As cybersecurity regulations continue to evolve, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and subcontractors face increasing pressure to meet security requirements. Two of the most critical frameworks today are NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). While they are closely related, they serve different purposes—and understanding the distinction is essential for maintaining compliance and protecting your contract eligibility.
What Is NIST 800-171?
NIST 800-171 is a set of cybersecurity requirements developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It applies to non-federal systems that process, store, or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). In other words, if you’re a contractor handling sensitive DoD data, you must meet NIST 800-171 to be compliant with DFARS 252.204-7012.
This framework consists of 14 control families and 110 individual requirements that address everything from access control and system integrity to incident response and awareness training.
What Is CMMC 2.0?
CMMC 2.0 is the DoD’s formal certification process that builds upon NIST 800-171. Introduced as an update to the original CMMC model, CMMC 2.0 is structured in three levels:
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Level 1 (Foundational): 17 basic safeguarding requirements (aligned with FAR 52.204-21).
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Level 2 (Advanced): Aligns directly with all 110 NIST 800-171 controls.
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Level 3 (Expert): Incorporates a subset of NIST 800-172 for advanced cybersecurity.
The biggest change? CMMC 2.0 allows for self-assessment at Level 1 and some Level 2 contractors, while requiring third-party assessments for higher-risk organizations.
Key Differences at a Glance:
| Category | NIST 800-171 | CMMC 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Framework | Certification Model |
| Mandatory For | Contractors handling CUI | DoD contractors (based on contract type) |
| Assessments | Self-assessed | Mix of self & third-party assessments |
| Scope | 110 controls | 3 maturity levels |
| Enforcement | DFARS clause | DoD procurement requirement |
Why It Matters
Failing to understand these distinctions could mean the difference between winning a contract—or losing out entirely. NIST 800-171 is the foundation, while CMMC 2.0 is the enforcement mechanism. Contractors who proactively implement both stand the best chance of long-term success and data security.