In the fast-paced realm of defense contracting, where deadlines loom and collaborations span multiple teams, CUI spillage can emerge as an unexpected roadblock to achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2. Drawing from our hands-on experience steering contractors through NIST SP 800-171 assessments and CMMC certifications, I've witnessed how this issue can quietly undermine even well-prepared organizations. But fear not—by grasping the nuances of CU