Key Takeaways from the January 2026 CMMC Town Hall: Hard Copy CUI, Scope, and Program Changes

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast!The January 2026 CMMC Town Hall brought several important clarifications and program updates that directly impact Department of War (DoD) contractors.In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, we break down what changed, what was clarified, and what contractors should take away from the latest guidance.We cover:New DOW CIO leadership changes and what they mean for CMMCUpdated clarification on Hard Copy CUI (and what qualifies)Why encryption alone does NOT define scopeGovernment shutdown impact on assessmentsC3PAO reauthorization and ISO 17020 accreditationKECO transition to ISACA and certification updatesWhat all of this means for contractors planning in 2026The biggest theme? CMMC is not slowing down. It’s becoming more standardized, more mature, and more defined.If you’re planning contracts in 2026, now is the time to understand how these updates affect your scope, documentation, and assessment strategy.