DFARS Compliance Services
DFARS Cybersecurity Requirements for Defense Contractors
We help defense contractors handling CUI meet DFARS. We put in place NIST 800-171 controls, 72-hour incident reporting, and supply chain security so you stay eligible for DoD contracts.
You meet contract requirements and keep eligibility.
Achieve DFARS compliance
Why DFARS Matters
If you handle CUI for the DoD, you must follow DFARS clauses 252.204-7012 and 252.204-7021. They require NIST 800-171 controls, 72-hour incident reporting, and damage assessments. If you don’t comply, you can’t win new contracts and existing ones can be terminated.
DFARS spells out 110 controls in 14 families. Expert help lets you meet them without slowing your operations or losing contract eligibility.
Why DIY DFARS Falls Short
Without expert DFARS help, many contractors run into:
Misunderstood NIST 800-171 requirements leading to gaps
Inadequate CUI identification and protection
Missing incident response and reporting procedures
Insufficient security assessment and documentation
Failed DoD assessments or contract audits
Contract ineligibility from non-compliance
What Happens Without DFARS Compliance
Without solid DFARS compliance you can’t compete for new DoD work. Current contracts can be terminated. Missed or late incident reporting can lead to investigations and False Claims Act risk. Primes may drop you from the supply chain.
The results are serious:
Contract ineligibility preventing DoD contract awards
Existing contract termination for cybersecurity failures
Incident reporting violations triggering investigations
Supply chain exclusion from prime contractor requirements
False Claims Act liability for misrepresenting compliance
Financial losses from missed opportunities and emergency remediation
Expert DFARS Compliance Implementation
We deliver DFARS compliance in three steps:
NIST 800-171 Assessment
We assess you against all 110 NIST 800-171 controls, find gaps, and build a clear plan to meet DFARS.
Control Implementation & Documentation
We put in place the required controls and create your SSP and POA&M so you meet DoD assessment needs.
Incident Response & Reporting
We set up incident response and 72-hour reporting so you stay compliant and limit liability.
Complete DFARS Compliance Services
Our DFARS compliance services include:
NIST 800-171 Gap Assessment
Full control evaluation
We assess you against all 110 NIST 800-171 controls, find gaps, and set implementation order.
CUI Identification & Protection
Controlled Unclassified Information handling
We define how you identify, mark, store, transmit, and destroy CUI so it’s protected end to end.
System Security Plan (SSP)
Required DFARS documentation
We build your SSP with controls, implementation details, and compliance status for attestation and DoD assessments.
Access Control Implementation
CUI access restrictions
We limit CUI access to authorized users with MFA, least privilege, and session controls per NIST 800-171.
Incident Response & Reporting
72-hour reporting compliance
We set up incident response and 72-hour DoD reporting, media preservation, and damage assessments per DFARS.
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Gap remediation tracking
We create and maintain your POA&M with timelines and owners so you close gaps in order.
Security Assessment & Testing
Control validation and verification
We test controls and run vulnerability and penetration tests to show NIST 800-171 is in place.
Supply Chain Risk Management
Contractor flow-down requirements
We help with supply chain security, subcontractor flow-downs, and vendor compliance for DFARS.
Why Choose Our DFARS Services
Many consultants don’t know the defense world. We do. We bring NIST 800-171 know-how and real contractor experience so compliance fits how you work.
You get:
- NIST 800-171 expertise across all 110 controls and 14 families
- Defense contractor operational understanding
- Efficient implementation minimizing operational disruption
- DoD assessment preparation and support
- Ongoing compliance management maintaining DFARS adherence
DFARS Compliance Services - Common Questions
DFARS means putting in place NIST 800-171 and self-attesting via an SSP. CMMC means a third-party assessor certifies you. DFARS applies today to DoD contracts with CUI; CMMC will phase in and eventually require certification. Right now you need DFARS (NIST 800-171). Doing DFARS well sets you up for CMMC—both use the same 110 controls. Difference: DFARS = self-assessment; CMMC = third-party certification.
Costs depend on your current posture and scope. Small shops with some controls in place often spend $15K–$35K upfront plus $2K–$4K/year. Medium shops with bigger gaps: $35K–$75K. Large or complex: $75K–$150K+. You pay for gap assessment, controls, SSP, POA&M, and incident response. DFARS is self-attestation, so no third-party assessment fee. Non-compliance usually costs more: lost contracts and incident-related penalties.
DFARS 252.204-7012 says you must report cyber incidents that affect CUI to the DoD Cyber Crime Center within 72 hours. A “cyber incident” is unauthorized access, use, disclosure, change, or destruction of CUI or your systems. You report what happened, what CUI was involved, and a point of contact. You must preserve system images and media for 90 days. Missing the 72-hour window can mean compliance failures and False Claims Act risk. Good incident procedures make sure you spot reportable events and report on time.
If you already have solid security, often 3–5 months. From a weak baseline, 6–9 months. Steps: gap assessment (2–3 weeks), CUI scoping (1–2 weeks), control implementation (8–20 weeks), SSP (3–4 weeks), POA&M (1–2 weeks), incident procedures (2–3 weeks). You can attest with a POA&M for open gaps; you don’t need everything perfect day one. Many teams reach attestable compliance in 90–120 days and close gaps via POA&M.
Usually yes. You’ll need some upgrades—often MFA, encryption for CUI, better logging, and separating CUI systems from the rest of the network. We assess what you have and recommend changes. Most of the time 70–80% of your gear stays; you improve security rather than replace everything. Only systems that touch CUI need full NIST 800-171. Email, HR, and other non-CUI systems can stay separate with basic security.
Ready to Achieve DFARS Compliance?
Don’t risk contract eligibility. We’ll put in place NIST 800-171 controls, build your documentation, and set up incident response.
First time or keeping a program current—we bring the defense-sector experience to get you there.