NIST 800-171A Assessment Services
NIST SP 800-171A defines the assessment procedures that determine whether your 110 security controls are implemented correctly, operating as intended, and producing the desired outcome for CUI protection.
Evidence-Based Compliance Verification
800-171A uses examine, interview, and test methods to produce objective, repeatable findings.
Assessment Capabilities
- Full 800-171A methodology across all 110 requirements and 320+ assessment objectives
- C3PAO-aligned procedures that mirror CMMC Level 2 evaluation methodology
- Both Rev 2 and Rev 3 coverage with updated assessment objects
Assessment Deliverables
- Satisfied/Other Than Satisfied determination for each objective with evidence
- SPRS score validation using official DoD methodology
- Prioritized remediation roadmap with implementation steps and effort estimates
Assessment Service Options
From comprehensive evaluations to targeted control family reviews, we match the assessment scope to your needs.
Comprehensive 800-171A Assessment
Full evaluation of all 110 requirements using examine, interview, and test methods. Includes complete assessment report and SPRS score calculation.
CMMC Level 2 Readiness Assessment
Mock C3PAO assessment using identical evaluation methodology and scoring criteria. Identifies every issue before the assessment that counts.
Targeted Control Family Assessment
Focused evaluation of specific control families. Ideal for validating remediation efforts or assessing newly implemented controls in 1-2 weeks.
SPRS Score Validation
Objective evaluation of your actual SPRS score using 800-171A methodology, with optimization strategy to maximize score improvement per dollar invested.
Evidence Package Development
Comprehensive evidence packages mapped to specific assessment objectives with organized artifacts that assessors can review efficiently.
Continuous Assessment Program
Ongoing monitoring combining automated scanning with quarterly human assessments rotating through control families to maintain year-round compliance.
Our Assessment Process
Planning and scoping with SSP review
Evidence collection: examine documentation and configurations
Interview personnel at all levels
Test controls through validation exercises
Analyze findings and calculate SPRS score
Deliver report with remediation roadmap
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 800-171 and 800-171A?
NIST 800-171 defines the 110 security requirements. 800-171A provides the assessment procedures for verifying those requirements are properly implemented. 800-171 tells you what to implement; 800-171A tells you how to verify it.
How does your assessment align with CMMC?
Our assessment procedures mirror the evaluation methodology used by C3PAOs in CMMC Level 2 assessments. This gives you an accurate preview of how your organization will perform during formal certification.
How long does a comprehensive assessment take?
A full 800-171A assessment covering all 110 requirements typically takes 4-6 weeks. Targeted control family assessments can be completed in 1-2 weeks for faster feedback on specific compliance concerns.
Can you also fix the issues you find?
Yes. Unlike assessment-only firms, PTG can implement the fixes our assessments identify. This continuity eliminates the gap between finding problems and solving them, accelerating your path to full compliance.
What Rev 3 changes should I know about?
Rev 3 introduces new assessment objects, refined determination statements, and expanded evidence requirements. PTG has been working with Rev 3 procedures since publication and assesses against both Rev 2 and Rev 3.
Do you conduct on-site assessments?
Yes. Based in Raleigh, we conduct on-site interviews, observe physical controls, and examine systems in person throughout the Research Triangle region and beyond.
Explore NIST Compliance
Validate Your NIST 800-171 Compliance
Find gaps before a C3PAO assessor does. PTG's 800-171A assessments give you an accurate preview of your CMMC readiness.