NIST 800-171
U.S. standard protecting CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and improvement.
Quick Verdict
NIST 800-171 mandates CUI protection for federal contractors via controls and assessments, while CMMI drives voluntary process maturity for predictable delivery. Contractors adopt NIST for compliance; organizations use CMMI for quality, efficiency, and competitive edge.
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Scoped to CUI-processing components and enclaves
- Mandates SSP and POA&M documentation artifacts
- 110 requirements across 14 families (Rev 2)
- Tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate baseline
- DFARS-enforced for DoD contractor compliance
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas across four categories
- SCAMPI appraisals for benchmarking capability
- Staged and continuous representations
- Generic practices for process institutionalization
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 is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. Its primary scope targets contractors handling CUI, using a control-based approach tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate baseline, emphasizing scoping to CUI components.
Key Components
- 17 families (Rev 3) including Access Control, Audit, new additions like Supply Chain Risk Management.
- ~97-110 requirements with Organization-Defined Parameters (ODPs).
- Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53; companion SP 800-171A for assessments.
- Compliance via SSP, POA&M, and examine/interview/test procedures.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contractors via DFARS 252.204-7012.
- Enables contract eligibility, reduces breach risks, builds supply chain trust.
- Strategic for CMMC Level 2, FedRAMP cloud equivalence.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scope CUI enclave, gap analysis, implement controls (MFA, SIEM), document SSP/POA&M. Applies to federal contractors globally; audits via self or C3PAO. Timelines 6-18+ months, high complexity/cost.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a globally recognized process improvement framework, originally from the Software Engineering Institute and now governed by ISACA. It helps organizations enhance performance through structured maturity progression in development, services, and acquisition domains using a goal-oriented, institutionalization-focused approach.
Key Components
- **Maturity Levels (0-5)From incomplete (ML0) to optimizing processes.
- 25 Practice Areas in v2.0, across Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving categories.
- **Generic PracticesEnsure institutionalization (policy, planning, monitoring).
- **SCAMPI AppraisalsClass A for benchmarking, B/C for readiness.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives predictability, quality, reduced rework.
- Meets contractual requirements (e.g., DoD).
- Mitigates risks via measurement and controls.
- Boosts competitiveness and stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, piloting high-impact areas (e.g., requirements, configuration), training, rollout, appraisal. Ideal for mid-to-large software/IT firms; integrates with Agile/DevOps. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST 800-171 | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems | Process maturity across development/services |
| Industry | Defense contractors, federal supply chains | Software, IT, manufacturing, global industries |
| Nature | Mandatory via contracts (DFARS), security baseline | Voluntary process improvement framework |
| Testing | SP 800-171A assessments, CMMC certifications | SCAMPI appraisals (Class A/B/C) by appraisers |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, DFARS penalties | No legal penalties, lost market opportunities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST 800-171 and CMMI
NIST 800-171 FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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