March 3, 2026 — Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has officially achieved CMMC Level 2 certification through an independent, third-party assessment, demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity best practices for government and industry.
The U.S. government created the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program to enhance security of sensitive information. It provides a framework designed to validate requirements recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
“Our leadership has made a significant investment into CMMC,” said Stephan Polinsky, SwRI’s chief information security officer. “SwRI is working to integrate these practices into business lifecycles to ensure consistent adherence to secure procedures across the organization for years to come.”
The certification applies to SwRI’s Intelligent Systems and Mechanical Engineering divisions. Level 2 certification can only be obtained through an independent self-assessment authorized by a third-party CMMC assessment organization.
“This independent assessment demonstrates a commitment to the rigor of the process,” said Dr. Steve Dellenback, vice president of the Intelligent Systems Division. “We are proud to be an early adopter and to have achieved the Level 2 certification.”
To obtain Level 2 certification, SwRI had to meet 110 requirements related to topics such as access controls, awareness, training, accountability, incident response, personnel security, physical protection and more. The certification will be up for renewal in three years. SwRI will affirm its compliance with security requirements annually.
“Adhering to the CMMC program increases our cybersecurity capabilities, allowing us to better protect our clients’ data,” said Dr. Barron Bichon, vice president of the Mechanical Engineering Division. “And over time, the entire Institute and our clients will benefit through a culture that promotes maturing processes.”
SwRI’s Intelligent Systems Division specializes in applied research using computer science and engineering disciplines to solve automation challenges in the transportation, manufacturing and medical environments.
To learn more visit Cybersecurity Services or Robert Crowe, +1 210 522 4630, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166.