Deltek ProjectCon 2024 Features CMMC Guest Speaker & Experts Panel to Prepare Defense Contractors for What’s Coming in 2025

Deltek ProjectCon 2024 took place from November 12-14 at the Gaylord National Harbor in Washington, D.C., bringing together 3,700 customers, partners, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements in project-based business solutions and a look ahead into the imminent requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

We were honored to have Bob Metzger, the “Father of CMMC”, present an industry perspective as well as his expertise on cybersecurity compliance requirements for Defense contractors. You can read Bob’s Deltek Project Nation Blog here for more information.

Bob’s Key Points to Know About CMMC

You cannot bid or participate in DoD projects without meeting CMMC requirements. As adversaries continue to target U.S. defense contractors, DoD has made it clear that cybersecurity compliance is now a cost of doing business. Companies that delay compliance risk losing contracts and disrupting their supply chains.

Early preparation gives you a competitive edge. Conduct self-assessments, close your security gaps, and work with trusted partners to ensure you meet CMMC requirements before the deadlines arrive, so your business stays secure—and eligible—for future defense contracts.

Navigating the Path to CMMC Compliance

Following Bob’s presentation, a panel of CMMC experts including Stuart Itkin from NeoSystems, Christina Reynolds from BDO and Matt Gilbert from Baker Tilly dug deeper into the operational details of what CMMC will look like for ProjectCon attendees.

The panel covered topics including data types & CMMC certification levels, types of CMMC certification assessments, roles & compliance responsibilities, and best practices for risk mitigation. Attendees at ProjectCon asked questions about what to expect in a CMMC audit and how to prepare, and this panel did not disappoint with real-world stories from their experience along with guidance and tips on how to avoid common pitfalls.

When Does CMMC Become Reality?

The CMMC Program Rule (32 CFR Part 170) became officially Final on December 16, 2024. This means that companies with DoD contracts (or that plan to bid on them) can seek an official CMMC Level 2 certification right now.

The CMMC Enforcement Rule (CFR 48) has not finished its rulemaking process yet but is expected to become final by industry experts sometime in early to mid-2025. For more information on CMMC and how it affects DoD contractors, check out my recent blog here.

Looking Ahead to ProjectCon 2025

Deltek ProjectCon 2024 demonstrated Deltek’s commitment to cybersecurity compliance and CMMC. The insights and feedback from this year’s conference will continue to build on that success for government contractors and the broader Deltek community.

Thanks to all the attendees for making Deltek ProjectCon 2024 a world-class experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Deltek ProjectCon 2025, taking place in Denver, Colorado to continue supporting our customers on their business initiatives and continued success.