Secretary Hegseth Tour: Get Compliant Or Get Left
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is walking shop floors in New England this week to inspect the "Arsenal of Freedom." If your shop isn't secure enough to handle the DoD’s data, you aren't even on the map.
The "Arsenal of Freedom" has no room for non-compliant shops.
What Happened
This week, Secretary Hegseth toured defense facilities in New England. It wasn't a photo op. He was there to inspect the industrial base. The tour focused on the "Arsenal of Freedom." That means increasing production capacity and securing the supply chain.
The DoD also announced a push for AI integration. They signed a memo with the Agriculture Department to protect U.S. land and resources.
This tells us one thing. The government is tightening its grip. They are physically visiting shops. They are checking who can handle the next generation of tech. They are looking for reliable partners, not security risks.
Why Your Shop Should Care
It is February 2026. The grace period is over. Here is how this news hits your bottom line:
- You Can't Hide: The Secretary is putting boots on the ground. The DoD knows exactly who is making their parts. If you are part of the "Arsenal," you must prove you are secure.
- AI Means More CUI: The push for "AI Integration" means your shop will handle more complex data. That counts as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). More data means stricter CMMC controls.
- The Timeline is Gone: We are deep into the rollout. Contracts being signed today have the CMMC clause. If you don't have your certification or a verified high SPRS score, you can't bid. You are scrapping parts before you even cut them.
What To Do Next
Stop waiting for the rules to change back. They won't.
- Check Your SPRS Score: Log in today. If your score is negative or low, you are a liability. Fix it.
- Lock Down AI Usage: If your machinists use AI tools for code or scheduling, document it. The DoD is watching this now. Ensure it doesn't leak data.
- Book Your Assessment: There are over 118,000 contractors and limited assessors. The line is long. Get your ticket now before you lose a contract.
Bottom Line
The Secretary of War is looking for shops that are ready to fight. He isn't looking for shops that leave the back door open for hackers.
Get your shop secure. Get compliant. Or get ready to close your doors.
Next Steps:
Use our CMMC Calculator to estimate your compliance timeline and cost.
