A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering DFARS Compliance; A Step-by-Step Guide to Defense Acquisition
Turn complex defense acquisition requirements into repeatable, audit-ready program outcomes
$199 one-time
30-day money-back guarantee
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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.
Stop the last-minute scramble to align security controls with DFARS requirements before audit cycles.
The situation this course is for
Defense contractors face increasing scrutiny on compliance readiness, especially around CMMC, NIST 800-171, and supply chain risk. Program managers often spend dozens of hours assembling evidence packages under tight deadlines, pulling in SMEs from multiple functions. The cost isn't just time, it's credibility when deliverables miss the mark. What’s needed is a structured, repeatable method to build compliance into program execution from day one.
Who this is for
Senior program managers in defense contracting with operational experience and responsibility for compliance alignment in DoD acquisitions. Typically ex-military or federal strategy background, managing multi-million-dollar contracts with complex regulatory requirements.
Who this is not for
Entry-level project coordinators, non-defense IT staff, or vendors without direct DoD program ownership.
What you walk away with
- Produce audit-ready DFARS compliance packages in under one week
- Lead cross-functional teams with confidence using a structured control mapping method
- Anticipate DIBCAC and CMMC auditor questions with documented responses
- Reduce rework by integrating compliance milestones into program sprints
- Become the internal reference for program protection planning across contracts
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding DFARS 252.204-7012 and Its Operational Impact
Break down the core clauses of DFARS 252.204-7012, including safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting. Learn how these requirements translate into real-world program decisions and timelines.
12 chapters in this module
- What DFARS 252.204-7012 means for program managers
- Key differences between FAR and DFARS cybersecurity clauses
- How covered defense information is defined and scoped
- Operationalizing the requirement to report cyber incidents
- Mapping DFARS clauses to existing program workflows
- Common misconceptions about compliance ownership
- How prime contractors pass down requirements to subs
- Understanding the role of the Program Protection Plan
- Timing implications for RFP responses and proposals
- How DFARS interacts with NIST SP 800-171 controls
- The difference between self-attestation and CMMC certification
- Building DFARS awareness into team onboarding
Module 2. Building the Program Protection Plan from the Ground Up
Construct a living Program Protection Plan that aligns with DFARS, CMMC, and mission risk. Move beyond templates to create a document that guides daily decisions and impresses auditors.
12 chapters in this module
- Purpose and structure of the Program Protection Plan
- Identifying critical program information and assets
- Threat modeling for defense programs
- Integrating supply chain risk management into the PPP
- Defining roles for security, legal, and engineering
- How to update the PPP as the program evolves
- Using the PPP to guide subcontractor agreements
- Linking PPP controls to system design decisions
- Documenting countermeasures for known threats
- Presenting the PPP to internal leadership
- Preparing the PPP for DIBCAC review
- Maintaining version control and audit trail
Module 3. NIST SP 800-171 Control Mapping for Non-Security Leads
Translate NIST 800-171 controls into actionable program tasks without relying on security teams for every interpretation. Gain fluency in the framework to lead alignment discussions confidently.
12 chapters in this module
- Overview of NIST SP 800-171 and its 14 families
- How program managers interpret AC-3 vs. AC-6
- Mapping controls to existing system documentation
- Using system security plans as evidence sources
- Determining who owns each control in a matrix org
- Handling overlapping responsibilities with IT
- Documenting 'not applicable' justifications properly
- How to conduct a preliminary control gap assessment
- Using POAMs to track remediation progress
- Aligning control implementation with sprint cycles
- Preparing control narratives for auditor review
- Common pitfalls in control documentation
Module 4. Integrating Compliance into Program Scheduling
Embed compliance milestones into program timelines so they’re met proactively, not reactively. Learn how to sequence evidence collection, reviews, and approvals without slowing delivery.
12 chapters in this module
- Why compliance should not be a final phase task
- Identifying key compliance gates in the program lifecycle
- Aligning evidence collection with system demos
- Scheduling internal readiness reviews
- Building buffer time for auditor follow-ups
- Coordinating with subcontractors on shared evidence
- Using Gantt charts to visualize compliance dependencies
- Tracking compliance tasks in Jira or MS Project
- Assigning owners and deadlines for control artifacts
- Managing version control across distributed teams
- How to adjust timelines when controls are delayed
- Reporting compliance status to executive sponsors
Module 5. Managing Subcontractor Compliance Accountability
Ensure your subcontractors meet DFARS and NIST requirements without micromanaging their teams. Establish clear expectations, evidence standards, and escalation paths.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining compliance expectations in SOWs
- Requiring SSPs and POAMs from key subcontractors
- Conducting pre-award compliance assessments
- Using flow-down clauses effectively
- Scheduling subcontractor compliance check-ins
- Validating third-party audit reports
- Handling non-compliance issues without damaging relationships
- Documenting due diligence for auditor review
- Managing cloud service providers under DFARS
- Ensuring software vendors meet secure development standards
- Auditing subcontractor access controls
- Terminating relationships over unresolved compliance gaps
Module 6. Preparing for DIBCAC and CMMC Audits
Navigate the audit process with confidence by understanding what DIBCAC and CMMC auditors look for, how they validate evidence, and how to respond to findings.
12 chapters in this module
- Understanding the DIBCAC audit process
- Preparing for a desk review vs. on-site visit
- Organizing evidence in the audit binder
- Conducting internal mock audits
- Training team members for auditor interviews
- Responding to requests for additional information
- Handling auditor findings and discrepancies
- Submitting corrective action plans
- Understanding the CMMC assessment process
- Working with C3PAOs and their documentation standards
- How long audit records must be retained
- Using audit feedback to improve future programs
Module 7. Creating Repeatable Compliance Artifacts
Develop templates and playbooks that ensure consistency across programs and reduce rework. Build institutional knowledge that survives personnel changes.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying which artifacts can be standardized
- Designing reusable control implementation guides
- Creating a central compliance knowledge base
- Versioning and approving templates
- Training new PMs on standard artifacts
- Customizing templates for different contract types
- Securing approval from legal and security teams
- Using templates in proposal responses
- Measuring time saved through reuse
- Updating templates after audit feedback
- Sharing best practices across program offices
- Avoiding over-standardization that ignores context
Module 8. Communicating Compliance Status to Leadership
Translate technical compliance status into business terms for executives and stakeholders. Build trust by showing progress, risks, and resource needs clearly.
12 chapters in this module
- What executives need to know about compliance
- Creating concise compliance dashboards
- Reporting on POAM closure rates
- Highlighting program-specific risks
- Justifying resource requests for remediation
- Using risk heat maps for leadership briefings
- Avoiding technical jargon in status reports
- Aligning compliance updates with program reviews
- Presenting audit readiness timelines
- Handling leadership questions about certification
- Documenting decisions for audit trail
- Building credibility through consistent reporting
Module 9. Leveraging Automation for Evidence Collection
Use tools and workflows to automate evidence gathering, reduce manual effort, and ensure consistency. Focus on practical, low-code solutions that integrate with existing systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Assessing which evidence can be automated
- Using APIs to pull system logs and configs
- Integrating with SIEM and endpoint protection tools
- Automating control testing with scripts
- Validating automated evidence for auditor acceptance
- Documenting automation processes for review
- Managing access and permissions for tools
- Using Power Automate for compliance workflows
- Scheduling recurring evidence exports
- Storing automated outputs in secure repositories
- Monitoring automation for failures
- Scaling automation across multiple programs
Module 10. Handling Cyber Incident Reporting Requirements
Respond to cyber incidents in a way that meets DFARS reporting obligations while protecting program continuity and reputation.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining what constitutes a reportable cyber incident
- Internal triage process for suspected incidents
- Engaging incident response teams promptly
- Collecting required technical evidence
- Submitting reports through DIBNet
- Meeting the 72-hour reporting window
- Coordinating with legal and PR teams
- Documenting actions taken for audit trail
- Handling false positives and misclassified events
- Updating POAMs based on incident findings
- Conducting post-incident reviews
- Improving detection to prevent future incidents
Module 11. Maintaining Compliance Throughout Program Lifecycle
Keep compliance current as systems evolve, teams change, and threats shift. Avoid degradation over time with structured refresh cycles and ownership models.
12 chapters in this module
- Why compliance degrades after initial certification
- Scheduling quarterly control reviews
- Updating documentation after system changes
- Revalidating subcontractor compliance annually
- Conducting annual insider threat training
- Refreshing POAMs based on new threats
- Reassessing CUI designation as data evolves
- Managing personnel turnover in control ownership
- Auditing user access permissions regularly
- Updating SSPs after major releases
- Tracking changes in NIST and CMMC guidance
- Building compliance into change management processes
Module 12. Becoming the Go-To Practitioner in Your Organization
Position yourself as the internal expert on DFARS and defense compliance. Build influence by helping peers, shaping policy, and leading best practice adoption.
12 chapters in this module
- Sharing templates and lessons learned
- Mentoring junior PMs on compliance basics
- Proposing process improvements to leadership
- Leading internal compliance working groups
- Presenting at internal knowledge shares
- Contributing to enterprise compliance playbooks
- Building relationships with security and legal
- Representing your program in cross-functional reviews
- Earning recognition as a compliance enabler
- Using success stories in performance reviews
- Positioning for roles with broader compliance scope
- Staying current with evolving DoD requirements
How this maps to your situation
- DFARS compliance in defense acquisition programs
- Program Protection Plan development
- NIST 800-171 control implementation
- Audit preparation for DIBCAC and CMMC
Before vs. after
Before
Spending weeks assembling compliance evidence, relying on others for control interpretations, and facing last-minute scrambles before audits.
After
Producing audit-ready packages in days, leading alignment confidently, and being recognized as the internal expert on defense compliance.
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 12 weeks with one module per week.
If nothing changes
Without a structured approach, compliance remains reactive, consuming disproportionate time and increasing audit risk. Missed requirements can lead to contract penalties, lost bids, or reputational damage.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance courses, this program is tailored to defense acquisition professionals with operational experience. It focuses on real artifacts like the Program Protection Plan and NIST 800-171 control mapping, not abstract theory.
Frequently asked
Is this course relevant if I'm not in cybersecurity?
Yes. It's designed for program managers and leaders who need to deliver compliant programs without being technical experts.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will this help with CMMC certification?
Yes. The course covers all CMMC Level 2 requirements as they relate to DFARS and program management.
$199 one-time. Approximately 90 minutes per module, designed to be completed over 12 weeks with one module per week..
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