NIST 800-171

Compliance Consultant Services

NIST 800-171

Service Overview

NIST Special Publication 800-171 is a standard developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Covered Defense Information (CDI) across non-federal systems and organizations.

Issued in 2015 and fully enforced as of December 31, 2017, this applies to all contractors and subcontractors in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain. NIST 800-171 Compliance is mandatory; failure to comply can result in the suspension or termination of government contracts.

The framework outlines 110 security requirements across 14 control families, including access control, incident response, and system integrity. Organizations must not only implement these safeguards but also maintain them through regular assessment and continuous improvement.

Working with a compliance partner helps streamline the process, ensuring all requirements are met while reducing the risk of cyber incidents and contractual penalties.

Strengthen Your

 

NIST 800-171 Compliance

 

Achieving compliance with NIST 800-171 requires implementing 110 security requirements across 14 control families and regularly validating their effectiveness. Working with a trusted compliance advisor helps organizations not only achieve but also sustain compliance while reducing risk exposure.

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Compliance Is Mandatory

NIST 800-171 is not optional. Since December 31, 2017, all DoD contractors and subcontractors handling CUI or CDI must comply or risk losing contracts. Compliance ensures eligibility for current and future government work.

Security = Business Advantage

Meeting the requirements, It demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding sensitive defense data. Contractors who can prove compliance gain a competitive edge, building stronger trust with partners, customers, and the DoD supply chain.

Non-Compliance Carries Risks

Failure to comply can lead to terminated contracts, legal liability, and reputational damage. With 110 requirements across 14 control families, it positions organizations to reduce cyber risk and avoid costly remediation later.

How to Achieve NIST 800-171 Certification

Achieving NIST 800-171 compliance isn’t just about checking requirements, it’s about protecting sensitive defense data, preserving contract eligibility, and strengthening cybersecurity maturity across your organization. RSI Security provides a structured path to identify gaps, implement controls, and maintain long-term compliance.

Gap Assessment

NIST AI RMF

We start by evaluating your current security posture against all requirements. This shows where you’re already compliant and highlights areas needing remediation.

Roadmap Development

NIST AI RMF

Next, we design a tailored action plan that prioritizes gaps, sets achievable milestones, and aligns with both NIST standards and DoD contract obligations.

Implementation Support

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Our experts help you implement the required controls from access management to incident response and provide documentation that demonstrates compliance readiness.

Readiness Check

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Before an official assessment or audit, we perform a mock review to ensure every control, policy, and system is in place. This gives you confidence going into formal validation.

Certification Audit

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We support you through third-party or government led assessments, ensuring your documentation and technical safeguards meet it's expectations.

Continuous Improvement

PCI DSS Compliance Services

Compliance is not a one-time project. We help maintain and improve your security program through ongoing monitoring, control updates, and advisory support.

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“Controlled Unclassified Information is information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls pursuant to and consistent with applicable law, regulations, and government-wide policies. NIST SP 800-171 provides federal agencies with recommended requirements for protecting the confidentiality of CUI when it is resident in nonfederal systems and organizations."

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SP 800-171, Rev. 2

Why Choose NIST 800-171?

Organizations that comply with NIST SP 800-171 are highly regarded for their commitment to safeguarding sensitive defense information.

The standard provides uniform assurance that contractors and subcontractors in the DoD supply chain are protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Covered Defense Information (CDI) against cyber threats. It signals to both current and prospective government partners that critical data is handled with the highest level of care and security.

Implementing the 110 security requirements across 14 control families is complex and resource-intensive, a clear demonstration of how seriously compliant organizations take their defense obligations.

This is why, despite the challenges of implementation and assessment, many defense contractors and suppliers are pursuing NIST 800-171 compliance to preserve contract eligibility, strengthen partnerships, and meet the growing expectations of government and industry stakeholders.

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Benefits of NIST 800-171

Protects Sensitive Information

Ensures Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Covered Defense Information (CDI) are properly safeguarded from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Preserves DoD Contract Eligibility

Compliance is mandatory for all defense contractors and subcontractors. Meeting requirements keeps your organization eligible for government contracts.

Reduces Risk and
Liability

Identifies, mitigates, and monitors security risks across your systems to prevent costly breaches, penalties, and reputational damage.

Strengthens Competitive Advantage

Demonstrates your organization’s commitment to robust security, helping you win and retain valuable partnerships in the defense supply chain.

Improves Operational Consistency

Provides a structured framework for access control, incident response, and system monitoring, reducing vulnerabilities and improving resilience.

Supports Long-Term Compliance

Establishes repeatable processes and documentation practices, making it easier to maintain compliance as requirements evolve.

Explore Our NIST 800-171 Resource Center

Stay ahead in cybersecurity and compliance with expert insights, practical guides, and in-depth research. From datasheets to whitepapers, our resources are designed to help your organization make smarter, more secure decisions.

Download in-depth whitepapers and reports

Access practical checklists and datasheets

Stay informed with the latest expert insights

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Your Compliance Partner

RSI Security is a trusted leader in cybersecurity and compliance services. With deep expertise across federal and defense requirements, our team provides the guidance and support needed to navigate the complexities of NIST SP 800-171.

We prepare you for every stage of compliance from initial gap assessments and remediation planning to documentation support and readiness checks. We also assist in coordinating with assessors, ensuring your organization is fully prepared for validation.

Our experience spans a wide range of frameworks and regulations, including CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. This broad perspective allows us to deliver efficient, practical solutions that align with both security best practices and business objectives.

At RSI Security, we believe disciplined security practices are the foundation for long-term success. We are committed to helping your organization protect sensitive data, maintain DoD eligibility, and achieve sustainable growth.

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CISCO
Meltmedia
finix
Epic Games
Power Digital
SANDAG
Rady Childrens
Samsung
The Century Club
Workwave
Samsung logo
CISCO
Meltmedia
finix
Epic Games
Power Digital
SANDAG
Rady Childrens
Samsung
The Century Club
Workwave

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