Partnering with the Department of Defense (DoD) demands a commitment to cybersecurity. All organizations interacting with the federal government must adhere to NIST 800-171 mandates, a requirement binding on both prime contractors and subcontractors supporting DoD contracts.
Entrusted with Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), you're tasked with maintaining rigorous cybersecurity practices. The federal government monitors your compliance via the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). To fortify your DoD collaboration and secure contracts, ensuring your SPRS scores accurately reflects your compliance is critical to your success.
These are the applicable cybersecurity requirements in DoD contracts. Click the link to learn more about each clause and how it applies to your business.
FAR 52.205-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems
DFARS 252.204-7012 - Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting
DFARS 252.204-7019 - Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements
DFARS 252.204-7020 - NIST SP 800-171DoD Assessment Requirements
Navigating the Compliance Process
Assessment Scoping: Determine where FCI/CUI resides within your organization.
NIST 800-171 Assessment: Verify adherence to NIST 800-171 controls and identify gaps.
Gap Identification and Strategy: Pinpoint gaps and strategize remedies for non-compliant controls.
System Security Plan (SSP): The core of NIST 800-171 compliance. This provides a detailed overview of IT infrastructure and security practices.
Defense contractors are mandated to present a thorough SSP.
Strategic Plans of Action & Milestones (POAMs): Highlight your tactics to resolve non-compliance. If NIST 800-171 compliance isn't complete, a POA&M delineating milestones and timelines is essential. As security measures advance, your POAMs should evolve.
Report Your SPRS Score: After conducting the above steps, evaluate and calculate your compliance level, which will be represented by a score. It's imperative to report this score accurately to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), as it plays a significant role in reflecting your commitment and adherence to the set standards.
Maintaining Vigilance in Cybersecurity
Post-assessment, the journey doesn't end. Regularly monitor your security stance, renew documentation annually, and refresh SPRS scores every three years, reinforcing your unwavering commitment to cybersecurity and the protection of government data.
Empower Your DoD Cybersecurity Compliance with MC3 Technologies
We understand that meeting these requirements can be challenging, especially for small businesses with limited time and resources.
As a recognized leader in DoD cybersecurity, MC3 Technologies is a Cyber AB certified CMMC Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO). Our seasoned team is geared to steer you through NIST 800-171 intricacies and optimize your SPRS scores.
Our offerings help you meet existing federal criteria and prepare for looming CMMC Level 1 or 2 benchmarks. In tandem with your IT teams, we tailor a security approach for you, we lead the charge in all phases of compliance from assessment to ongoing compliance to secure your business’s future. With our team’s backing, we can ensure your eligibility for DoD contracts.
Reach out today for unrivaled support in demystifying requirements, guided assessments, calculation of an accurate SPRS score, and crafting of essential documentation to ensure compliance.
