PROTECT YOUR FEDERAL BUSINESS WITH NIST SP 800-171 COMPLIANCE
Required baseline cybersecurity controls for any contractor handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Essential for maintaining DoD, DHS, and GSA contracts, and for pre-CMMC readiness.
Required baseline cybersecurity controls for any contractor handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Essential for maintaining DoD, DHS, and GSA contracts, and for pre-CMMC readiness.
The Foundation of Federal Cybersecurity
The Foundation of Federal Cybersecurity
The Foundation of Federal Cybersecurity
Why NIST 800-171 Matters
Why CMMC
Matters
NIST SP 800-171 sets the cybersecurity baseline for contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Required under DFARS 252.204-7012, it protects sensitive data, supports CMMC readiness, and keeps your organization eligible for federal contracts.
01
Regulatory Requirement
DFARS 252.204-7012 requires NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment and an SPRS score submission to stay eligible for DoD contracts.
01
Regulatory Requirement
DFARS 252.204-7012 requires NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment and an SPRS score submission to stay eligible for DoD contracts.
01
Regulatory Requirement
DFARS 252.204-7012 requires NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment and an SPRS score submission to stay eligible for DoD contracts.
02
Competitive Advantage
Prime contractors prefer partners with verified NIST compliance and published SPRS scores, helping you stand out in bids.
02
Competitive Advantage
Prime contractors prefer partners with verified NIST compliance and published SPRS scores, helping you stand out in bids.
02
Competitive Advantage
Prime contractors prefer partners with verified NIST compliance and published SPRS scores, helping you stand out in bids.
03
Cyber Resilience
Implementing NIST controls strengthens your security posture, reduces risk, and can lower cyber insurance costs.
03
Cyber Resilience
Implementing NIST controls strengthens your security posture, reduces risk, and can lower cyber insurance costs.
03
Cyber Resilience
Implementing NIST controls strengthens your security posture, reduces risk, and can lower cyber insurance costs.
Common Challenges in the Process
Common Challenges in the Process
Common Challenges in the Process
Where Businesses Get Stuck
Where Businesses Get Stuck
Control Mapping Confusion
Interpreting the 110 NIST controls can be difficult without technical context, leading to incomplete or incorrect documentation.
Control Mapping Confusion
Interpreting the 110 NIST controls can be difficult without technical context, leading to incomplete or incorrect documentation.
Control Mapping Confusion
Interpreting the 110 NIST controls can be difficult without technical context, leading to incomplete or incorrect documentation.
SPRS Score Submission
Many contractors don’t realize they must calculate and upload their SPRS score in the DoD portal to be recognized as compliant.
SPRS Score Submission
Many contractors don’t realize they must calculate and upload their SPRS score in the DoD portal to be recognized as compliant.
SPRS Score Submission
Many contractors don’t realize they must calculate and upload their SPRS score in the DoD portal to be recognized as compliant.
System Security Plan (SSP)
Most templates are too generic or outdated. A tailored SSP is required to describe your specific systems, users, and security measures.
System Security Plan (SSP)
Most templates are too generic or outdated. A tailored SSP is required to describe your specific systems, users, and security measures.
System Security Plan (SSP)
Most templates are too generic or outdated. A tailored SSP is required to describe your specific systems, users, and security measures.
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Missing due dates, costs, or responsible roles in your POA&M can cause delays or failed assessments.
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Missing due dates, costs, or responsible roles in your POA&M can cause delays or failed assessments.
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Missing due dates, costs, or responsible roles in your POA&M can cause delays or failed assessments.
Evidence Collection
Without proper screenshots, logs, or audit trails, you can’t prove compliance during a DFARS or DCMA audit.
Evidence Collection
Without proper screenshots, logs, or audit trails, you can’t prove compliance during a DFARS or DCMA audit.
Evidence Collection
Without proper screenshots, logs, or audit trails, you can’t prove compliance during a DFARS or DCMA audit.
Your Compliance Deliverables
Your Compliance Deliverables
Your Compliance Deliverables
What You’ll Receive
Get everything you need to assess, document, and prove NIST SP 800-171 compliance. Each deliverable is designed to satisfy DFARS requirements and prepare you for future CMMC audits.
Get everything you need to assess, document, and prove NIST SP 800-171 compliance. Each deliverable is designed to satisfy DFARS requirements and prepare you for future CMMC audits.
Get everything you need to assess, document, and prove NIST SP 800-171 compliance. Each deliverable is designed to satisfy DFARS requirements and prepare you for future CMMC audits.
01
Gap Assessment Report
A full analysis of your environment measured against all 110 NIST controls, highlighting strengths and gaps.
01
Gap Assessment Report
A full analysis of your environment measured against all 110 NIST controls, highlighting strengths and gaps.
01
Gap Assessment Report
A full analysis of your environment measured against all 110 NIST controls, highlighting strengths and gaps.
02
System Security Plan (SSP)
A tailored SSP that documents your network, policies, and controls, required for DFARS submission and ongoing audits.
02
System Security Plan (SSP)
A tailored SSP that documents your network, policies, and controls, required for DFARS submission and ongoing audits.
02
System Security Plan (SSP)
A tailored SSP that documents your network, policies, and controls, required for DFARS submission and ongoing audits.
03
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
A clear roadmap detailing tasks, deadlines, and responsible roles for closing identified gaps.
03
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
A clear roadmap detailing tasks, deadlines, and responsible roles for closing identified gaps.
03
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
A clear roadmap detailing tasks, deadlines, and responsible roles for closing identified gaps.
04
SPRS Score Calculation & Submission
We calculate your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score and guide you through secure portal submission.
04
SPRS Score Calculation & Submission
We calculate your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score and guide you through secure portal submission.
04
SPRS Score Calculation & Submission
We calculate your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score and guide you through secure portal submission.
05
Policy & Procedure Templates
Ready-to-use CMMC-aligned templates that simplify creating compliant cybersecurity and access control policies.
05
Policy & Procedure Templates
Ready-to-use CMMC-aligned templates that simplify creating compliant cybersecurity and access control policies.
05
Policy & Procedure Templates
Ready-to-use CMMC-aligned templates that simplify creating compliant cybersecurity and access control policies.
06
Readiness Consultation
A one-hour expert session to review your findings, answer questions, and outline next steps for remediation.
06
Readiness Consultation
A one-hour expert session to review your findings, answer questions, and outline next steps for remediation.
06
Readiness Consultation
A one-hour expert session to review your findings, answer questions, and outline next steps for remediation.
Staying Compliant After Assessment
Staying Compliant After Assessment
Staying Compliant After Assessment
Your Responsibilities After Award
Compliance doesn’t end with your assessment. To stay audit-ready and protect your contracts, your documentation and evidence must remain current.
Maintain Your SSP and POA&M
Update your System Security Plan and remediation roadmap at least once a year or whenever your systems change.
Maintain Your SSP and POA&M
Update your System Security Plan and remediation roadmap at least once a year or whenever your systems change.
Maintain Your SSP and POA&M
Update your System Security Plan and remediation roadmap at least once a year or whenever your systems change.
Report Incidents Promptly
If a cyber incident occurs, you must report it through the DoD DIB portal within 72 hours as required by DFARS 7012.
Report Incidents Promptly
If a cyber incident occurs, you must report it through the DoD DIB portal within 72 hours as required by DFARS 7012.
Report Incidents Promptly
If a cyber incident occurs, you must report it through the DoD DIB portal within 72 hours as required by DFARS 7012.
Keep Evidence Ready
Store logs, screenshots, training records, and audit trails that prove ongoing compliance during reviews.
Keep Evidence Ready
Store logs, screenshots, training records, and audit trails that prove ongoing compliance during reviews.
Keep Evidence Ready
Store logs, screenshots, training records, and audit trails that prove ongoing compliance during reviews.
Use FedRAMP-Approved Cloud Services
If you store CUI in the cloud, ensure your provider meets FedRAMP Moderate equivalency standards.
Use FedRAMP-Approved Cloud Services
If you store CUI in the cloud, ensure your provider meets FedRAMP Moderate equivalency standards.
Use FedRAMP-Approved Cloud Services
If you store CUI in the cloud, ensure your provider meets FedRAMP Moderate equivalency standards.
how they connect
how they connect
how they connect
NIST vs CMMC vs DFARS
Why CMMC
Matters
Confused about overlapping requirements? Here’s how they align:
regulation
what it covers
your obligation
far 52.204-21
Basic Safeguarding of Federal Contract Information (FCI).
Applies to all federal contractors handling FCI.
dfars 252.204-7012
Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). |
Follow NIST 800-171 and report incidents to DoD.
NIST SP 800-171
110 security controls protecting CUI.
Implement controls and submit your SPRS score.
CMMC Level 1–2
Verifies compliance with NIST requirements.
Earn certification to compete for CMMC contracts.
framework
what it covers
your obligation
far 52.204-21
Basic safeguarding of FCI
Applies to most federal contracts
dfars 252.204-7012
NIST 800-171 safeguarding CDI
Cyber incident reporting, controls for sensitive info
UNLIMITED BRANDS
Verification of FAR safeguarding via SPRS self-attestation
Required for contracts with FCI under DFARS 252.204-7024
framework
what it covers
your obligation
far 52.204-21
Basic safeguarding of FCI
Applies to most federal contracts
dfars 252.204-7012
NIST 800-171 safeguarding CDI
Cyber incident reporting, controls for sensitive info
UNLIMITED BRANDS
Verification of FAR safeguarding via SPRS self-attestation
Required for contracts with FCI under DFARS 252.204-7024
Why Compliance Matters
Why Compliance Matters
Why Compliance Matters
Risks of Non-Compliance
Failing to meet NIST 800-171 or DFARS 7012 requirements can put your contracts and reputation at risk. Staying compliant protects your business and builds trust with federal partners.
Failing to meet NIST 800-171 or DFARS 7012 requirements can put your contracts and reputation at risk. Staying compliant protects your business and builds trust with federal partners.
Bid disqualification
You may be ineligible for DoD or federal contracts if your SPRS score is missing or outdated.
Bid disqualification
You may be ineligible for DoD or federal contracts if your SPRS score is missing or outdated.
Bid disqualification
You may be ineligible for DoD or federal contracts if your SPRS score is missing or outdated.
Contract Termination
Failure to maintain NIST compliance can trigger termination for default under DFARS 7012 flow-down clauses.
Contract Termination
Failure to maintain NIST compliance can trigger termination for default under DFARS 7012 flow-down clauses.
Contract Termination
Failure to maintain NIST compliance can trigger termination for default under DFARS 7012 flow-down clauses.
False Claims Act Liability
Submitting inaccurate or misrepresented scores can result in penalties under the DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative.
False Claims Act Liability
Submitting inaccurate or misrepresented scores can result in penalties under the DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative.
False Claims Act Liability
Submitting inaccurate or misrepresented scores can result in penalties under the DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative.
Audit Findings
DCMA or DoD reviewers can issue Corrective Action Requests (CARs) if your SSP, POA&M, or evidence is incomplete.
Audit Findings
DCMA or DoD reviewers can issue Corrective Action Requests (CARs) if your SSP, POA&M, or evidence is incomplete.
Audit Findings
DCMA or DoD reviewers can issue Corrective Action Requests (CARs) if your SSP, POA&M, or evidence is incomplete.
Turn Compliance Into Opportunity
Turn Compliance Into Opportunity
Turn Compliance Into Opportunity
Make Your Compliance Work for You
Once your NIST 800-171 assessment is complete, your verified status can strengthen proposals, partnerships, and federal visibility.
Once your NIST 800-171 assessment is complete, your verified status can strengthen proposals, partnerships, and federal visibility.
Upload Your SPRS Score
Publish your verified score to the DoD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) to demonstrate accountability and readiness.
Upload Your SPRS Score
Publish your verified score to the DoD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) to demonstrate accountability and readiness.
Upload Your SPRS Score
Publish your verified score to the DoD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) to demonstrate accountability and readiness.
Showcase Your Compliance Badge
Add your “Cybersecurity Compliant” badge to your capability statement, proposals, and website to build immediate trust with contracting officers.
Showcase Your Compliance Badge
Add your “Cybersecurity Compliant” badge to your capability statement, proposals, and website to build immediate trust with contracting officers.
Showcase Your Compliance Badge
Add your “Cybersecurity Compliant” badge to your capability statement, proposals, and website to build immediate trust with contracting officers.
Prepare for CMMC Level 2
NIST 800-171 compliance puts you within reach of CMMC Level , only a few additional controls are required.
Prepare for CMMC Level 2
NIST 800-171 compliance puts you within reach of CMMC Level , only a few additional controls are required.
Prepare for CMMC Level 2
NIST 800-171 compliance puts you within reach of CMMC Level , only a few additional controls are required.
Strengthen Partner Relationships
Prime contractors actively seek compliant subcontractors. A strong SPRS score helps you stand out in teaming opportunities.
Strengthen Partner Relationships
Prime contractors actively seek compliant subcontractors. A strong SPRS score helps you stand out in teaming opportunities.
Strengthen Partner Relationships
Prime contractors actively seek compliant subcontractors. A strong SPRS score helps you stand out in teaming opportunities.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Everything you need to prepare, document, and maintain your NIST SP 800-171 compliance. clearly priced, no surprises.
NIST Compliance Package
Complete end-to-end support for achieving and maintaining NIST SP 800-171 compliance.
$6,500 / per assessment
Drafted System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
SPRS score calculation and submission assistance
Policy and procedure templates (CMMC-ready wording)
60-minute consultation on corrective actions
Comprehensive gap assessment against all 110 controls
NIST Compliance Package
Complete end-to-end support for achieving and maintaining NIST SP 800-171 compliance.
$6,500 / per assessment
Drafted System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
SPRS score calculation and submission assistance
Policy and procedure templates (CMMC-ready wording)
60-minute consultation on corrective actions
Comprehensive gap assessment against all 110 controls
NIST Compliance Package
Complete end-to-end support for achieving and maintaining NIST SP 800-171 compliance.
$6,500 / per assessment
Drafted System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
SPRS score calculation and submission assistance
Policy and procedure templates (CMMC-ready wording)
60-minute consultation on corrective actions
Comprehensive gap assessment against all 110 controls
More Than Just Compliance
More Than Just Compliance
More Than Just Compliance
Show Your Commitment to Federal Cybersecurity
Your NIST SP 800-171 completion earns you a verified ProposalWin Compliance Badge, a trusted mark you can feature on your website, proposals, and capability statements to demonstrate cybersecurity readiness and DFARS 7012 alignment.
Upon completing your NIST SP 800-171 assessment with ProposalWin, you’ll receive a verified ProposalWin Certification Badge that highlights your organization’s compliance and professionalism.
Upon completing your NIST SP 800-171 assessment with ProposalWin, you’ll receive a verified ProposalWin Certification Badge that highlights your organization’s compliance and professionalism.
Upon completing your NIST SP 800-171 assessment with ProposalWin, you’ll receive a verified ProposalWin Certification Badge that highlights your organization’s compliance and professionalism.
Display it proudly on your website, proposals, and capability statements to show agencies and partners your business takes cybersecurity seriously.
Display it proudly on your website, proposals, and capability statements to show agencies and partners your business takes cybersecurity seriously.
Display it proudly on your website, proposals, and capability statements to show agencies and partners your business takes cybersecurity seriously.
It’s a mark of trust and credibility that strengthens your brand in the federal market.
It’s a mark of trust and credibility that strengthens your brand in the federal market.
It’s a mark of trust and credibility that strengthens your brand in the federal market.
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
NIST SP 800-171 FAQs
NIST SP 800-171 FAQs
Everything you need to know about NIST compliance, self-assessments, and staying audit-ready.
Everything you need to know about NIST compliance, self-assessments, and staying audit-ready.
Do I need NIST SP 800-171 if I already have CMMC Level 1?
Yes. CMMC Level 1 covers Federal Contract Information (FCI), while NIST SP 800-171 applies to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). If your organization stores, processes, or transmits CUI, NIST SP 800-171 compliance is required under DFARS 252.204-7012.
How do I submit my SPRS score to the government?
You’ll log in to the DoD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) portal at https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/ using your company’s PIEE account. Then complete the NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment, enter your score, assessment date, and planned completion date for open items.
What’s the difference between the SSP and POA&M?
Your System Security Plan (SSP) explains your environment, systems, and how each of the 110 NIST controls is met. Your Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) lists any gaps, responsible parties, and target completion dates. Together, they form the foundation of your compliance documentation.
What is a “System Boundary”?
A system boundary defines the scope of your assessment — which networks, systems, and assets store, process, or transmit CUI. It helps ensure your SSP focuses only on relevant infrastructure.
How often do I have to update my assessment?
The DoD requires reassessments at least every three years, or sooner if your environment changes significantly. However, best practice is to update your SSP, POA&M, and evidence regularly to stay ready for an audit.
Can ProposalWin help if I already started my NIST compliance but got stuck?
Absolutely. ProposalWin can review your current SSP, POA&M, and SPRS documentation, identify missing elements, and complete your package for submission. We specialize in helping teams finish strong and stay compliant.
Do I need NIST SP 800-171 if I already have CMMC Level 1?
Yes. CMMC Level 1 covers Federal Contract Information (FCI), while NIST SP 800-171 applies to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). If your organization stores, processes, or transmits CUI, NIST SP 800-171 compliance is required under DFARS 252.204-7012.
How do I submit my SPRS score to the government?
You’ll log in to the DoD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) portal at https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/ using your company’s PIEE account. Then complete the NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment, enter your score, assessment date, and planned completion date for open items.
What’s the difference between the SSP and POA&M?
Your System Security Plan (SSP) explains your environment, systems, and how each of the 110 NIST controls is met. Your Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) lists any gaps, responsible parties, and target completion dates. Together, they form the foundation of your compliance documentation.
What is a “System Boundary”?
A system boundary defines the scope of your assessment — which networks, systems, and assets store, process, or transmit CUI. It helps ensure your SSP focuses only on relevant infrastructure.
How often do I have to update my assessment?
The DoD requires reassessments at least every three years, or sooner if your environment changes significantly. However, best practice is to update your SSP, POA&M, and evidence regularly to stay ready for an audit.
Can ProposalWin help if I already started my NIST compliance but got stuck?
Absolutely. ProposalWin can review your current SSP, POA&M, and SPRS documentation, identify missing elements, and complete your package for submission. We specialize in helping teams finish strong and stay compliant.
Do I need NIST SP 800-171 if I already have CMMC Level 1?
Yes. CMMC Level 1 covers Federal Contract Information (FCI), while NIST SP 800-171 applies to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). If your organization stores, processes, or transmits CUI, NIST SP 800-171 compliance is required under DFARS 252.204-7012.
How do I submit my SPRS score to the government?
You’ll log in to the DoD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) portal at https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/ using your company’s PIEE account. Then complete the NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment, enter your score, assessment date, and planned completion date for open items.
What’s the difference between the SSP and POA&M?
Your System Security Plan (SSP) explains your environment, systems, and how each of the 110 NIST controls is met. Your Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) lists any gaps, responsible parties, and target completion dates. Together, they form the foundation of your compliance documentation.
What is a “System Boundary”?
A system boundary defines the scope of your assessment — which networks, systems, and assets store, process, or transmit CUI. It helps ensure your SSP focuses only on relevant infrastructure.
How often do I have to update my assessment?
The DoD requires reassessments at least every three years, or sooner if your environment changes significantly. However, best practice is to update your SSP, POA&M, and evidence regularly to stay ready for an audit.
Can ProposalWin help if I already started my NIST compliance but got stuck?
Absolutely. ProposalWin can review your current SSP, POA&M, and SPRS documentation, identify missing elements, and complete your package for submission. We specialize in helping teams finish strong and stay compliant.
Ready to Secure Your Contracts?
Protect your data, strengthen your compliance, and move one step closer to CMMC certification.