AS9120B
Aerospace standard for distributor quality management systems
NERC CIP
Mandatory standards for BES cybersecurity and reliability.
Quick Verdict
AS9120B ensures aerospace distributors maintain traceability and prevent counterfeits via voluntary certification, while NERC CIP mandates cybersecurity for electric grid operators through enforced audits and penalties, both enabling supply chain trust and reliability.
AS9120B
AS9120B:2016 Aerospace Distributor Quality Management Systems
NERC CIP
NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards
Key Features
- Risk-based BES Cyber System impact categorization
- Electronic/physical security perimeters with monitoring
- 35-day patch evaluation and logging cadences
- Annual audits and rapid incident reporting
- Configuration baselines and vulnerability assessments
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B:2016 is a certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) tailored to aviation, space, and defense distributors that procure, store, split, and resell parts without alteration. Built on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure, it employs a risk-based thinking approach to address distribution-specific risks like traceability loss and counterfeit infiltration.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
- Core clauses: context/leadership (4-5), planning/support (6-7), operations (8, emphasizing traceability/counterfeit controls), evaluation/improvement (9-10).
- Pillars include supplier controls, configuration management, preservation, and nonconformity handling.
- IAQG certification via OASIS, with audits per AS9101.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives market access to OEMs/primes, reduces supply chain risks, enhances customer trust via proven chain-of-custody. Voluntary but commercially essential; mitigates liabilities from nonconformities/counterfeits, boosts efficiency/competitiveness.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout (6-12 months): gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits. Suited for distributors globally; requires Management Representative, cross-functional teams, and surveillance audits.
NERC CIP Details
What It Is
NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards are mandatory cybersecurity and physical security regulations for the North American Bulk Electric System (BES). Developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and enforced by FERC, they employ a risk-based, tiered approach categorizing BES Cyber Systems as High, Medium, or Low Impact to prioritize controls preventing misoperation or instability.
Key Components
- Core standards: CIP-002 (scoping), CIP-003 (governance), CIP-004 (personnel), CIP-005/006 (perimeters), CIP-007 (systems security), CIP-008-010 (response/recovery/config), up to CIP-015 (monitoring).
- ~45 requirements across 14+ standards with recurring cycles (e.g., 35-day patches, 15-month reviews).
- Built on reliability-focused principles; compliance via audits, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal mandate for BES owners/operators with multimillion-dollar penalties.
- Mitigates cyber-physical risks, ensures grid reliability.
- Builds resilience, lowers insurance costs, enhances stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, governance, controls, testing, audits.
- Applies to utilities/transmission entities in US/Canada/Mexico; annual audits by NERC Regional Entities.
Key Differences
| Aspect | AS9120B | NERC CIP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention | Bulk Electric System cybersecurity, perimeters, incident response |
| Industry | Aerospace distributors, stockists, global | Electric utilities, BES operators, North America |
| Nature | Voluntary certification standard, IAQG oversight | Mandatory reliability standards, FERC enforced |
| Testing | Certification audits every 3 years, internal audits | Annual audits, 15/35-day cadences, self-reporting |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | Fines up to $1M+, operating restrictions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS9120B and NERC CIP
AS9120B FAQ
NERC CIP FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
What is DORA and which Requirements does the Standard define?
Discover DORA requirements for info security, strict authority monitoring, and steps to achieve compliance. Build a resilient organization with our detailed gui
Why the SEC Stepped In: The Investor-Driven Push for Cybersecurity Transparency
Discover why the SEC's 2023 cybersecurity rules treat cyber risks as material financial threats. Explore the 'stick and carrot' approach for standardized disclo
The Panoramic View: How Integrated Compliance Monitoring Creates Unprecedented Organizational Visibility and Adaptability
Gain unprecedented organizational visibility with integrated compliance monitoring. Automate real-time alerts, ensure GDPR & SOC 2 adherence, reduce risks, and
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
RoHS vs ISO 21001
RoHS vs ISO 21001: Compare EEE hazardous substance limits (10 restricted) with educational management systems for learner outcomes. Master compliance strategies today!
ISO 13485 vs ISO 19600
Compare ISO 13485 vs ISO 19600: Medical device QMS vs compliance guidelines. Explore risk management, governance differences & benefits for regulatory success. Choose wisely!
ISO 50001 vs ISO 22301
Compare ISO 50001 vs ISO 22301: Energy efficiency mastery meets business continuity resilience. PDCA-aligned, Annex SL structures integrate seamlessly—unlock benefits now!