At SecMyIT, we specialize in assisting organizations in navigating the complexities of achieving compliance with NIST 800-171 by establishing robust security protocols to protect against cyber threats.
As of December 31, 2017, contractors working with the United States Department of Defense who handle Covered Defense Information (CDI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are mandated to adhere to NIST 800-171 regulations. This requirement extends to all prime contractors and their subcontractors, who must ensure compliance to avoid jeopardizing their government contracts.
Compliance with NIST 800-171 involves adhering to the standards outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Special Publication 800-171, which addresses the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information in non-federal systems and organizations. The framework is composed of 110 specific requirements organized into 14 families. To achieve compliance, organizations must implement all requirements and confirm their adherence through self-assessments or assessments conducted by external parties.
Organizations seeking to obtain NIST 800-171 compliance for Department of Defense or government contracts may find themselves unable to secure these contracts without meeting the necessary standards. Furthermore, those that do not uphold compliance after receiving a contract face the potential of losing it, which could harm their relationship with the DoD or other governmental bodies. In certain situations, this non-compliance could lead to penalties or even criminal charges.
NIST SP 800-171 compliance is essential for all organizations associated with the Department of Defense and government that process sensitive information, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). To comply with CMMC 2.0 at Level 2 or above, organizations must fully implement SP 800-171. Additionally, entities not governed by CMMC may still be required to adopt some or all components of NIST SP 800-171.
Achieving compliance with NIST 800-171 offers significant advantages, such as comprehensive safeguarding of sensitive information and eligibility for contracts with the Department of Defense and related government entities. Additionally, organizations may attain preferred contractor status, which can lead to enhanced stability in their operational processes.