Why CMMC Is Important in 2026: Simplified

### Executive Summary: CMMC matters for DoD contractors because it raises baseline cybersecurity across the defense supply chain by replacing self-attestation with assessed controls, reducing risk from weaker subcontractors. The document explains how CMMC improves resilience (access controls, incident response, monitoring), builds trust with the DoD, offers competitive advantages to early adopters, and supports national security — it is guidance and advocacy for preparing for phased CMMC implementation rather than an incident report.