Contractor Panel: Real Costs & Challenges of CMMC Certification (Small Business Primes & Subs)

How hard is CMMC certification really? Just ask the local Contractors and Primes who are doing it.

In this candid panel discussion from CMMC-PNW 2025, three defense contractors—Jenn Giove (American Machines), Theresa Melendez (Holmes Mechanical), and Randy Blank (PME Construction Corporation/Port Madison Enterprises)—share their unfiltered experiences with the CMMC journey. From "micro" businesses to larger primes, they discuss the real costs, the frustrations with IT vs. Operations, and why waiting to start is a business-killing mistake.

In this video, you will learn:

The "Micro" Business Reality: How a small machine shop (American Machines) achieved CMMC Level 2 trending compliance in ~1.5 years using an enclave approach.

The Subcontractor Squeeze: Why subs are still asking "What is CMMC?" and how primes are forced to gatekeep contracts based on certification status.

IT vs. Operations: The struggle of translating IT compliance requirements into construction reality (e.g., job site trailers, printing drawings, and field staff).

Cost & Time: Why the "2-month" timeline is a myth and how long it actually takes to prepare for an assessment.

The Business Case: Why getting certified is the ultimate competitive advantage when competing for the $20B+ in upcoming shipyard infrastructure contracts.

Enclave Strategy: How separating commercial and government work (like PME separating from casino operations) can save the day.

Staffing Crisis: The double threat of CMMC compliance plus the shortage of qualified site superintendents with 10+ years of experience.

Learn more at CMMC-PNW.com