Standards Comparison

    NIST 800-171

    Mandatory
    2020

    U.S. framework protecting CUI in nonfederal systems

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations

    Quick Verdict

    NIST 800-171 protects CUI confidentiality for defense contractors via cybersecurity controls and assessments, while AS9110C ensures quality management for aerospace MROs through process controls and audits. Organizations adopt them for contract compliance and market access.

    Controlled Unclassified Information

    NIST 800-171

    NIST SP 800-171 Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Protects CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
    • Requires SSP and POA&M documentation artifacts
    • 110 requirements across 14-17 control families
    • Supports CUI enclave scoping for boundaries
    • Enforced via DFARS contracts for contractors
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Configuration management and traceability controls
    • Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
    • Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
    • Human factors and competence requirements
    • Regulatory alignment with FAA/EASA Part-145

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    NIST 800-171 Details

    What It Is

    NIST SP 800-171 (Revision 3, May 2024) is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. Tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate baseline, it uses a control-based approach focused on scoping to CUI components.

    Key Components

    • 97-110 requirements organized into 14-17 families (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management).
    • Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
    • Assessment via SP 800-171A (examine/interview/test methods).
    • Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53; supports tailoring and equivalencies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for federal contractors via DFARS 252.204-7012 and CMMC Level 2.
    • Reduces breach risks, ensures contract eligibility, builds supply chain trust.
    • Enhances cybersecurity maturity and competitive edge in DoD procurement.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: scoping, gap analysis, control deployment, evidence collection.
    • Applies to contractors handling CUI; scalable via enclaves.
    • Self-assessment or third-party audits (C3PAO); ongoing monitoring required.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements, focusing on safety-critical processes like configuration management and airworthiness. It employs a risk-based thinking approach via the High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses 4-10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aviation additions: counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, release controls.
    • Built on ISO 9001 with ~20 maintenance-specific notes; voluntary certification via accredited bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/downtime, enhances market access.
    • Builds stakeholder trust through proven operational excellence and OASIS listing.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits, certification.
    • Applies to MROs globally; 6-12 months typical, requiring internal audits and management reviews.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    NIST 800-171
    CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO quality management system

    Industry

    NIST 800-171
    Defense contractors, federal supply chains
    AS9110C
    Aviation maintenance, repair organizations

    Nature

    NIST 800-171
    Cybersecurity requirements, contract-mandated
    AS9110C
    Certification standard based on ISO 9001

    Testing

    NIST 800-171
    SPRS scoring, CMMC assessments, self/third-party
    AS9110C
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    NIST 800-171
    Contract ineligibility, DFARS reporting obligations
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, regulatory sanctions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about NIST 800-171 and AS9110C

    NIST 800-171 FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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