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. Its primary scope targets contractors handling CUI, using a control-based approach tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate baseline.

Key Components

• 97-110 requirements across 14-17 families (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Configuration Management; r3 adds Planning, Supply Chain Risk).
• Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
• Assessment via SP 800-171A (examine/interview/test).
• Compliance model: self-assessment to third-party audits (e.g., CMMC Level 2).

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory via federal contracts (e.g., DFARS 252.204-7012).
• Reduces breach risks, ensures DoD eligibility.
• Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in supply chains.

Implementation Overview

Phased: scope CUI enclave, gap analysis, implement controls, evidence collection. Applies to contractors globally; audits via SPRS/CMMC. Timelines 6-36 months by size.

What It Is

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards are the world's most widely used modular framework for sustainability reporting. They provide a global common language for organizations to disclose significant economic, environmental, and social impacts through an impact-centric materiality approach, prioritizing actual and potential effects on stakeholders over financial materiality alone.

Key Components

• Universal Standards (GRI 1: Foundation, GRI 2: General Disclosures, GRI 3: Material Topics) for baseline requirements.
• Sector Standards for high-impact industries like oil & gas, mining.
• Topic Standards (e.g., GRI 403 Occupational Health & Safety, GRI 308 Supplier Environmental Assessment) with specific disclosures.
• Core principles: accuracy, balance, verifiability; mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability. Compliance via "in accordance" reporting, no formal certification.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives accountability, regulatory alignment (e.g., EU CSRD), risk management, benchmarking. Builds stakeholder trust, enables investor interoperability (SASB), enhances reputation and market access.

Implementation Overview

Phased: materiality assessment, data systems, disclosures. Applies to all sizes/sectors globally; involves governance, stakeholder engagement, assurance preparation. (178 words)