NIST 800-171 | Compliance, Controls & Self-Assessment Guide

What is NIST 800-171?

NIST 800-171, formally known as NIST Special Publication 800-171, is a set of cybersecurity standards published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). When someone asks “What is NIST 800-171?”, the answer is that it establishes the requirements contractors must follow to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) when it is stored or processed in non-federal information systems.

For government contractors, NIST 800-171 compliance is essential, as it directly impacts eligibility for Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal contracts.

NIST 800-171 Controls

The framework is organized into 14 control families and 110 security requirements, known as NIST 800-171 controls. These controls address areas such as access control, incident response, configuration management, risk assessment, and system security monitoring.

The controls are designed to ensure contractors protect sensitive government information from cyber threats, data loss, or unauthorized access.

NIST 800-171 Compliance and Checklist

Achieving NIST 800-171 compliance requires contractors to implement all applicable controls, document policies, and continuously monitor their systems. Contractors often use a NIST 800-171 checklist to track progress and identify gaps.

Key steps include:

• Performing a gap analysis against NIST 800-171 controls.
  
  

• Creating a System Security Plan (SSP).
  
  

• Developing a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
  
  

• Conducting regular self-assessments and updates.

Failure to comply can lead to loss of eligibility for DoD contracts, penalties, and reputational damage.

NIST 800-171 Self-Assessment

Contractors are expected to conduct a NIST 800-171 self-assessment to evaluate how well they meet the requirements. Results are submitted to the DoD’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). A low self-assessment score can affect a company’s ability to win contracts, while strong scores demonstrate readiness and compliance.

NIST 800-171 Revision 3

The latest update, NIST 800-171 Rev 3, introduces refinements to the framework, aligning it more closely with NIST 800-53 and adding enhanced protections for evolving cyber threats. Contractors should review changes carefully to ensure ongoing compliance.

Why NIST 800-171 Matters in GovCon

• Protects Controlled Unclassified Information across the defense supply chain.
  
  

• Defines baseline cybersecurity requirements for federal contractors.
  
  

• Establishes controls that align with other frameworks like CMMC.
  
  

• Requires documented compliance and ongoing monitoring.
  
  

• Directly affects contract eligibility and competitiveness.

Takeaways

NIST 800-171 is the cornerstone of cybersecurity requirements in government contracting. From understanding the controls to using a compliance checklist and conducting self-assessments, contractors must take this standard seriously. With updates like Rev 3, maintaining compliance is an ongoing responsibility for anyone in the federal marketplace.

NIST 800-171 FAQs

Q1. What is NIST 800-171 compliance?
NIST 800-171 compliance means implementing the required security controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) on non-federal systems. Contractors must document policies, complete a self-assessment, and submit scores to the DoD to stay eligible for contracts.

Q2. How many controls are in NIST 800-171?
NIST 800-171 includes 110 controls grouped into 14 control families. These requirements cover areas such as access control, incident response, configuration management, and system monitoring to ensure strong cybersecurity practices.

Q3. What changed in NIST 800-171 Rev 3?
NIST 800-171 Rev 3 introduces updates that align more closely with NIST 800-53 and enhance protections against evolving cyber threats. Contractors should review the revision carefully to update their compliance programs and maintain readiness for DoD contracts.