How Siemens Accelerated CMMC Level 2 Readiness with a Secure GCC High Environment

For defense manufacturers, achieving CMMC Level 2 readiness is not a single project. It is a coordinated effort across secure infrastructure, compliance documentation, people, and process. Siemens, operating in manufacturing and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), needed a secure Microsoft GCC High and Azure Government environment capable of protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and aligning to NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2, all on a compressed timeline and across multiple business units. Working with Planet, Siemens built that foundation and accelerated its path to a formal CMMC assessment.

The Challenge: Protecting CUI and Preparing for CMMC Level 2

To support evolving DoD cybersecurity requirements, Siemens needed a secure and scalable environment capable of supporting CUI while aligning to NIST SP 800-171 and upcoming CMMC Level 2 requirements. The need extended well beyond a single system. Siemens had to modernize collaboration securely, protect sensitive defense-related data, improve threat detection and visibility, and bring multiple business units under one compliant framework, while preparing for a formal assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).

Meeting those requirements meant they needed a hands-on partner with deep Microsoft expertise in GCC High, Azure Government, and compliance operations—one that could navigate the full complexity of the CMMC certification process, not just deliver technology.

The Planet Approach: Building a CMMC-Ready GCC High Environment

Siemens selected Planet to design, deploy, and operationalize a secure Microsoft GCC High and Azure Government enclave built specifically for regulated defense workloads, as well as guide them through the compliance work required to become CMMC Level 2 assessment ready. The engagement spanned five connected efforts.

1. CMMC Rapid Enclave Deployment

Planet stood up a production-ready Microsoft 365 GCC High and Azure Government enclave in just seven weeks, using a secure landing zone designed for regulated defense workloads. The environment brought multiple business units under a single compliant framework and included the core building blocks of a modern secure workplace: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) for secure access, Microsoft Intune for endpoint management, and secure collaboration across Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive in GCC High. This rapid, structured deployment compressed what is often the slowest phase of the CMMC journey into a matter of weeks.

2. Audit-Ready Documentation

Technology alone does not pass a CMMC assessment—documentation does. Planet authored and updated Siemens’ System Security Plan (SSP), developed the supporting policies and compliance artifacts, and mapped the environment to NIST SP 800-171, covering alignment to 110 CMMC controls and 61 NFO (Non-Federal Organization) controls. The result was a defensible, audit-ready documentation framework that gave Siemens a clear, evidence-backed view of its compliance posture.

3. End-User Training and Secure Adoption

A secure environment only delivers value when people can work in it confidently. Planet helped the team at Siemens operate effectively within GCC High, including secure collaboration across Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, proper handling of CUI, and day-to-day workflows in the new environment. Building user fluency early reduced friction, reinforced secure behavior, and helped protect sensitive data from day one.

4. Mock C3PAO Assessment and Remediation

To ensure Siemens entered its formal Level 2 assessment with no surprises, Planet conducted a mock CMMC assessment modeled on the C3PAO process. This dry run surfaced gaps against the required controls and gave Siemens a prioritized path to close them. Planet then supported targeted remediation, resolving findings, and strengthening both the environment and the documentation ahead of the official assessment.

5. C3PAO Assessment Support

During Siemens’ formal assessment with a C3PAO, Planet provided hands-on guidance throughout the process helping Siemens present evidence, respond to assessor questions, and navigate the requirements with a partner experienced in CMMC assessments.

The Impact: From Rapid Deployment to Assessment-Ready Operations

With Planet’s help, Siemens established a modern, secure, and compliance-ready cloud environment built to support highly regulated defense operations. Measurable outcomes included:

• A production-ready Microsoft GCC High enclave deployed in just seven weeks, accelerating one of the most complex phases of the CMMC journey.
• Support for alignment across 110 CMMC controls and 61 NFO controls, giving Siemens a stronger, evidence-backed compliance posture.
• A complete System Security Plan and supporting documentation framework designed to withstand assessor scrutiny.
• A mock C3PAO-style assessment and targeted remediation plan that helped Siemens enter the formal assessment process with greater confidence and fewer surprises.
• Secure collaboration enabled across Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive in GCC High, helping users work productively while protecting sensitive defense-related data.
• Improved threat detection and incident response through Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender, strengthening visibility across the environment.
• Reduced operational burden through managed security and compliance services that support continuous improvement beyond the initial deployment.

Beyond the initial engagement, Planet delivered ongoing managed security and compliance services, using Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender to strengthen threat detection and incident response and to help Siemens continuously mature its security posture over time.

By partnering with Planet, Siemens accelerated its path toward CMMC Level 2 readiness while building a scalable security foundation for the future. The engagement delivered more than compliant infrastructure; it gave Siemen’s the operational processes, security visibility, governance framework, and expert guidance needed to confidently support defense-related business in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.