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NIST and DFARS Compliance Services
DFARS 252.204-7012 mandates NIST SP 800-171 compliance for every DoD contractor handling CUI. PTG helps defense contractors implement all 110 controls, submit accurate SPRS scores, and prepare for CMMC certification.
What DFARS 252.204-7012 Requires
DFARS is the contractual clause. NIST 800-171 provides the 110 security requirements. Together they form the foundation of defense contractor cybersecurity.
DFARS Obligations
- Implement all 110 NIST SP 800-171 security requirements across 14 control families
- Report cyber incidents to DC3 within 72 hours of discovery
- Preserve affected system images for at least 90 days post-incident
- Flow down DFARS requirements to subcontractors handling CUI
SPRS Scoring
- Score ranges from -203 (no controls) to 110 (full implementation)
- Each unmet requirement reduces score by 1, 3, or 5 points
- Contracting officers use SPRS scores in source selection decisions
- Required under DFARS Interim Rule clauses 7019 and 7020
The 110 NIST SP 800-171 Requirements
DFARS mandates implementation of all 110 requirements across these control families.
Access Control
Limit system access, enforce least privilege, control remote access, and manage wireless access to CUI systems.
System and Communications Protection
Monitor boundaries, implement encryption, establish subnetworks, and protect CUI during transmission.
Identification and Authentication
Identify users and devices, implement multi-factor authentication, and manage credential lifecycle.
Audit, Config Management, Media
Create audit records, establish baselines, track changes, and sanitize media containing CUI before disposal.
Before and After DFARS Compliance
Contract Eligibility Risk
Low SPRS scores disqualify your organization from DoD contract awards and prime contractor partnerships.
Incident Liability
No documented incident response capability risks both CUI exposure and False Claims Act penalties.
Supply Chain Gaps
Subcontractors without DFARS flow-down create compliance blind spots throughout your supply chain.
SPRS Score of 110
Full implementation of all 110 controls with documented evidence and accurate SPRS submission.
72-Hour Response Capability
Tested incident response plan with DC3 reporting procedures and 90-day evidence preservation.
CMMC Certification Ready
NIST 800-171 compliance positions you directly for CMMC Level 2 certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between DFARS and NIST 800-171?
DFARS 252.204-7012 is the contractual clause that mandates compliance. NIST SP 800-171 provides the 110 specific security requirements that must be implemented. DFARS tells you that you must comply; NIST tells you what to implement.
What is the minimum SPRS score needed for contracts?
There is no single minimum, but contracting officers use SPRS scores in source selection. Organizations with scores significantly below 110 are at a competitive disadvantage. PTG helps you systematically close gaps to reach a perfect score of 110.
How does CMMC 2.0 change DFARS compliance?
CMMC adds third-party certification requirements on top of existing DFARS/NIST obligations. CMMC Level 2 maps directly to NIST 800-171, so your DFARS compliance work is the foundation of your CMMC certification.
Do subcontractors need DFARS compliance?
Yes. DFARS 252.204-7012 requires flow-down to any subcontractor that will handle CUI. Primes are increasingly requiring subcontractors to demonstrate compliance before awarding work.
What happens if we have a cyber incident?
DFARS requires reporting to the DoD Cyber Crime Center (DC3) within 72 hours, preserving system images for 90 days, and providing the government access to affected systems. PTG helps you build and test these incident response capabilities.
Explore Defense Compliance
Achieve NIST and DFARS Compliance
Protect your DoD contract eligibility. PTG handles everything from gap assessment to SPRS submission and CMMC readiness.