Simple, Fast Help for Subcontractors Who Need NIST 800-171 Compliance
If you’re a subcontractor supporting a Department of Defense (DoD) prime contractor, you may have been asked about something called an SPRS Score. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone, but you could be at risk of losing work if you don’t act soon.
Let’s break it down and show you how Vistrada can help.
What Is an SPRS Score?
The Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) Score is a way for the DoD to evaluate whether a company is meeting its required cybersecurity standards. Those standards are called NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC.
Your score is calculated out of 110 possible points, and it reflects how secure your business is when handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- 110 = Full compliance
- 70+ = Often acceptable to prime contractors
- No score = Major red flag for future work
Most businesses must self-assess and submit their SPRS Score through the government’s PIEE portal.
What Is NIST 800-171?
NIST 800-171 is a federal cybersecurity framework that applies to anyone handling DoD-related data, including subcontractors. It outlines how you should manage things like:
- Passwords and access control
- Software updates and backups
- Employee training and awareness
- Data encryption and secure file sharing
You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need a score to show you’re working toward compliance.
Why This Matters to Subcontractors
Prime contractors are required to “flow down” NIST 800-171 requirements to their vendors. That means if you're not compliant, or haven’t submitted a score, you could:
- Be removed from current subcontracts
- Miss out on new DoD work
- Expose your prime to risk, making you a liability
- Fall behind more proactive competitors
Whether you're managing IT in-house or just figuring this out now, you’re not alone, and there’s a clear path forward.
How Vistrada Helps Subcontractors Like You
We make compliance simple, even if you’ve never dealt with cybersecurity before.
SPRS Score Fast Track
We guide you through your NIST 800-171 self-assessment, calculate your score, and help you submit it to PIEE correctly.
Gap Assessment
We identify where your current systems fall short and give you a clear, prioritized roadmap to improve your score.
Optional vCISO Support
If you need more hands-on help after submission, our Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service gives you ongoing cybersecurity leadership without the full-time cost.
Ready to Protect Your Business?
Book your free 15-minute consultation today. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
Stay compliant. Keep your DoD work. Grow your business.
FAQs
- What is an SPRS Score? An SPRS Score is a cybersecurity readiness score submitted to the Department of Defense. It reflects how closely your business complies with the NIST 800-171 standard.
- Who needs an SPRS Score? Any business, even subcontractors, that supports DoD contracts and handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) may need a submitted SPRS Score to be eligible for current or future work.
- What happens if I don’t have a score? Prime contractors may be unable to work with you, or they may choose other vendors who are compliant. You could lose business or be disqualified from new contracts.
- How do I submit an SPRS Score? You calculate your score through a self-assessment and submit it using the DoD’s PIEE portal. Vistrada can guide you through this process.
- What is a vCISO? A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is a cybersecurity expert, or team of experts, who supports your business part-time, helping you maintain compliance, handle audits, and manage risk without hiring full-time staff.
