# Charleston HST Secures CMMC Level 2 Certification

High Side Technology (HST), based in Charleston, South Carolina, achieved final CMMC Level 2 certification after a C3PAO assessment validated all 110 NIST SP 800-171 requirements in its controlled unclassified information environment, with no outstanding POA&M items. The certification is recorded in SPRS, is valid for three years subject to annual affirmation, and may support HST’s eligibility for Department of War contracts that require Level 2 certification. The article notes that the department suspended the Level 2 requirement in July 2026, so the certification’s immediate procurement relevance depends on solicitation-specific requirements.

- Contractors pursuing Department of War work should check each solicitation for its current CMMC level requirements rather than assume Level 2 certification is universally required.
- HST’s certification provides a documented credential for qualifying opportunities that do require Level 2; contractors holding the certification must continue annual affirmation to maintain it.
- C3PAO validation of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 requirements, with no open POA&M items, illustrates the assessed security posture behind HST’s certification.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of War (DoW)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

### Vendors
- High Side Technology, Inc. (HST) (CMMC Level 2-certified prospective contractor)
- Kratos Technology & Training Solutions, Inc. (C3PAO assessor)
- Peerless Tech Solutions (Technical and advisory support provider)

### Key Quotes
> Our achievement of Final CMMC Level 2 certification with a C3PAO assessment reflects our commitment to protecting sensitive customer missions and providing cutting-edge, resilient capabilities across all domains.
> — Dean Carlson, Chief Technology Officer, High Side Technology

> Achieving this milestone is the result of our keen mission focus and planned investments in our people, processes, and systems.
> — Terry Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, High Side Technology

### Sources
- [High Side Technology Achieves Final CMMC Level 2 Certification](https://www.01net.it/high-side-technology-achieves-final-cmmc-level-2-certification) - 01net