CMMC Level 2 Non-Negotiable Requirements Explained
Huntress, Monday, October 12th, 2026
Huntress explains which NIST 800-171 controls are non-negotiable under CMMC Level 2 self-assessments for defense contractors.
Huntress explains how CMMC Level 2 self-assessments under DFARS 252.204-7021 differ from legacy self-assessments under DFARS 252.204-7019, under which contractors could report any score from -203 to a perfect 110 and defer requirements during NIST 800-171 implementation.
CMMC scoring no longer lets contractors decide which requirements to implement or defer.
Identifying the non-negotiable requirements helps avoid losing contract eligibility or exposure under the False Claims Act.