What is NIST 800-171?

NIST Special Publication 800-171 defines 110 security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems. It's the baseline for DFARS compliance and CMMC Level 2.

Is NIST 800-171 mandatory?

Yes, if you're a federal contractor or subcontractor handling CUI. The DFARS clause 252.204-7012 requires compliance, and self-attestation scores must be submitted to the SPRS database.

How does NIST 800-171 relate to CMMC?

CMMC Level 2 maps directly to NIST 800-171. Achieving NIST 800-171 compliance is essentially the same as meeting CMMC Level 2 requirements — CMMC adds third-party verification.

What is a POA&M and do I need one?

A Plan of Action & Milestones documents security controls you haven't fully implemented yet, with timelines for remediation. It's required as part of your compliance documentation.

How often do we need to reassess?

NIST 800-171 compliance should be reassessed annually, or whenever significant changes occur in your environment, systems, or the threat landscape.

NIST 800-171 Compliance

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Who Needs NIST 800-171?

Federal contractors and subcontractors handling CUI

Manufacturers in the defense supply chain

Organizations pursuing CMMC (NIST 800-171 is the foundation)

Companies required to meet DFARS 252.204-7012 clauses

Any business seeking a rigorous, proven security baseline

Construction firms bidding on federally funded projects

Why It Matters

Federal Contract Eligibility

NIST 800-171 compliance is required under DFARS for any contractor processing, storing, or transmitting CUI. Stay eligible.

Proven Security Baseline

110 controls covering access control, incident response, system integrity, and more — a comprehensive security foundation.

CMMC Foundation

NIST 800-171 maps directly to CMMC Level 2. Getting compliant now puts you ahead for certification.

How TRNSFRM Gets You There

Comprehensive assessment of your current posture against all 110 NIST 800-171 controls.

CUI scoping — identify where Controlled Unclassified Information lives and flows in your environment.

System Security Plan (SSP) creation documenting your security architecture and control implementations.

Technical remediation for gaps in access control, audit logging, encryption, and incident response.

POA&M development and tracking for any controls not yet fully implemented.

Continuous monitoring and annual reassessment to maintain compliance as your environment evolves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other frameworks & resources

CMMC

DoD contractor certification.

ISO 27001

International ISMS certification.

HIPAA

Healthcare PHI protection.

FTC Safeguards

Auto dealer & finance rule.

ITAR

Defense export controls.

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A note from our CEO

“Frameworks like CMMC, NIST, and HIPAA aren't just paperwork — they're the difference between winning the next contract and losing it. We've walked dozens of organizations through certification. Let's talk about your path.”

Jeff Dennis

Founder & CEO, TRNSFRM

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