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CMP2815 Mastering DFARS Compliance; A Step-by-Step Guide to Defense Acquisition

$199.00
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A tailored course, built for your situation

Mastering DFARS Compliance; A Step-by-Step Guide to Defense Acquisition

A tailored course for F-35 program leads navigating complex federal compliance requirements

$199 one-time
30-day money-back guarantee Verified against latest insights, updated access provided within 24h

Each order is checked and updated against the latest insights before delivery. That is why access takes up to 24 hours rather than being instant.

12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Control mapping packages that require last-minute sourcing under DCAA audit cycles

The situation this course is for

Defense acquisition teams face recurring cycles of manual evidence collection, fragmented control ownership, and reactive responses to auditor requests, especially during DFARS 252.204-7012 reviews. This creates bandwidth drag on technical leads who should be focused on sustainment engineering, not compliance triage.

Who this is for

Senior technical lead or program manager in a defense contractor firm, directly accountable for DFARS compliance execution on classified or mission-critical programs like the F-35. Works across engineering, cybersecurity, and contracting teams to deliver audit-ready artifacts on schedule.

Who this is not for

Entry-level compliance analysts, commercial-sector IT managers, or executives seeking board-level summaries without implementation detail.

What you walk away with

  • Produce DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance packages that pass DCAA review on first submission
  • Reduce time spent compiling control evidence by 85% using standardized templates and ownership workflows
  • Navigate NIST SP 800-171 alignment with confidence, citing exact framework clauses
  • Lead cross-functional teams through compliance cycles without relying on external consultants
  • Turn the DFARS audit package from a recurring bandwidth drain into a closed-loop, repeatable process

The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)

Module 1. Understanding DFARS 252.204-7012 and Its Role in Defense Contracts
Establish foundational knowledge of the clause, its origins in the NDAA, and how it applies specifically to F-35 sustainment contracts.
12 chapters in this module
  1. What DFARS 252.204-7012 requires for defense contractors
  2. How the clause evolved from NDAA the current cycle through the current cycle
  3. Key differences between FAR and DFARS cybersecurity mandates
  4. Why F-35 integrators face higher scrutiny under this clause
  5. Mapping DFARS to program-level statement of work language
  6. Understanding the flow-down obligation to subcontractors
  7. When DFARS applies vs. when it doesn't in sustainment work
  8. How DCAA uses this clause during financial audits
  9. Common misconceptions about 'adequate security' definitions
  10. The role of the contracting officer in enforcing compliance
  11. How CMMC levels intersect with DFARS 7012 requirements
  12. Real-world examples of failed DFARS audits in aerospace
Module 2. NIST SP 800-171: The Core Framework for Controlled Unclassified Information
Break down the 110 security controls across 14 families and learn how to map them to F-35 program environments.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Overview of NIST SP 800-171 and its structure
  2. The 14 control families and what each protects
  3. How CUI is defined and identified in technical documentation
  4. Mapping system boundaries for F-35 software components
  5. Understanding 'non-public' vs. 'classified' data distinctions
  6. Control implementation expectations for cloud-hosted tools
  7. How POAMs are expected to reflect progress
  8. Common gaps in access control and audit logging
  9. Encryption requirements for data at rest and in transit
  10. Configuration management for embedded systems updates
  11. Incident response planning under DFARS constraints
  12. Tailoring controls without compromising compliance
Module 3. Building the Compliance Package: Structure and Submission Requirements
Learn the exact components of a DFARS compliance package and how to assemble them efficiently.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Required elements of a DFARS 7012 compliance submission
  2. How to structure the executive summary for auditors
  3. Documenting system security plans with clarity
  4. Creating network diagrams that meet DCAA standards
  5. Developing accurate POAM templates with realistic timelines
  6. Sourcing evidence from engineering and IT teams
  7. Version control for compliance documentation
  8. Formatting requirements for government reviewers
  9. How often updates must be submitted
  10. Handling classified annexes separately
  11. Integrating third-party assessments into the package
  12. Checklist for final review before submission
Module 4. Control Mapping: Aligning Technical Work to Regulatory Language
Turn engineering decisions into auditable control mappings using standardized language.
12 chapters in this module
  1. What a control mapping is and why it matters
  2. Linking NIST controls to actual system configurations
  3. Using the firm’s internal frameworks to streamline mapping
  4. Documenting compensating controls with justification
  5. How to write clear implementation statements
  6. Avoiding over-mapping and control duplication
  7. Mapping legacy systems that predate DFARS
  8. Handling cloud service provider responsibilities
  9. Dealing with incomplete or outdated system documentation
  10. Cross-referencing controls across multiple systems
  11. Tools to automate control mapping updates
  12. Maintaining mappings through system upgrades
Module 5. Evidence Collection: What DCAA Expects and How to Provide It
Identify the exact evidence types auditors require and how to source them efficiently.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Types of evidence accepted by DCAA examiners
  2. Logs and screenshots: what qualifies as proof
  3. How to collect access control audit trails
  4. Documenting multi-factor authentication enforcement
  5. Sampling methods used during audits
  6. Retention periods for compliance evidence
  7. Automating evidence gathering from IT systems
  8. Working with cybersecurity teams to extract data
  9. Redacting sensitive information before submission
  10. Organizing evidence in auditor-friendly formats
  11. Responding to evidence requests under tight deadlines
  12. Common reasons evidence is rejected
Module 6. Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) Development
Create realistic, defensible POAMs that show progress without overpromising.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Purpose and structure of a POAM
  2. Identifying weaknesses vs. deficiencies
  3. Writing actionable remediation steps
  4. Assigning ownership to technical leads
  5. Setting achievable milestones for engineering teams
  6. Justifying delays due to program constraints
  7. How POAMs are reviewed during DCAA audits
  8. Updating POAMs after system changes
  9. Linking POAM items to control mappings
  10. Using POAMs to prioritize engineering work
  11. Avoiding 'perpetual POAM' pitfalls
  12. Best practices for closure verification
Module 7. Cross-Team Coordination for Compliance Execution
Lead collaboration between engineering, cybersecurity, and finance teams to meet deadlines.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying key stakeholders in compliance workflows
  2. Establishing RACI for control ownership
  3. Scheduling cross-functional alignment meetings
  4. Translating regulatory language for engineers
  5. Working with legal teams on contract language
  6. Engaging subcontractors on flow-down requirements
  7. Managing bandwidth trade-offs during peak cycles
  8. Using shared platforms for document collaboration
  9. Escalating roadblocks without delay
  10. Building trust between compliance and technical teams
  11. Creating handoff checklists between roles
  12. Measuring team performance on compliance deliverables
Module 8. DCAA Audit Preparation and Response
Prepare for DCAA reviews with confidence and reduce audit anxiety across teams.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Understanding DCAA’s role in defense contracts
  2. Common focus areas in DFARS-related audits
  3. How audit timelines are structured
  4. Preparing for document requests
  5. Conducting internal mock audits
  6. Training teams on auditor interactions
  7. Responding to findings without defensiveness
  8. Corrective action plans after audit closeouts
  9. Tracking repeat findings across audits
  10. Building institutional memory from past audits
  11. Working with external counsel during disputes
  12. Knowing when to push back on findings
Module 9. CMMC Integration and Future-Proofing
Align current DFARS compliance with emerging CMMC requirements.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Overview of CMMC framework levels
  2. How CMMC Level 2 relates to current DFARS work
  3. Preparing for third-party assessments
  4. Gap analysis between current state and CMMC Level 2
  5. Documentation requirements for CMMC
  6. Training teams on CMMC expectations
  7. Budgeting for certification costs
  8. Working with C3PAOs for readiness reviews
  9. Updating SSPs for CMMC alignment
  10. Integrating CMMC into long-term program planning
  11. Anticipating CMMC Level 3 requirements
  12. Maintaining compliance across CMMC transitions
Module 10. Sustainment Engineering and Compliance Over Time
Maintain compliance through system updates, patches, and configuration changes.
12 chapters in this module
  1. How engineering changes impact compliance status
  2. Change control processes for compliance integrity
  3. Documenting configuration baselines
  4. Handling emergency patches and rollouts
  5. Updating control mappings after system changes
  6. Revalidating POAMs post-update
  7. Working with DevSecOps pipelines
  8. Automating compliance checks in CI/CD
  9. Versioning compliance artifacts
  10. Auditor expectations during system transitions
  11. Managing compliance for legacy F-35 subsystems
  12. Planning compliance efforts around upgrade cycles
Module 11. Reporting to Leadership and Program Executives
Communicate compliance status clearly to senior stakeholders.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Tailoring updates for different audiences
  2. Creating dashboards for program leadership
  3. Highlighting risks without causing alarm
  4. Reporting progress on POAM completion
  5. Budget justification for compliance investments
  6. Translating audit findings into action items
  7. Presenting to executive sponsors
  8. Balancing transparency with operational security
  9. Using metrics to show improvement
  10. Escalating critical findings appropriately
  11. Aligning compliance reporting with program milestones
  12. Documenting decisions for future reference
Module 12. Building a Repeatable Compliance Operating Model
Turn one-time compliance efforts into a sustainable, scalable process.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Designing workflows for recurring compliance cycles
  2. Creating master templates for future use
  3. Onboarding new team members efficiently
  4. Documenting lessons learned
  5. Standardizing evidence collection processes
  6. Integrating compliance into program lifecycles
  7. Reducing reliance on individual subject matter experts
  8. Leveraging automation tools effectively
  9. Measuring compliance maturity over time
  10. Sharing best practices across programs
  11. Creating a compliance knowledge base
  12. Future-proofing for evolving regulatory demands

How this maps to your situation

  • Q2 DCAA audit preparation
  • F-35 software update compliance validation
  • Subcontractor flow-down compliance review
  • CMMC Level 2 readiness assessment

Before vs. after

Before
Spending 80+ hours quarterly compiling DFARS evidence, chasing teams for inputs, and facing last-minute audit risks.
After
Producing audit-ready compliance packages in under 6 hours, with clear ownership, standardized templates, and confidence in DCAA review outcomes.

What's included with your purchase

  • 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
  • Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Delivery and format

  • Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access

Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.

Time investment: Approximately 90 minutes per week over 12 weeks, or accelerate through at your own pace.

If nothing changes
Without a structured approach, teams remain vulnerable to audit findings, program delays, subcontractor non-compliance, and increased oversight, potentially impacting future contract awards.

How this compares to the alternatives

Unlike generic cybersecurity courses, this program focuses exclusively on DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST SP 800-171 as applied to F-35-level defense programs. No theory, only actionable, field-tested methods used by top-tier integrators.

Frequently asked

Is this course relevant if I'm not directly in cybersecurity?
Yes. It's designed for technical leads, program managers, and compliance coordinators who must deliver audit-ready packages, regardless of their core function.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Can I use this for other programs beyond the F-35?
Absolutely. The framework applies to any DoD contract requiring DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance.
$199 one-time. Approximately 90 minutes per week over 12 weeks, or accelerate through at your own pace..

Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.

30-day money-back guarantee· 144 chapters· Hand-built playbook included· Account access within 24 hours
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