In the defense sector, compliance with cybersecurity and digital engineering requirements has emerged as a vital component of strategic planning.
With the final rule for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) now in effect and DoDI 5000.97 mandating digital engineering across acquisition programs, defense contractors face a clear mandate: adopt secure, cloud-native platforms or risk losing DoD contracts. For organizations managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in PLM systems, the use of FedRAMP Moderate Authorized SaaS PLM is no longer optional—it’s a contractual and strategic necessity.
What’s Driving the Urgency?
Defense contractors handling CUI or Federal Contract Information (FCI) are now subject to several regulations:
- CMMC 2.0: Requires defense contractors to demonstrate cybersecurity maturity, including the use of secure cloud services for storing and managing CUI.
- DFARS 252.204-7012: Mandates that any external cloud service provider used to store, process, or transmit covered defense information must meet FedRAMP Moderate or equivalent security controls.
- DoDI 5000.97: Formalizes the use of digital engineering across the DoD ecosystem, requiring contractors to implement digital models, digital threads, and collaborative platforms for lifecycle management.
Why FedRAMP Moderate SaaS PLM is the Fast Lane
If your PLM software is running in a FedRAMP Authorized environment, much of the heavy lifting for CMMC compliance is already done.
- Cybersecurity assurance: Protects CUI with 325+ NIST 800-53 controls.
- Audit readiness: Supports CMMC Level 2/3 assessments and DFARS compliance.
- Digital engineering enablement: Enables digital thread, MBSE, and model-based collaboration.
- Contract eligibility: Non-compliant defense contractors risk disqualification from DoD contracts.
- Interoperability & scalability: Seamless integration with ERP, CAD, and logistics systems across multi-site and remote teams.
Avoid the Pitfalls of Non-Compliant PLM Systems
Using legacy or non-authorized PLM tools exposes contractors to:
- Audit failures: Lack of traceability and security controls.
- Contract risk: Ineligibility for DoD awards under CMMC and DFARS.
- Operational inefficiencies: Siloed data, manual processes, and poor collaboration.
The Strategic Advantage of PTC’s Windchill
Windchill is the only authorized enterprise PLM solution on the FedRAMP Marketplace. PTC also maintains a DoD IL5 Provisional Authorization, covering all levels of unclassified DoD data. Defense contractors who adopt Windchill as their PLM system position themselves to:
- Gain a faster, lower-risk path to CMMC readiness
- Accelerate the journey to certification and delivery
- Stand out as a trusted, compliant partner to the DoD
Ensure Compliance Before Your Next Audit or RFP
The time to act is now. The combination of CMMC, DFARS, and DoDI 5000.97 demands a secure, compliant, and modern PLM strategy. If your current PLM system isn’t FedRAMP Moderate Authorized or equivalent, it’s time to reassess.
PTC offers proven paths forward. Contact us today to see why leading defense contractors rely on PTC.
