NIST SP 800-171 Implementation Guide for Defense Contractors

NIST SP 800-171 defines the security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems. It is the technical foundation for both DFARS and CMMC.

Who Must Comply with NIST 800-171?

Any non-federal organization that processes, stores, or transmits CUI on behalf of the U.S. government, particularly within the Defense Industrial Base.

The 14 Control Families

NIST 800-171 is organized into 14 families, including Access Control, Audit and Accountability, Configuration Management, Identification and Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Assessment, Security Assessment, System and Communications Protection, and System and Information Integrity.

Implementing NIST 800-171

• Identify systems and data in scope
• Implement required safeguards across the 14 families
• Document implementation in an SSP
• Track gaps and remediation in a POA&M
• Continuously monitor and improve

NIST 800-171, DFARS, and CMMC

NIST 800-171 is the control baseline. DFARS clauses make implementation and incident reporting contractual obligations. CMMC introduces assessments and certification on top of that baseline.

Getting NIST 800-171 right is the most efficient way to satisfy all three.