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CMP2622 Mastering DFARS Compliance; A Step-by-Step Guide to Defense Acquisition

$199.00
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What is the DFARS Compliance course about?

Turn complex compliance requirements into repeatable, audit-ready workflows tailored for defense contractors. 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.

What situation is the DFARS Compliance for?

Defense contractors waste hundreds of hours rebuilding compliance evidence after failed DCAA reviews. The issue isn't knowledge, it's the lack of a structured, reusable workflow for assembling, validating, and presenting DFARS-aligned evidence on demand.

Who is the DFARS Compliance course for?

IC at a defense-focused consulting firm like the firm, responsible for assembling or reviewing compliance evidence under CMMC, DFARS, or FAR clauses. Works across technical and audit teams to deliver regulator-ready artifacts. Values precision, discretion, and timely handoffs.

What do you take away from the DFARS Compliance course?

Produce a complete DFARS evidence package in under 40 hours Reduce rework cycles during DCAA reviews by at least 70% Build reusable templates for NIST 800-171 control mapping Gain confidence in peer-level escalations from audit teams Deliver regulator-facing documentation that clears first-time review.

How does this map to your situation?

Initial scoping and compliance boundary definition System Security Plan and POAM development Control implementation and technical validation Audit preparation and regulator engagement.

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.

What does the DFARS Compliance cover on delivery and format?

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 module, designed to be completed over 4, 6 weeks with team implementation.

What does the DFARS Compliance cover on frequently asked?

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

Closely related courses: DFARS Compliance for Defense Acquisition Professionals, DFARS Compliance for Senior Buyers in Defense Acquisition.

More answers: what you get with every course, refund policy, all help answers.

A tailored course, built for your situation

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

Turn complex compliance requirements into repeatable, audit-ready workflows tailored for defense contractors.

$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.
Evidence packages that stall under auditor scrutiny

The situation this course is for

Defense contractors waste hundreds of hours rebuilding compliance evidence after failed DCAA reviews. The issue isn't knowledge, it's the lack of a structured, reusable workflow for assembling, validating, and presenting DFARS-aligned evidence on demand.

Who this is for

IC at a defense-focused consulting firm like the firm, responsible for assembling or reviewing compliance evidence under CMMC, DFARS, or FAR clauses. Works across technical and audit teams to deliver regulator-ready artifacts. Values precision, discretion, and timely handoffs.

Who this is not for

Entry-level analysts who don’t own compliance deliverables, auditors focused on external verification, or product managers outside defense contracting.

What you walk away with

  • Produce a complete DFARS evidence package in under 40 hours
  • Reduce rework cycles during DCAA reviews by at least 70%
  • Build reusable templates for NIST 800-171 control mapping
  • Gain confidence in peer-level escalations from audit teams
  • Deliver regulator-facing documentation that clears first-time review

The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)

Module 1. Understanding DFARS and NIST 800-171 Alignment
Establish a foundational understanding of DFARS clauses 252.204-7012 and 7021, their mapping to NIST 800-171, and how to identify scope boundaries for compliance.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in client environments
  2. Mapping DFARS requirements to NIST 800-171 revision 2 controls
  3. Differentiating between flow-down obligations and prime contractor responsibilities
  4. Recognizing CMMC maturity levels relevant to contract type
  5. Using the NIST SP 800-171A assessment guide for scoping
  6. Documenting system boundaries for compliance audits
  7. Classifying data types subject to DFARS protection mandates
  8. Applying FAR clause 52.204-21 to subcontractor agreements
  9. Understanding the role of self-attestation under CMMC
  10. Leveraging SSP templates for faster initial drafting
  11. Integrating POAM creation into initial scoping phases
  12. Tracking control implementation status across environments
Module 2. Building the System Security Plan (SSP)
Create a comprehensive, auditor-ready System Security Plan that maps controls to technical and administrative safeguards.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Structuring the SSP for regulator readability
  2. Describing system architecture with compliance in mind
  3. Documenting roles and responsibilities per NIST guidelines
  4. Mapping controls to people, processes, and technologies
  5. Writing control narratives that avoid ambiguity
  6. Including diagrams that clarify data flows and segmentation
  7. Referencing internal policies within the SSP
  8. Versioning the SSP for audit trail integrity
  9. Integrating continuous monitoring statements
  10. Aligning SSP language with CMMC assessment objectives
  11. Embedding evidence references for each control
  12. Using standardized terminology to reduce auditor pushback
Module 3. Developing the Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM)
Transform gaps into a structured, time-bound POAM that satisfies auditors and program managers.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying control deficiencies during initial assessments
  2. Classifying findings by severity and exploitability
  3. Writing clear remediation descriptions for technical teams
  4. Assigning ownership with accountability tracking
  5. Setting realistic milestones based on resource availability
  6. Justifying delays with documented risk acceptance
  7. Linking POAM items to SSP control references
  8. Tracking progress with monthly status updates
  9. Integrating POAMs into client reporting cycles
  10. Formatting POAMs for DCAA and DCMA review
  11. Using color coding for at-a-glance status clarity
  12. Archiving completed POAMs for historical reference
Module 4. Control Implementation for Access and Authentication
Implement and document NIST 800-171 controls related to access management, multi-factor authentication, and account lifecycle.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Enforcing least privilege access across systems
  2. Implementing multi-factor authentication for remote access
  3. Automating user provisioning and deprovisioning
  4. Reviewing privileged account usage weekly
  5. Configuring session timeouts for inactive users
  6. Documenting access control policies for auditors
  7. Mapping access roles to job functions
  8. Auditing access changes in AD and cloud platforms
  9. Managing shared and emergency accounts securely
  10. Integrating PAM solutions with compliance reporting
  11. Validating access controls during penetration tests
  12. Updating access policies after organizational changes
Module 5. Encryption and Data Protection Controls
Ensure data at rest and in transit meets DFARS encryption standards across hybrid environments.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Applying AES-256 encryption to CUI at rest
  2. Using TLS 1.2+ for data in transit
  3. Identifying unencrypted data stores in cloud environments
  4. Documenting encryption exceptions with risk justification
  5. Managing encryption keys according to NIST guidelines
  6. Validating encryption on mobile and removable devices
  7. Configuring database encryption in SQL and Oracle
  8. Auditing encryption status across endpoints
  9. Integrating DLP tools with encryption workflows
  10. Handling encrypted backup media securely
  11. Reporting encryption compliance in monthly reviews
  12. Updating encryption policies after infrastructure changes
Module 6. Incident Response and Reporting Procedures
Develop an incident response plan that meets DFARS requirements and enables rapid reporting to the DoD.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Defining reportable cyber incidents under DFARS
  2. Establishing internal escalation paths for security events
  3. Creating templates for DoD incident reporting
  4. Integrating CMMC incident response expectations
  5. Conducting tabletop exercises for team readiness
  6. Documenting incident classification and triage
  7. Preserving forensic evidence for auditor review
  8. Logging incident response activities for audit trails
  9. Coordinating with legal and PR teams during breaches
  10. Updating IR plans after lessons learned
  11. Training staff on incident reporting timelines
  12. Testing IR plan effectiveness annually
Module 7. Continuous Monitoring and System Updates
Implement ongoing assessments and automated checks to maintain compliance posture.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Scheduling quarterly vulnerability scans
  2. Using automated tools for control validation
  3. Reviewing scan results for false positives
  4. Remediating findings within 30 days
  5. Integrating SIEM alerts with compliance dashboards
  6. Documenting continuous monitoring activities
  7. Updating system configurations after scans
  8. Tracking patch management cycles
  9. Reporting monitoring status to client leads
  10. Aligning monitoring scope with SSP boundaries
  11. Auditing log retention for compliance
  12. Adjusting monitoring frequency based on risk
Module 8. Third-Party and Subcontractor Oversight
Ensure flow-down compliance and manage risk from vendors and partners.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying subcontractors with CUI access
  2. Requiring DFARS compliance in vendor contracts
  3. Collecting SSPs and POAMs from third parties
  4. Assessing vendor risk with standardized questionnaires
  5. Tracking subcontractor compliance status
  6. Conducting vendor onboarding reviews
  7. Managing exceptions for high-risk partners
  8. Auditing vendor access controls annually
  9. Documenting due diligence efforts
  10. Terminating non-compliant relationships
  11. Updating flow-down clauses after contract changes
  12. Integrating vendor data into consolidated reporting
Module 9. Audit Preparation and Evidence Packaging
Assemble a complete, organized evidence package that clears first-time review.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Creating a master evidence checklist
  2. Organizing documents by control and domain
  3. Using standardized naming conventions
  4. Including version history and approval trails
  5. Redacting sensitive information appropriately
  6. Formatting documents for digital submission
  7. Validating completeness before submission
  8. Conducting internal mock audits
  9. Training team members on evidence collection
  10. Responding to auditor queries within 24 hours
  11. Tracking auditor requests and responses
  12. Archiving final packages for future reference
Module 10. Regulator Engagement and Response Strategy
Handle auditor interactions with confidence and precision.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Preparing subject matter experts for interviews
  2. Anticipating follow-up questions on control gaps
  3. Providing concise, documented responses
  4. Escalating unresolved issues internally
  5. Maintaining professional tone in written replies
  6. Scheduling timely responses to audit findings
  7. Using POAMs to address auditor concerns
  8. Avoiding overcommitment during meetings
  9. Coordinating legal review for sensitive responses
  10. Documenting all regulator interactions
  11. Updating leadership on audit status
  12. Learning from past audit cycles
Module 11. CMMC Integration and Readiness
Align DFARS compliance with CMMC assessment requirements and prepare for formal evaluation.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Understanding CMMC levels 1, 3 and their implications
  2. Mapping existing controls to CMMC practices
  3. Identifying gaps in process maturity
  4. Preparing for third-party assessments
  5. Engaging CMMC-AB certified assessors
  6. Submitting assessments to the CMMC-AC
  7. Updating SSPs for CMMC-specific language
  8. Conducting readiness reviews before audits
  9. Training teams on CMMC expectations
  10. Tracking CMMC policy updates
  11. Integrating CMMC into client onboarding
  12. Reporting CMMC status to executive sponsors
Module 12. Sustaining Compliance Across Contracts
Ensure compliance remains intact across contract renewals, new awards, and organizational changes.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Updating compliance documentation for new scopes
  2. Reassessing system boundaries after integration
  3. Transferring POAMs and SSPs to new project leads
  4. Training new team members on compliance workflows
  5. Auditing compliance posture quarterly
  6. Updating policies after regulatory changes
  7. Integrating compliance into onboarding workflows
  8. Documenting leadership transitions
  9. Preserving historical evidence for audits
  10. Scaling compliance practices across teams
  11. Optimizing templates for faster deployment
  12. Building institutional knowledge to survive turnover

How this maps to your situation

  • Initial scoping and compliance boundary definition
  • System Security Plan and POAM development
  • Control implementation and technical validation
  • Audit preparation and regulator engagement

Before vs. after

Before
Spending weeks assembling evidence packages that still face auditor pushback and rework.
After
Producing regulator-ready DFARS packages in days, with confidence in first-time approval.

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 module, designed to be completed over 4, 6 weeks with team implementation.

If nothing changes
Without a structured approach, teams risk repeated audit failures, contract non-compliance, and reputational exposure in defense engagements.

How this compares to the alternatives

Unlike generic compliance training, this course delivers defense-specific, auditor-tested workflows that reflect real-world DFARS and CMMC review patterns.

Frequently asked

Is this course focused on CMMC or DFARS?
It covers both, with DFARS as the foundation and CMMC integration built into later modules.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Can I use this for client work?
Yes, the templates and playbooks are designed for immediate use in client engagements.
$199 one-time. Approximately 90 minutes per module, designed to be completed over 4, 6 weeks with team implementation..

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