--- title: "NIST 800-171 Compliance | TRNSFRM" description: "NIST 800-171 and CSF implementation for federal cybersecurity compliance." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "TRNSFRM", "alternateName": "TRNSFRM Technology", "url": "https://trnsfrm.tech", "logo": "https://trnsfrm.tech/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/trnsfrm-logo.svg", "image": "https://trnsfrm.tech/og-image.png", "description": "Cybersecurity, compliance, and managed IT services for manufacturers, construction, automotive, and healthcare organizations.", "foundingDate": "2008", "founder": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jeff Dennis" }, "areaServed": { "@type": "Country", "name": "United States" }, "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Cleveland", "addressRegion": "OH", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Columbus", "addressRegion": "OH", "addressCountry": "US" } ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "email": "info@trnsfrm.tech", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": "English" }, "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5.0", "reviewCount": "176", "bestRating": "5", "worstRating": "1" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/trnsfrm", "https://trnsfrm.tech" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "TRNSFRM", "url": "https://trnsfrm.tech", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "TRNSFRM" }, "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": "https://trnsfrm.tech/blog?q={search_term_string}", "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Service", "name": "NIST 800-171 Compliance", "description": "Implement the gold-standard cybersecurity framework trusted by the federal government. We help you map, implement, and maintain all 110 security requirements.", "provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "TRNSFRM", "url": "https://trnsfrm.tech" }, "areaServed": "United States", "serviceType": "NIST 800-171 Compliance" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many controls are in NIST 800-171?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are 110 security requirements in NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, organized into 14 control families ranging from 2 controls (Personnel Security) to 22 controls (Access Control). All 110 apply to any non-federal system that processes, stores, or transmits CUI." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the NIST 800-171 SPRS score and how is it calculated?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The SPRS score starts at 110 and subtracts points for each unimplemented control — 1, 3, or 5 points depending on the control's weight — so scores range from -203 to 110. Contractors self-assess and submit the score to the Supplier Performance Risk System under DFARS 252.204-7019." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is NIST 800-171?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is NIST 800-171 mandatory?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does NIST 800-171 relate to CMMC?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take to implement all 110 controls?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For a mid-sized manufacturer starting from a typical Microsoft 365 environment, expect three to nine months: roughly four weeks for CUI scoping and gap assessment, then remediation sequenced by risk, with the SSP and POA&M maintained throughout. Enclaving CUI into a defined boundary is usually the single biggest lever on timeline and cost." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a POA&M and do I need one?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How often do we need to reassess?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "NIST 800-171 compliance should be reassessed annually, or whenever significant changes occur in your environment, systems, or the threat landscape." } } ] }, { "@type": "ItemList", "name": "The 110 NIST 800-171 Controls, by Family", "description": "NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 contains 110 security requirements split across 14 control families. 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We help you map, implement, and maintain all 110 security requirements. Get NIST Compliant Book a 30-minute, no-obligation risk discovery call. You keep the written snapshot either way ## The 110 NIST 800-171 Controls, by Family NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 contains 110 security requirements split across 14 control families. Here is how the 110 controls break down, and what each family actually asks you to prove. 1. 1 ### 3.1 Access Control — 22 controls Limit system access to authorized users and processes, enforce least privilege, separate duties, control remote access and wireless, and restrict CUI flow between systems. 2. 2 ### 3.2 Awareness & Training — 3 controls Train users and managers on security risks and their specific responsibilities, including insider-threat awareness for anyone handling CUI. 3. 3 ### 3.3 Audit & Accountability — 9 controls Create, protect, retain, and review audit logs so individual user actions can be traced, with alerting on audit process failures. 4. 4 ### 3.4 Configuration Management — 9 controls Maintain baseline configurations and inventories, enforce security settings, control changes, and restrict nonessential software and services. 5. 5 ### 3.5 Identification & Authentication — 11 controls Uniquely identify users and devices, enforce multifactor authentication for privileged and network access, and manage password complexity and reuse. 6. 6 ### 3.6 Incident Response — 3 controls Establish an operational incident-handling capability, test it, and report incidents to internal and external authorities including DoD within 72 hours. 7. 7 ### 3.7 Maintenance — 6 controls Control local and remote maintenance activity, sanitize equipment before off-site repair, and supervise maintenance personnel without required access. 8. 8 ### 3.8 Media Protection — 9 controls Protect, mark, and control CUI on paper and digital media, encrypt media in transit, and sanitize or destroy media before disposal or reuse. 9. 9 ### 3.9 Personnel Security — 2 controls Screen individuals before granting access to CUI, and protect systems during and after personnel termination or transfer. 10. 10 ### 3.10 Physical Protection — 6 controls Limit physical access to facilities and equipment, escort visitors, maintain access logs, and safeguard CUI at alternate and remote work sites. 11. 11 ### 3.11 Risk Assessment — 3 controls Assess risk to operations and assets, scan for vulnerabilities on a defined cadence, and remediate findings according to risk. 12. 12 ### 3.12 Security Assessment — 4 controls Periodically assess controls, develop and maintain the System Security Plan (SSP) and POA&M, and monitor controls on an ongoing basis. 13. 13 ### 3.13 System & Communications Protection — 16 controls Monitor and control communications at boundaries, deny network traffic by default, separate user and management functions, and use FIPS-validated cryptography for CUI. 14. 14 ### 3.14 System & Information Integrity — 7 controls Identify and correct flaws promptly, protect against malicious code, monitor security alerts and advisories, and detect unauthorized use of systems. [Score your posture in 10 minutes](/compliance-checklist) ## 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 1 Comprehensive assessment of your current posture against all 110 NIST 800-171 controls. 2 CUI scoping — identify where Controlled Unclassified Information lives and flows in your environment. 3 System Security Plan (SSP) creation documenting your security architecture and control implementations. 4 Technical remediation for gaps in access control, audit logging, encryption, and incident response. 5 POA&M development and tracking for any controls not yet fully implemented. 6 Continuous monitoring and annual reassessment to maintain compliance as your environment evolves. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many controls are in NIST 800-171? ### What is the NIST 800-171 SPRS score and how is it calculated? ### What is NIST 800-171? ### Is NIST 800-171 mandatory? ### How does NIST 800-171 relate to CMMC? ### How long does it take to implement all 110 controls? ### What is a POA&M and do I need one? ### How often do we need to reassess? ## Other frameworks & resources [ ### CMMC Level 2 Definitive Guide Deep-dive on controls, cost, and process. ](/guides/cmmc-level-2)[ ### CMMC DoD contractor certification. ](/frameworks/cmmc)[ ### ISO 27001 International ISMS certification. ](/frameworks/iso-27001)[ ### HIPAA Healthcare PHI protection. ](/frameworks/hipaa)[ ### FTC Safeguards Auto dealer & finance rule. ](/frameworks/ftc-safeguards)[ ### ITAR Defense export controls. ](/frameworks/itar)[ ### Free Compliance Checklist Score yourself in 10 minutes. ](/compliance-checklist)[ ### Case Studies Real certification outcomes. ](/case-studies)[ ### vCISO Leadership Strategic security guidance. ](/vciso) ![Jeff Dennis, Founder & CEO of TRNSFRM](/assets/jeff-dennis-DHbKudnK.png) 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 Talk to Jeff about your framework ## Ready to Get Compliant? No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a conversation with an expert to map out your risks, gaps, and next steps. Get NIST Compliant Not ready to book? Get Your Cyber Score — it's free. [Call Now](tel:+18777776855)Book Call