How to Get Government Contracts in 2026 (And Why CMMC Is Now Step One)

To get government contracts in 2026, you must (1) register your business in federal procurement systems, (2) identify contract vehicles and set-aside eligibility, (3) meet cybersecurity and compliance requirements (including CMMC when required by the solicitation) and (4) submit technically precise, compliant proposals aligned to the solicitation.

If your company handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), federal cybersecurity requirements apply. CMMC may also become an eligibility requirement when it appears in the solicitation.

Below is the executive-level roadmap covering common defense contract categories where CMMC requirements may apply and how to position your company to win.

Why CMMC Compliance Is Required for Many Government Contracts

If you pursue Department of Defense contracts, whether as a prime contractor or subcontractor, CMMC validates that your organization can properly protect sensitive federal data.

The Department of Defense outlines cybersecurity and regulatory expectations for contractors in its Guide to Working with the DoD.

CMMC has three levels, although current Phase I implementation may require only Level 1 and Level 2 self-assessments::

• Level 1 for companies handling Federal Contract Information (FCI)

• Level 2 for companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Phase II and later CMMC implementation milestones are currently suspended.

Failure to meet required CMMC levels can result in:

• Disqualification from bids

• Loss of subcontracting eligibility

• False Claims Act liability exposure

• Contract termination

If you need a deeper breakdown of strategic advantages, review our guide on the benefits of being CMMC compliant.

Three Defense Contract Categories Where CMMC May Apply

CMMC requirements depend on the solicitation and the FCI or CUI involved. These three defense contract categories commonly involve information that may trigger CMMC requirements.

1. Defense and Aerospace Manufacturing Contracts

This includes:

• Weapons systems production

• Aircraft and component manufacturing

• Defense hardware suppliers

• Military technology production

These contracts frequently involve CUI and technical data governed by DFARS clauses.

Level 2 requirements may apply when these contracts involve CUI, such as:

• Engineering documentation designated as export-controlled CUI

• Technical drawings designated as CUI

• CMMC requirements that flow down to subcontractors handling FCI or CUI

Manufacturers that fail CMMC assessments risk losing long-term contract eligibility.

2. IT and Cybersecurity Services Contracts

Technology firms support federal agencies through:

• Network modernization

• Cloud migration

• Managed IT services

• Software development for defense programs

Even without producing physical equipment, contractors may handle:

• Network diagrams

• Incident response documentation

• System configurations

• Sensitive defense program data

These engagements may require a Level 2 self-assessment when contractor systems handle CUI.

According to KPMG’s analysis on aerospace and defense innovation, digital transformation and cyber resilience are strategic priorities across the defense ecosystem. See How Aerospace and Defense Companies Can Meet Today’s Grand Innovation Challenges.

Cybersecurity maturity is now tied directly to contract eligibility.

3. Construction and Infrastructure Contracts Supporting Federal Facilities

Federal construction projects tied to military bases, utilities, and secure facilities frequently involve:

• Facility schematics

• Security system blueprints

• Federal building access documentation

• Network and surveillance integration

Even construction firms may handle CUI through digital project documentation.

In these cases:

• CMMC Level 1 may apply for FCI

• CMMC Level 2 may apply when contractor systems handle CUI.

Subcontractors are often surprised to learn that compliance flows down from the prime contractor.

 

Understanding Government Contract Types

Knowing the contract structure helps you price and manage risk correctly.

Fixed-Price Contracts

A predetermined price for goods or services. Common in defense procurement where budget discipline is critical.

Cost-Reimbursement Contracts

The government reimburses allowable costs. Often used in research and development or complex engineering projects.

Time-and-Materials Contracts

Payment is based on labor hours and materials used. Common in professional services and IT engagements.

Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contracts

Used to acquire goods or services over time as needs arise. Frequently used by GSA and DoD agencies.

The contract vehicle determines financial risk. CMMC can affect eligibility when the solicitation includes a CMMC requirement.

Where to Find Government Contract Opportunities

Diversify your sourcing strategy.

SAM.gov

Register and monitor federal opportunities at SAM.gov. Registration is mandatory before bidding.

Small Business Administration

Explore certifications and set-aside programs through the Small Business Administration.

Prime Contractor Subcontracting

Large defense primes often subcontract portions of awarded work. Building relationships with primes can accelerate entry.

Industry Associations

Construction, healthcare, IT, aerospace, and engineering associations often provide early insight into federal opportunities.

How to Bid on Government Contracts Step by Step

Step 1 Register Your Business

Complete your SAM.gov registration, obtain your UEI and CAGE code, and confirm SBA documentation is current.

Step 2 Determine Whether CMMC Applies and Which Level Is Required

Review the solicitation for its CMMC requirements, including DFARS 252.204-7025, and determine whether your systems will handle FCI or CUI.

For a tactical breakdown, review our CMMC guide and checklist for business.

Step 3 Conduct a Gap Assessment

Identify deficiencies in policies, access controls, logging, monitoring, and documentation.

Our compliance services provide structured assessments aligned to NIST and CMMC standards.

Step 4 Implement Required Security Controls

This may include:

• Multi-factor authentication

• Endpoint detection and response

• Security event monitoring

• Access segmentation

• Encryption controls

For defense contractors specifically, our CMMC readiness consulting focuses on Level 1 and Level 2 preparedness, gap analysis, and assessment preparation.

Step 5 Submit a Fully Aligned Proposal

Avoid generic submissions.

Strong proposals:

• Address every requirement in the RFP

• Include evidence of compliance maturity

• Demonstrate past performance

• Quantify security posture improvements

Government evaluators prioritize risk reduction, operational reliability, and defensibility.

What Actually Wins Government Contracts

Price alone does not win in DoD contracts in 2026.

Decision-makers evaluate:

• Cybersecurity maturity

• Documentation discipline

• Incident response capability

• Supply chain security

• Compliance defensibility

Executives reviewing awards ask a simple question:

“Can we defend this award decision if something goes wrong?”

CMMC compliance provides that defensibility.

Secure Eligibility Before You Submit the Bid

If you plan to pursue defense, technology, infrastructure, or federal service contracts, cybersecurity is a prerequisite.

The companies winning contracts today are compliant, audit-ready, and operationally mature.

If your organization needs clarity on:

• Required CMMC level

• Gap assessment scope

• Implementation timelines

• Assessment preparation strategy

7tech provides structured guidance aligned with federal expectations. Secure eligibility first. Then compete with confidence. Call us today at (844) 701-6777 to get started with a CMMC expert today.