NIST SP 800-171 Compliance with SCF Connect
Use SCF Connect to map your security controls to NIST 800-171, assess maturity, and achieve audit readiness — all from a single GRC platform built on the Secure Controls Framework.
What Is NIST 800-171?
NIST Special Publication 800-171 defines the security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in nonfederal systems and organizations. Originally mandated by DFARS clause 252.204-7012, the framework applies to any contractor or subcontractor that processes, stores, or transmits CUI on behalf of the federal government — most notably the Department of Defense.
Revision 2 contains 110 security requirements derived from the moderate baseline of NIST 800-53, tailored for nonfederal environments. Revision 3, published in 2024, restructures and updates these requirements to align with NIST 800-53 R5. NIST 800-171A provides the assessment procedures used to evaluate whether each requirement has been met, and is the basis for the CMMC Level 2 assessment methodology.
SCF Connect maps both Revision 2 and Revision 3 of NIST 800-171, as well as both versions of the companion 800-171A assessment guide. This lets organizations preparing for CMMC Level 2 or responding to DFARS requirements scope the exact revision they need, assess maturity, and track their Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) remediation efforts within the platform.
Who Needs NIST 800-171 Compliance?
- Defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Subcontractors in the DoD supply chain subject to DFARS 252.204-7012
- Organizations preparing for CMMC Level 2 certification
- Federal contractors subject to CUI handling requirements
- Research institutions receiving DoD-funded grants involving CUI
How SCF Connect Helps with NIST 800-171
Automatic Control Mapping
SCF Connect maps SCF controls directly to NIST 800-171 requirements. Select the framework and your required controls are identified instantly.
Maturity Assessment
Assess each control against the SCF Capability Maturity Model (SP-CMM) to understand your current posture and track improvement over time.
Evidence Collection
Generate Evidence Request Lists (ERLs) specific to your NIST 800-171 controls. Know exactly what documentation you need for your audit.
Gap Analysis
Use the SCRMS methodology to identify gaps between your compliance requirements and your actual security posture, then prioritize remediation.
Compliance Reporting
Generate detailed reports showing your NIST 800-171 compliance status, control maturity scores, and evidence collection progress.
Multi-Framework Support
Already mapped to another framework? Add NIST 800-171 and see how your existing controls satisfy additional requirements — no duplicate work.
Frequently Asked Questions About NIST 800-171
What is NIST SP 800-171?
NIST SP 800-171 specifies the security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) when it resides in nonfederal information systems. It contains 110 security requirements (in R2) organized into 14 families, derived from the moderate baseline of NIST 800-53.
What is the difference between NIST 800-171 R2 and R3?
Revision 3, published in 2024, updates and restructures the requirements to align with NIST 800-53 Revision 5. It reorganizes control families, adds new requirements, and updates assessment objectives. Organizations should check their contract language to determine which revision applies.
How does NIST 800-171 relate to CMMC?
CMMC Level 2 is directly based on the 110 requirements in NIST 800-171. While DFARS has required self-assessed 800-171 compliance since 2017, CMMC adds a third-party assessment and certification requirement. Meeting NIST 800-171 requirements is the path to CMMC Level 2 certification.
How does SCF Connect help with NIST 800-171?
SCF Connect maps both R2 and R3 of NIST 800-171, plus the companion 800-171A assessment procedures. Select the applicable revision, and the platform identifies required controls, lets you assess maturity, and generates documentation. Your control implementations also map to CMMC, NIST 800-53, and other overlapping frameworks automatically.