5 Lessons Learned on Our Journey to CMMC Level 2 Compliance

By Justin Quinn, Owner of Focused on Machining

At Focused on Machining, we are fully prepared to support your CMMC Level 2 projects with our precision machining. But that compliance didn’t happen overnight.

When the CMMC framework was first announced, I knew how essential compliance would be for our customers involved in defense work. And as a veteran, that responsibility is personal to me. I quickly learned, however, that being among the first to tackle this challenge would come with unique challenges. 

With the DoD beginning to enforce CMMC requirements, many shops are now facing the journey we’ve completed. To help other CNC machine shops, I want to share several lessons we learned along the way. I’ve also got one important recommendation for OEMs and primes navigating these early days of CMMC.

Why You Need an Experienced Partner

When the Department of Defense introduced the first version of the CMMC program in 2020, we immediately began investigating the certification process. At this time, no IT providers had any meaningful experience with the brand-new requirements, and the framework would continue to evolve for years to come.

Our existing IT provider was transparent about their lack of experience in the area, but they offered to help in any way they could. They had been trustworthy partners on other issues for many years, and I decided to take them up on their offer.

It quickly became clear that it would simply take too long to have a partner who was learning alongside me. I thanked them for their transparency and switched to a new IT company.

Lesson 1: If a partner tells you they’re not ready, it’s best to keep searching.

The Importance of Due Diligence

When we selected our second CMMC IT partner, they presented themselves as having deep CMMC expertise. At that point in time, it was still difficult to validate those types of claims, as everyone was still learning what CMMC would eventually become. With few established benchmarks or references available, we made the best choice we could at the time.

As the relationship continued, I began asking more detailed CMMC questions. Their responses were broad and vague, which made it clear their supposed expertise had just been in pursuit of sales.

Lesson 2: In the early days, it was hard to verify a potential partner’s expertise. Today, you have more available to you. Ask technical, requirement-based questions and request proof of prior CMMC work before choosing a partner.

Don’t Go It Alone

After my first two IT partnerships, I had made some progress on CMMC, but not enough. I briefly decided to handle CMMC myself. I love a challenge, and I’d previously led our certification efforts to become an AS9100 machine shop. I figured if I was intelligent enough to rebuild Air Force engines, I could handle this process. 

But CMMC is different. The requirements are dense and technical, and some sections genuinely felt like reading a foreign language. I eventually decided I needed help from professionals.

Lesson 3: As a machine shop owner, you cannot effectively achieve CMMC Level 2 certification alone. Even if you’re strong in IT and have led other certification efforts, it’s simply a different beast.

Find the Right Partner and Work in Phases

At this point, I was committed to finding an experienced partner and doing extensive due diligence. I interviewed multiple firms that were able to provide clear proof of their expertise in CMMC. 

Ultimately, I found the right partner in Imprimis in Colorado Springs. Their owner has decades of experience working with the DoD, and the firm specializes in CMMC work. They have been key to our success, and I recommend them to any other Colorado machine shop going through this process.

It’s important to note that, even after finding the right partner, the path to CMMC Level 2 certification is a marathon and not a sprint. Our process has included months of significant work followed by stretches of slower progress due to bottlenecks or reviews. That’s relevant to your expenses too, as some months will have significant costs, while others will be lower.

Lesson 4: Achieving CMMC certification takes place in stages, and it takes time. This structure helps distribute the spending and workload over time, but it also means the process is lengthy. Start early, well before a partner requires you to be certified.

What Primes Need to Know

These lessons have primarily been for other machine shops, but I do have a final message for our customers and primes. In many early CMMC contracts, Level 2 work begins with a self-assessed CMMC Level 2 status rather than a full third-party certification. But shops still must be actively progressing toward full Level 2 certification.

Lesson 5: If a shop says they are “almost done,” ask for proof. They should be able to provide documentation such as their scope outline, POA&M, system security plan, and other materials.

This matters for your supply chain, too. Even though we are compliant, we cannot send controlled documents to downstream vendors if they do not meet the necessary standards.

Moving Forward With Confidence

I’m sharing these lessons because I want to help other shops protect sensitive data and strengthen our national defense. Our journey was full of twists and turns, but we’re proud we achieved CMMC early.

If you are a machine shop owner who has questions, don’t hesitate to contact me. 

And if you’re an OEM looking for a CMMC Level 2 manufacturer, request a quote today!

Collaborate on Planning for High-Volume Machining Success

At Focused on Machining, we believe that the strongest manufacturing partnerships are built on trust. When both sides communicate early, it leads to smoother production and better long-term results. And transparency is especially important when you already have a long-term, high-volume machining schedule in place.

If you anticipate scaling production or placing repeat orders, it’s best to let us know your plans early. We can build efficiency into the process from the start, helping you save time and reduce costs down the line.

A Case Study in Clear Communication

Recently, one of our aerospace machining customers sent a purchase order for five line items, with 100 pieces each. It was a relatively straightforward project for our CNC machining services, and we easily fit it into our production schedule.

After seeing the results, the same customer decided to expand our partnership with a much larger order. This time, there were 25 line items with hundreds of complex pieces per line item. Rather than immediately rushing to meet the deadline on their RFQ, we asked whether a staggered schedule could meet their needs. They agreed, and we built a phased production plan across multiple quarters with our contract manufacturing services. 

As a result, the parts are now being delivered ahead of schedule. Without the need for urgent delivery, the customer’s costs remain stable, and we even have capacity to support their other projects as they arise. 

How Production Planning Improves Efficiency

If you’re planning for long-term production, here are a few ways upfront communication allows us to optimize your project:

Prototype to Production

If you already know your eventual production volumes and have orders in place, we can help you optimize your prototype with scalability in mind. That might mean simplifying certain design features or selecting tools that make production faster. Even simply small tweaks can amount to substantial savings in the long term, but these revisions become much more difficult to implement once production has begun.

Material Procurement

Our customers already benefit from better pricing through our supplier relationships. But when we know your long-term material needs, we can buy and store materials in advance, locking in the best possible pricing.

Fixturing for Efficiency

When quantities are small, a large investment in fixturing would not be economical for your project because of the upfront costs and time it adds. But if you’re planning for a large number of parts on a repeat basis, we can invest in the necessary fixturing to enable lights-out production machining services. The upfront investment will be offset in high-volume machining, translating directly into lower per-part costs. 

Reliability You Can Count On: Our On-Time Delivery Rate

Planning for repeat production requires confidence in your manufacturing partner. With Focused on Machining, you can rest easy. Our on-time delivery rate is well above 95%.

That consistency is the result of disciplined scheduling and strong infrastructure. If your partner is late for one delivery in a phased delivery schedule, that can quickly compound and lead to significant delays on future orders. But when your manufacturer is consistently on time, your operations stay on track.

Let’s Partner for Long-Term High-Volume Machining

Whether you’re planning to move from prototype to production or you’re scaling an existing product, collaboration is key. Focused on Machining is dedicated to helping you make the most cost-effective decisions for the long run.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of reliable and transparent CNC machining, contact us today!

Your Trusted Partner for Level 2 CMMC Manufacturing Projects

At Focused on Machining, we’ve spent years taking proactive measures to be ready for CMMC manufacturing Level 2 requirements. As an early adopter, we have had to be trailblazers in some ways, adapting to evolving regulations and determining the best strategies for compliance. But we know that data security is just as vital as precision machining quality in the world of defense manufacturing.

Now, with implementation of CMMC requirements officially beginning, our preparation is paying off. We’re ready to take on your CMMC Level 2-compliant projects immediately.

Reaching the Final Stages of CMMC Readiness

Our team is nearing the finish line of the CMMC Level 2 certification process, with just two major items left to complete before our audit: 

1. Physical Security Upgrades

While CMMC is most often associated with cybersecurity, physical security plays an important role. We’re currently adding electronic door locks to our facility, as well as a digital system that tracks access. These measures complete several key physical security requirements and improve protection across our shop.

2. ERP Data Migration to In-House Servers

Another major step is bringing all ProShop ERP data in-house to our secure local server. This change allows us to maintain the full functionality of ProShop while increasing control over data access and storage. The move enhances protection for sensitive customer information without adding any additional ERP fees that could impact pricing at our Colorado machine shop.

Ready for Your CMMC Level 2 Projects Today

We’re positioned to meet the Department of Defense's requirements for handling CMMC work immediately, even as we complete these final steps. We expect to fully satisfy the FAR clause shortly, and we’re in the process of scheduling an official audit.

In the meantime, we have a formal Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), which allows us to maintain eligibility for CMMC manufacturing projects as we complete final improvements. Limited, temporary use of a POA&M for non-critical items is permitted, which means we can begin your CMMC work now.

Why CMMC Is So Important to Us

Our pursuit of CMMC is a reflection of our values as a company. As a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, defense work carries special meaning for us. 

Our owner, Justin Quinn, is an Air Force veteran who understands firsthand the importance of protecting national security and sensitive data. Every improvement we’ve made helps ensure our customers’ data and designs are handled with care.

Partner With Focused on Machining for CMMC Manufacturing

After years of preparation, we’re proud to be ready for your CMMC Level 2 projects. If you’re looking for a trusted manufacturing partner who takes security as seriously as you do, Focused on Machining will deliver.

Contact our precision machine shop today about your next CMMC project!

Material Spotlight: Mastering 2000 Series Aluminum at Our Colorado Machine Shop

At Focused on Machining, we’ve machined countless materials over the years, but aluminum is at the core of what we do. The majority of our projects are aluminum parts, and our team has developed unmatched expertise in machining this metal. That knowledge translates to faster lead times and more competitive pricing for our customers. 

One material we’ve been seeing more frequently is 2000 series aluminum. Learn more about this alloy family and why our experience gives us an edge.

Understanding the Basics of 2000 Series Aluminum

2000 series aluminum alloys are primarily alloyed with copper, which allows them to be precipitation hardened to achieve very high strength levels. That copper content, however, also makes them more susceptible to corrosion compared to some other aluminum series.

Because of their strength-to-weight ratio, these alloys have been widely employed in aerospace machining for decades. Aircraft components and structural parts often rely on 2000 series, and we’ve manufactured parts like flanges and components for cryogenic systems. While some aerospace manufacturers prefer options like 7000 series aluminum, 2000 series remains a popular choice in the industry.

Aluminum Expertise Comes From Experience

We have tackled many projects with 2000 series aluminum, especially grades 2024 and 2219. Because of our experience providing both aluminum and copper machining services, these projects are a natural fit for our shop.

Our team has found that machining speeds for these materials fall between soft alloys like 6000 series aluminum and pure copper. Through extensive testing and process refinement, we’ve found the sweet spot where we maximize speed without ever compromising accuracy or risking costly scrap. 

Why Choose FOM for 2000 Series Aluminum Projects

By partnering with Focused on Machining for your 2000 series aluminum parts, you benefit from the full capabilities of a trusted manufacturing partner:

Short lead times: Not only are we well versed in the best speeds and feeds for 2000 series aluminum, our team’s all-around efficiency leads to better setups and tool paths for fast turnaround.

Competitive pricing: Our experience allows us to run parts smarter, keeping your costs under control.

Lights-out efficiency: Our advanced automation and unattended machining let us run production 24/7 to maximize throughput, a critical feature of our contract manufacturing services. 

Complex parts and 5-axis machining: Our team can handle even the toughest designs in 2000 series aluminum parts like intricate aerospace components.

Trusted network of finishing vendors: 2000 series aluminum is less corrosion resistant than some other aluminum alloys, but our network of trusted vendors can provide treatments like chem film and anodizing to help protect your parts.

Let Us Handle Your Next Aluminum Project

If you need a reliable partner for your next aluminum project, try us out! We combine advanced equipment and a proven track record in aluminum parts for a wide variety of customers. Whether you’re in aerospace, defense, or another demanding industry, we can deliver the results you need.

Request a quote today and see why our customers trust us with their aluminum machining needs!

Unlocking New Possibilities with 5-Axis Machining Technology

At Focused on Machining, we’re committed to serving the needs of our customers, and that means we’re continually investing in new technology. In our projects as an aerospace machine shop, in particular, today’s parts often include more challenging features than ever before. To meet those requirements, we’ve expanded our capabilities into 5-axis machining with a major new addition to our shop. 

We are the proud new owners of a DVF 5000 with an eight-pallet auto work changer and 120-tool capacity. This full five-axis machine not only handles complex parts with speed and accuracy, it also enables more lights-out production, making us an even stronger manufacturing partner to our customers.

The Features That Define 5-Axis Parts

Our new machine is a full simultaneous 5-axis machining center, not a three-plus-two configuration. It can move the tool and workpiece along five different axes simultaneously. That allows us to tackle challenging features in fewer setups and with greater accuracy.

Some of the features that are simplified by our new machine include:

Complex Angles: Complex angles are a staple of 5-axis machining. For instance, consider a manifold with offset holes at different angles. This would require extensive fixturing in a vertical machine, adding to cost and lead time. With a 5-axis, we simply rotate to the correct angle and machine it.

3D Surfaces: Curved or contoured surfaces can be completed in far fewer setups with a 5-axis machine. In fact, because our machine moves in all 5 axes at the same time, we can machine some 3D surfaces for customers that weren't possible before. 

For instance, many aerospace parts must fit the skin of a rocket. A panel that bolts to a rocket with a 6-foot diameter would require customized setups and several operations in many machines, but can now be completed in only one or two.

A Closer Look at the Benefits to Our Customers

Beyond complex features, the new machine translates directly into several other benefits for our customers:

Faster production and shorter lead times: With a 20,000 RPM spindle, the DVF 5000 allows us to remove material at higher speeds without sacrificing accuracy. That means faster manufacturing so you get your delivery sooner.

Simultaneous machining: With 120 tools loaded, we can set up the machine to run a range of operations in the same cycle. The machine can switch between tools seamlessly even as it runs families of parts.

Greater lights-out capabilities: Even for complex jobs that require more than a dozen tools, we still have capacity in the tool magazine. Combined with our eight-pallet changer, the machine can be run 24/7 without interruption.

Efficient surface finishing: The high-speed spindle also results in smoother surface finishes. While we’ve always been known for delivering parts with quality surface finishes, this simplifies the process.

Enhancing Our Lights-Out Machining

While this five-axis machine is new to our shop, lights-out production is not. This new addition simply allows us to expand the types of parts we can run in a lights-out environment. Even parts with complex features requiring tight-tolerance machining can be produced lights-out, increasing our capacity without adding labor costs.

As part of our contract manufacturing services, we frequently machine multiple parts that integrate into a customer’s assembly. In the past, we may have delivered individual components piece by piece over months. Now, we can produce and ship all parts of the assembly at the same time. That allows your production team to begin the final assembly process earlier and improve your production timeline. 

See What Our 5-Axis Machining Can Do

If you have a complex design, we’re ready to help. Our new investment means that even the most challenging parts are achievable, often with our efficient lights-out production. 

Request a quote today and we’re confident we’ll soon become your go-to 5-axis machine shop!

Ensuring Stability for Your Project’s CNC Machining Materials

Over the past several years, CNC machining materials have faced a series of market shifts, from price volatility to supply uncertainty. What began with COVID-era supply chain disruptions continued through inflation and tariffs, and now many people are wondering what’s next.

At Focused on Machining, we’re optimistic that prices will stabilize in the coming years. But even if they do, it’s a safe prediction that some future event will lead to more disruption, whether that’s years or decades from now. So what can you do to prepare for these types of challenges? Learn our insights on the current situation and strategies to help you navigate it.

The Current Environment: Navigating Material Changes

This year has brought a range of uncertainty, with a stream of legislative and regulatory developments. Many analysts expect significant price increases, and some material suppliers are now imposing strict customer-based allocations in anticipation of potential shortages. 

Until recently, most suppliers for precision machine shops had access to as much material as they requested, but now supply levels (both internationally and domestically) seem to be in flux, leading to rising prices for materials like aluminum.

The specific causes are different, but the underlying message is the same as the problems resulting from the COVID crisis: the supply chain is complex, and that can lead to disruptions from unexpected events. If you’re seeking precision parts, partnering with a domestic supplier can help you avoid many of these challenges. But if you’re sourcing materials, the problem requires different strategies.

One Proven Option: Long-Term Agreements

In these situations, we’ve previously recommended a variety of strategies. The simplest, in many cases, is to choose a different material or select a different temper or grade of the same material. For example, if a project involved 6000-series aluminum during past material shortages, we sometimes suggested T651 as an alternative to 6061-T6. Whether for machinability or availability, we often help customers find comparable materials that meet their performance needs.

Yet substitutions aren’t always the long-term solution that customers are looking for. In those cases, we often recommend long-term contract manufacturing services. These agreements can stabilize both your part pricing and material costs. In the past, we’ve secured supplier agreements based on volume purchasing, and we can even buy material for your project upfront and store it in our facility.

In a manufacturing landscape that can change overnight, this type of stability can be a significant advantage. If you need 17-4 stainless for your parts, for instance, it may be easy to source today, but it’s hard to know what the future may hold. When we secure the material in advance, you don’t have to worry about availability or price hikes.

What’s Next for CNC Machining Materials?

Whatever happens in the short term, we feel confident that materials will stabilize in the coming years because, historically, they always have. This could come from expanded U.S. production or from smoother import processes.

But we also recognize that your business can’t wait for the long term. That’s why it’s critical to have a strategic manufacturing partner like Focused on Machining. We always aim to provide insightful guidance for the challenges you’re facing right now even as we keep an eye on what’s ahead.

Let’s Partner on Your Next Project

If you need high-volume machining services or long-term contract manufacturing, our team is ready to help. Request a quote today to collaborate with our Colorado machine shop and secure stable pricing on CNC machining materials!