI that required Level 1:
- Purchase orders and delivery schedules
- Invoicing and payment tracking
- Contract correspondence via email
- Quality control documentation
- Performance reports to the prime
The Aha Moment: They realized their entire business operations side contained FCI. Even though they were pursuing Level 2 for their engineering systems (due to CUI), they also needed Level 1 compliance for their administrative systems.
The Outcome: They implemented a dual-zone approach: Level 2 for engineering systems with CUI, Level 1 for business systems with FCI. This approach saved them over $20,000 compared to trying to bring all systems to Level 2.
Example 3: The Prime Who Thought Location Mattered
The Company: A systems integrator with 150 employees, working primarily as a prime contractor on installation and integration projects at government facilities.
The Misconception: "We do all our work on government sites using government systems. We don't take any data back to our corporate office, so we don't need CMMC compliance for our office systems."
The Reality Check: We asked about their back-office operations:
- "Where do you manage your contracts?" — "In our corporate SharePoint."
- "How do you communicate with the government contracting officers?" — "Through our corporate email."
- "Where do you develop proposals?" — "At our office, using our file servers."
- "How do you process invoices?" — "Through our accounting system."
The Aha Moment: While their technical work happened on government sites using government systems, all of their contract administration, proposal development, invoicing, and communication happened on corporate systems. All of that was FCI.
The Outcome: They implemented CMMC Level 1 for their corporate systems within four weeks using comprehensive artifact definitions and configuration guides. They're now compliant and didn't realize how straightforward it could be with the right approach.
Are You Making the Same Mistakes?
Don't wait until you lose a contract to realize you handle FCI. Get a clear assessment of your compliance needs today.
📅 Get Your Free FCI AssessmentThe Costly Misconceptions About FCI
Let's address the most dangerous misconceptions that are costing contractors millions in lost opportunities and compliance penalties.
Misconception #1: "We Don't Handle Technical Data"
Why it's wrong: FCI has nothing to do with technical data. Technical data is usually CUI, which is a different category. FCI is business information—contracts, invoices, correspondence, proposals. You don't need to handle technical data to handle FCI.
The truth: If you do business with the DoD, you handle FCI. Period. The only question is which systems contain it and how to protect them properly.
Misconception #2: "We're Just a Service Provider"
Why it's wrong: Service providers actually handle extensive FCI, possibly more than some product manufacturers. Every service contract creates a paper trail of Federal Contract Information.
The truth: Service contractors handle task orders, invoices, performance reports, scheduling information, personnel assignments, and contract correspondence. That's extensive FCI across multiple business systems.
Misconception #3: "The Prime Handles All the Data"
Why it's wrong: Even if your prime contractor maintains the technical data, you create your own FCI the moment you start performing on the contract.
The truth: You create FCI when you:
- Send invoices for your work
- Submit progress reports
- Receive task assignments
- Track deliverables in your project management system
- Communicate about contract performance via email
The prime's data handling doesn't exempt you from protecting your own FCI.
Misconception #4: "We Work On Government Sites"
Why it's wrong: Where you perform the physical work doesn't determine whether your corporate systems contain FCI. Unless you do 100% of your business operations on government systems (rare), your corporate systems contain FCI.
The truth: Your back office handles FCI even if your technical work happens on government premises. Contract management, invoicing, proposal development, email communication, and reporting all create FCI in your corporate systems.
Misconception #5: "We've Never Received Anything Marked CUI"
Why it's wrong: This is perhaps the most dangerous misconception. FCI is typically unmarked. You can't rely on markings to tell you when you're handling FCI because FCI markings aren't required or standardized.
The truth: CUI is marked. FCI usually isn't. You have to understand what FCI is and identify it in your systems based on knowledge, not markings. If you're waiting for marked documents to know you handle FCI, you're already non-compliant.
Misconception #6: "CMMC Compliance is Too Expensive for Small Businesses"
Why it's wrong: This misconception confuses CMMC Level 2 costs with Level 1 costs. Yes, Level 2 compliance (for CUI) is expensive—$15K to $150K+ with third-party assessors. But Level 1 (for FCI) is far more affordable.
The truth: CMMC Level 1 compliance costs $1,495-$2,495 with the right tools and expertise, and can be implemented in 2-4 weeks for most organizations. You control the pace completely. That's a fraction of the cost of one lost contract opportunity.
Self-Assessment: Do You Handle Federal Contract Information?
Let's cut through the confusion with a simple self-assessment. Answer these questions honestly about your DoD contract work:
FCI Quick Check
Do you send or receive emails related to DoD contracts—including task orders, status updates, contract questions, or deliverable discussions?
Do you send invoices or billing records for work performed on DoD contracts?
Do you store copies of your DoD contracts, task orders, statements of work, or contract modifications?
Do you respond to RFPs or submit quotes for DoD work?
Do you track contract deliverables, milestones, or task completion in any system?
Do you submit status reports, progress updates, or performance documentation to the government or prime contractors?
Do you have subcontractors working on DoD contracts, with agreements or payment records?
Do you track which employees work on which DoD contracts, their labor categories, or billing rates?
If You Answered YES to ANY of These Questions...
You handle Federal Contract Information and need CMMC Level 1 compliance. There's no gray area. The November 10, 2025 deadline has passed, and prime contractors are now requiring proof of compliance before awarding new task orders or contracts.
The Good News
CMMC Level 1 compliance is achievable. With detailed artifact definitions, platform-specific templates, and expert guidance, most contractors complete their implementation in 2-4 weeks. You control the timeline—some finish in two weeks with an intensive approach, others prefer a measured 6-8 week pace. The key is removing the barriers: confusion about what to do, missing documentation, and lack of clear guidance.
What Handling FCI Means For Your Organization
Now that you understand you handle FCI, let's talk about what that actually means for your compliance requirements, timeline, and cost.
CMMC Level 1 Requirement
Handling Federal Contract Information requires CMMC Level 1 certification. This is the baseline cybersecurity certification for defense contractors. Here's what Level 1 entails:
- 17 security practices selected from NIST SP 800-171
- 142 specific artifacts to document your implementation
- Self-assessment through Annual Affirmation (no third-party assessor required)
- SPRS score submission to document your compliance
The 17 CMMC Level 1 Practices
CMMC Level 1 requires implementation of 17 fundamental cybersecurity practices across multiple domains:
- Access Control (5 practices)
- Identification and Authentication (2 practices)
- Media Protection (2 practices)
- Physical Protection (3 practices)
- System and Communications Protection (2 practices)
- System and Information Integrity (3 practices)
Each of these 17 practices expands into multiple artifacts that you must create, implement, and maintain. This is where most contractors get overwhelmed—until they have a clear roadmap.
The 142 Artifacts Required
Here's what trips up most contractors: CMMC Level 1 isn't just about implementing security controls. You need comprehensive documentation proving you've implemented them. These 142 artifacts include:
- Policies and procedures — Formal documentation of how you protect FCI
- Configuration guides — Evidence of proper system security settings
- Training documentation — Proof that personnel understand requirements
- Access control records — Documentation of who can access what
- Audit logs — Evidence of monitoring and oversight
- Incident response plans — Procedures for handling security events
- System inventories — Complete documentation of systems handling FCI
- Media protection procedures — How you handle physical media
Why Fast Compliance is Actually Possible
You might be skeptical. "142 artifacts in 2-4 weeks? That sounds impossible." Here's why it's not only possible but routine with the right approach:
✅ Detailed Artifact Definitions Remove Guesswork
When each of the 142 artifacts is clearly defined with specific requirements and examples, you're not spending time figuring out what to create—you're just creating it. No guesswork, no research, no confusion. You know exactly what's needed.
✅ Focused Templates Eliminate Creation Time
Instead of writing policies from scratch, you're customizing professional templates to your organization. A policy that might take 8 hours to write from scratch takes 45 minutes to customize. Multiply that across 142 artifacts and you save hundreds of hours.
✅ Complete Configuration Guides Provide Step-by-Step Clarity
Platform-specific guides (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) give you exact configuration steps. You're not figuring out how to implement controls—you're following clear instructions with screenshots and validation steps.
✅ Expert Consulting Keeps Momentum and Answers Questions Immediately
Bi-weekly consultation sessions mean questions don't pile up. You get immediate answers, maintain momentum, and avoid the stalls that stretch timelines. Schedule them intensively (twice per week) or steadily (every other week)—you control the pace.
Timeline: You Control the Pace
The timeline for CMMC Level 1 compliance varies based on three factors:
- Your existing infrastructure — If you're already using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 with basic security enabled, implementation is faster than if you're using legacy systems.
- Your responsiveness — How quickly you can schedule consultation sessions, review documents, and implement changes directly impacts timeline.
- Your chosen pace — Some organizations prefer an intensive sprint (2-3 weeks), others prefer a measured approach (6-8 weeks).
Typical timelines:
- Intensive approach: 2-3 weeks with 2 consultations per week
- Balanced approach: 4-5 weeks with weekly consultations
- Measured approach: 6-8 weeks with bi-weekly consultations
You have 8 consultation sessions included. Schedule them however you need: over 8 days, 8 weeks, or anywhere in between. You control the timeline completely.
Cost: Affordable for Small Business
CMMC Level 1 compliance is dramatically more affordable than Level 2 because it uses self-assessment instead of third-party assessors:
- Self-Paced Toolkit: $1,495/year
- Turnkey Package: $2,495/year (save $500)
Compare this to CMMC Level 2 (for CUI), which costs $15,000 to $150,000+ due to third-party C3PAO assessment requirements. Or compare it to traditional consultants who charge $50,000+ for Level 1 implementation.
With the right tools, expertise, and documentation, CMMC Level 1 is within reach for even the smallest defense contractors.
How to Get Compliant When You Handle FCI
Let's walk through the practical steps to achieve CMMC Level 1 compliance for your Federal Contract Information.
Step 1: Define Your Scope
The first step is identifying which systems contain FCI and must be included in your compliance scope:
- Email systems — Where contract communication happens
- File storage — Where contracts and documents are stored
- Accounting systems — Where invoices and financial records live
- Project management tools — Where deliverables are tracked
- Proposal development systems — Where RFP responses are created
- Contract management systems — Where agreements are maintained
Proper scope definition prevents two costly mistakes: over-scoping (bringing in systems that don't need protection, adding unnecessary cost) and under-scoping (missing systems that contain FCI, leaving you non-compliant).
Step 2: Implement the 17 Practices
With your scope defined, you implement the 17 CMMC Level 1 practices across your in-scope systems. This involves:
- Access control configuration — Setting up proper user permissions and authentication
- Security settings — Configuring systems according to security baselines
- Monitoring and logging — Enabling audit capabilities
- Physical security — Documenting protection of equipment and media
- Personnel security — Training and awareness programs
- Incident response — Establishing procedures for security events
With platform-specific configuration guides, this step is straightforward—you're following step-by-step instructions, not figuring things out from scratch.
Step 3: Collect Evidence (Create the 142 Artifacts)
As you implement controls, you document them through the 142 required artifacts. This is where detailed artifact definitions and templates become invaluable:
- Customize policy templates to your organization
- Document configurations with screenshots and descriptions
- Create training materials and track completion
- Maintain access control matrices showing permissions
- Generate system inventories of in-scope assets
- Develop incident response procedures
This documentation serves two purposes: proving compliance during self-assessment and maintaining compliance over time.
Step 4: Complete Self-Assessment and SPRS Submission
The final step is conducting your self-assessment and submitting your SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System) score:
- Review each practice against your implementation
- Calculate your score based on implementation status
- Submit to SPRS through the official portal
- Maintain Annual Affirmation going forward
Unlike Level 2, there's no third-party assessor, no assessment fee, and no external audit. You assess yourself based on your implementation and documentation.
The Self-Paced Advantage
One of the biggest advantages of CMMC Level 1 is that YOU control the pace. Work intensively if you have an urgent contract opportunity, or take a measured approach if you prefer thorough implementation. Your 8 expert consultation sessions schedule at YOUR convenience across YOUR timeline.
Ready to Start Your CMMC Level 1 Journey?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation, get clear scope definition, and create your compliance roadmap.
📅 Schedule Free Consultation 🌐 Explore Our SolutionsOverwatch Tools: Your FCI Compliance Solution
Overwatch Tools exists because we've seen too many defense contractors struggle with CMMC compliance—not because it's inherently difficult, but because the guidance is fragmented, the documentation requirements are overwhelming, and expert help is prohibitively expensive.
We built a better way.
How We Help Contractors Navigate FCI Compliance
Our approach removes the three biggest barriers to CMMC Level 1 compliance:
1. Confusion About What to Do (Eliminated by Detailed Artifact Definitions)
We break down the 17 CMMC Level 1 practices into 142 clearly defined artifacts. Each artifact includes:
- Exact definition of what's required
- Purpose and context
- Specific deliverables
- Examples and templates
- Validation criteria
No more guessing what "implement access control" means—you know exactly what artifacts to create.
2. Overwhelming Documentation Requirements (Solved by Focused Templates)
We provide over 400 professional templates customized for defense contractors:
- Policy and procedure templates
- Configuration documentation templates
- Training materials and tracking systems
- Audit and compliance tracking templates
- Assessment documentation
You customize these to your organization rather than creating from scratch—saving hundreds of hours.
3. Lack of Platform-Specific Guidance (Addressed by Complete Configuration Guides)
We specialize in the two most common platforms for small and medium defense contractors:
- Google Workspace Edition: Complete configuration guides for Gmail, Drive, and all Google services
- Microsoft 365 Edition: Complete configuration guides for Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, and all Microsoft services
Each guide includes step-by-step instructions, screenshots, validation checks, and troubleshooting guidance.
Our Solutions
Self-Paced Toolkit
Complete CMMC Level 1 compliance at YOUR speed
What's Included:
- All 17 practices broken into 142 defined artifacts
- Implementation procedures and workflows
- Compliance tracking system
- Self-assessment documentation
- SPRS report generation
- Email support included
Timeline: 2-8 weeks depending on your infrastructure and pace
Your control: 100% self-paced implementation
Best for: Organizations with technical capability who prefer independent implementation with email support.
Learn More About Self-Paced ToolkitTurnkey Package
Expert-guided CMMC Level 1 compliance at YOUR pace
Everything in Self-Paced Toolkit, PLUS:
- 8 bi-weekly expert consultation sessions (schedule as YOU need: 8 days to 8 weeks)
- Complete customized artifact library (400+ templates)
- Specialized for your platform: Google Workspace OR Microsoft 365
- Detailed configuration guides with step-by-step instructions
- Implementation procedures and workflows
- Compliance tracking and audit templates
- Self-assessment documentation
- Assessment-ready documents
- Full email support
What Enables Quick Compliance:
- ✅ Detailed artifacts eliminate confusion
- ✅ Focused templates remove document creation time
- ✅ Complete guides provide step-by-step clarity
- ✅ Expert consulting keeps momentum
Timeline: You control it (Most clients: 2-4 weeks)
Your pace: Sprint (2 weeks) to thorough (6-8 weeks)
Best for: Organizations who want expert guidance, faster implementation, and confidence in their compliance approach. Most popular option for contractors who want to get compliant quickly and correctly.
📅 Schedule Consultation to Get StartedWhy Contractors Choose Overwatch Tools
- FCI Expertise: We specialize in helping contractors identify and protect Federal Contract Information
- Clear Artifact Definitions: No guesswork about what to create—every artifact is precisely defined
- Platform Specialization: Deep expertise in Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 configurations
- Self-Paced Flexibility: You control the timeline and intensity
- Expert Consultation: 8 sessions scheduled at YOUR convenience
- Proven Process: Dozens of contractors successfully compliant
- Affordable Pricing: $1,495-$2,495 vs. $50K+ traditional consultants
Take Action: Protect Your Contracts Today
The November 10, 2025 deadline has passed. Prime contractors are now requiring proof of CMMC Level 1 certification before awarding new contracts and task orders. If you handle Federal Contract Information and aren't compliant, you're at risk right now.
But here's the good news: CMMC Level 1 compliance is achievable. With clear artifact definitions, professional templates, platform-specific guidance, and expert consultation, most contractors complete their implementation in 2-4 weeks at a pace they control.
Your Next Steps
Step 1: Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Consultation
We'll discuss your specific situation, help you identify where FCI exists in your organization, define proper scope, and create a clear compliance roadmap.
📅 Schedule Free ConsultationStep 2: Take Our Free Self-Assessment
Not sure if you're ready for a consultation? Take our free FCI self-assessment to understand your current compliance posture and what you need to address.
📋 Free Self-Assessment ToolStep 3: Explore Our Solutions
Learn more about our Self-Paced Toolkit and Turnkey Package options, see detailed artifact lists, and understand how we make CMMC Level 1 compliance achievable.
🌐 Explore SolutionsThe Cost of Waiting
Every day you delay compliance is another day you're at risk of losing contract opportunities. Consider what non-compliance could cost you:
- Lost task orders from existing prime contractors
- Inability to bid on new DoD opportunities
- Damaged relationships with customers who need compliant subs
- Potential contract termination if prime contractors are audited
- Missed revenue opportunities while competitors win contracts
Compare that to the investment in compliance: $1,495-$2,495 and 2-4 weeks of implementation time at your own pace. The math is clear.
Don't Let FCI Confusion Cost You Another Contract
Take control of your CMMC Level 1 compliance today. Schedule a free consultation and get the clarity you need to protect your Federal Contract Information and your contracts.
📅 Schedule Free 30-Minute Consultation 📧 Email Us Your QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know for certain if I handle FCI?
If you do business with the Department of Defense, you handle FCI. Specifically, if you send invoices, receive task orders, store contracts, communicate via email about contracts, or track deliverables, you handle FCI. Schedule a free consultation and we'll help you identify exactly where FCI exists in your organization.
Q: What if I handle both FCI and CUI?
If you handle CUI (marked technical data, export-controlled information), you need CMMC Level 2 for systems containing CUI. However, you may be able to use a dual-zone approach: Level 2 for systems with CUI, Level 1 for business systems with only FCI. This can save tens of thousands of dollars compared to bringing all systems to Level 2.
Q: Can I really get compliant in 2-4 weeks?
Most clients complete their Level 1 assessment in 2-4 weeks, though timeline varies based on existing infrastructure and responsiveness. You control the pace—we remove the barriers. What makes fast compliance possible: detailed artifacts eliminate confusion, focused templates remove document creation time, complete configuration guides provide step-by-step clarity, and expert consulting keeps momentum.
Q: Is Level 1 enough, or will I need Level 2 eventually?
Your CMMC level requirement is determined by the type of information you handle, not by predictions about the future. If you handle only FCI (no CUI), Level 1 is the correct requirement. If your contract scope changes and you start receiving CUI, you'll need to upgrade to Level 2 for systems handling that CUI. But don't over-comply preemptively—that wastes money.
Q: What's the difference between your Self-Paced and Turnkey packages?
Self-Paced ($1,495) gives you all the artifacts, templates, and guides with email support—you implement independently. Turnkey ($2,495) adds 8 expert consultation sessions you schedule at your convenience, plus complete customized artifact library specialized for your platform (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365). Most contractors choose Turnkey for faster implementation and expert guidance.
Q: Do I need different compliance for Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365?
The CMMC requirements are the same, but the implementation is platform-specific. Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 have different security settings, configurations, and administrative controls. Our Turnkey Package is specialized for your specific platform with detailed configuration guides, screenshots, and step-by-step instructions.
Q: What happens after I'm compliant?
CMMC Level 1 requires Annual Affirmation—you reassess yourself annually and update your SPRS score. You'll need to maintain your security controls, keep documentation current, and stay compliant with the 17 practices. Our solutions include ongoing access so you can maintain compliance year after year.
Final Thoughts: Understanding FCI is the First Step
The confusion between FCI and CUI has cost defense contractors millions in lost contracts, delayed opportunities, and emergency compliance scrambles. Understanding that Federal Contract Information includes your everyday business operations—invoices, contracts, email, proposals—is the critical first step toward compliance.
The November 10, 2025 deadline has passed. Prime contractors are requiring proof of CMMC Level 1 certification now, not in the future. But compliance is achievable: 2-4 weeks typical timeline, $1,495-$2,495 investment, and you control the pace completely.
Don't let misconceptions about FCI cost you another contract. Take action today.
Get Started with CMMC Level 1 Compliance
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today. We'll help you understand exactly what FCI you handle, define proper scope, and create your compliance roadmap.