The Hidden Cost Of Inaction
- jchouinard9
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read

Compliance Delayed Is Revenue Denied
Still thinking about putting off CMMC preparation?
You're not alone; but the cost of that delay may be far higher than you think. For defense contractors and subcontractors, the coming changes in 48 CFR don’t just represent a shift in policy; they represent a hard deadline on your ability to win, keep, and grow business with the Department of Defense.
By the time the final CMMC rule is enforced, contractors without a clear compliance roadmap will be left behind.
So, before you dismiss compliance as “something we’ll deal with later,” let’s take a closer look at what that decision might actually cost you.
The 3 Hidden Costs of Delaying CMMC Preparation
1. Lost Contract Opportunities
The most obvious, and immediate, impact of non-compliance is lost bids.
Upcoming solicitations will require proof of CMMC certification (or clear evidence of progress) to even be considered.
Prime contractors will begin to demand proof from their subcontractors, or risk losing the contract themselves.
Existing work could be jeopardized if re-bidding or renewals require a higher CMMC level.
Impact: Each missed contract isn’t just a lost deal, it’s a long-term loss in recurring revenue and federal presence.
2. Remediation Under Pressure Costs More
If you wait until the rule is finalized, you’ll be scrambling, just like everyone else.
Demand for assessors, consultants, and CMMC-qualified MSPs will skyrocket.
Prices will go up. Lead times will stretch. Good vendors will be booked out.
Your internal team may be overwhelmed trying to play catch-up.
Impact: Costs double when you fix things in a rush. And panic remediation often leads to mistakes that trigger audit failures.
3. Reputation Damage with Primes and the DoD
Contracting is built on trust. And trust erodes quickly when you can’t prove you’re secure.
Prime contractors won’t risk teaming with uncompliant subs.
A single incident or failed assessment could brand your company as a liability.
The DoD is watching, and they’re starting to track cyber readiness across the supply chain.
Impact: Your company may become a “non-preferred” partner, even if you’ve delivered great work in the past.
What Inaction Really Means
You’ll spend more to get less done.
You’ll miss contracts that your competitors, who are compliant, will win.
You’ll fall behind in a supply chain that’s tightening its security expectations.
CMMC isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a barrier to entry. Once it’s live in 48 CFR, you won’t be able to wait until you “have time.” You’ll either be ready, or you’ll be locked out.
TMGC Helps You Avoid Costly Delays, and Expensive Cleanups
We’ve worked with defense contractors who waited too long, and others who acted early. The difference is night and day.
Here’s how we keep your costs low and your posture strong:
Proactive CMMC Planning: We map out your remediation and documentation timeline now—before demand explodes.
Fixed-Fee Readiness Packages: No surprise invoices or overages. We build predictable, cost-efficient compliance strategies.
Priority Access to Our Assessors & Partners: Our team ensures you won’t get stuck waiting when everyone else starts scrambling.
Prime-Facing Documentation: We provide the evidence you need to show prime contractors and DoD stakeholders that you’re already ahead.
Final Thoughts: The Cost of Doing Nothing Is Going Up
The longer you wait, the fewer options and opportunities you’ll have. CMMC readiness is no longer a technical exercise. It’s a business imperative.
You can pay now, or you can pay more, under pressure, later. But either way, the bill is coming.
Join Us Live: CMMC 2.0 & 48 CFR Readiness Webinar
Topic: What’s Changing and How to Stay Eligible
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Time: 11:00–11:30 AM
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