CMMC SPRS Score: Navigating the Cybersecurity Maturity Model

Key Points

• An SPRS score is crucial for winning DoD contracts and demonstrates a commitment to strong cybersecurity.
• A minimum SPRS score is required for CMMC Level 2 certification, with a plan for improvement for slightly lower scores.
• Partnering with a CMMC-compliant manufacturer like Modus Advanced eases the path to CMMC compliance.

For organizations working with the Department of Defense (DoD), navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity requirements can be a daunting task. 

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program and its associated Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score are two crucial elements that significantly impact a contractor's ability to secure and maintain DoD contracts.

This blog post will serve as a guide for understanding the importance of SPRS scores within the CMMC framework. 

We'll learn what SPRS scores represent, how they are calculated, and how they directly influence your CMMC compliance journey. 

-- Article Continues Below --

Learn everything you need to know about CMMC here!

Understanding SPRS Scores

The SPRS score acts as a numerical assessment of a contractor's cybersecurity posture, risk management practices, and overall performance. 

It serves as a critical data point for the DoD when evaluating a contractor's eligibility for contracts. The score itself ranges from a maximum of +110 (indicating a highly secure environment) to a minimum of -203 (raising significant security concerns).

The calculation of your SPRS score hinges on a self-assessment against the security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171. This publication serves as a comprehensive roadmap for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within non-federal information systems and organizations. 

Each security control within the NIST standard carries a point value, and by meticulously evaluating your compliance with these controls, you arrive at your final SPRS score. This score essentially provides a report card on your organization's overall cybersecurity effectiveness.

The significance of a strong SPRS score cannot be overstated in the context of CMMC compliance. As the CMMC 2.0 program rolls out, contractors will be required to demonstrate a specific level of cybersecurity maturity to compete for DoD contracts. The required CMMC level will vary depending on the sensitivity of the information involved in the project. However, a healthy SPRS score stands as a strong indicator of your preparedness for CMMC certification.

CMMC Level 2 and SPRS Scores

Now let's dive into how SPRS scores play a role in achieving CMMC Level 2 certification, a common requirement for many DoD projects. CMMC Level 2 focuses on building a comprehensive cybersecurity program. This entails implementing a robust set of controls that address areas like incident response, risk management, and security awareness training.

Here's where the SPRS score comes into play: to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification, DoD contractors typically need to attain a minimum SPRS score during the assessment process. This minimum threshold can vary slightly depending on specific circumstances, but typically hovers around 88 points.

Let's introduce another critical concept: "CMMC Level 2 Conditional Certification." If your initial SPRS score falls slightly below the required level (but still demonstrates a strong foundation), you may be eligible for conditional certification. 

This allows you to secure the CMMC Level 2 certification with a caveat – you'll need to develop and implement a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to address any remaining security gaps identified during the assessment. This POA&M outlines a timeline for remediating these deficiencies and achieving full compliance.

However, it's important to understand that POA&Ms have limitations. They are typically not accepted for high-value controls (those worth 3 or 5 points on the SPRS scale). These critical controls require immediate implementation and adherence. Additionally, the window for addressing deficiencies identified in your POA&M is time-bound. Organizations with Conditional Certification typically have 180 days to fully remediate any gaps. Failure to do so can result in the revocation of their certification.

Improving Your SPRS Score

So, what can you do to improve your organization's SPRS score and ensure CMMC compliance? 

Here's a step-by-step guide to consider:

1. Conduct a Self-Assessment: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the NIST SP 800-171 publication and conducting a comprehensive self-assessment. This involves evaluating your current cybersecurity practices against each of the listed controls. Identify areas where you might be lacking and document any existing security measures you have in place.
2. Implement Security Controls: Based on your self-assessment, prioritize the implementation of essential security controls to address any gaps. This could involve actions such as strengthening access controls, enhancing data encryption protocols, or developing a robust incident response plan.
3. Protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): At Modus Advanced, we prioritize the protection of CUI throughout the supply chain. We maintain a secure manufacturing environment and employ rigorous data-handling procedures to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all sensitive information entrusted to us. By partnering with a reliable manufacturer like Modus Advanced, you can gain peace of mind knowing your CUI is protected throughout the production process of your RF shield components.
4. Document Your Efforts: Maintaining detailed documentation is crucial. As you implement security controls and address deficiencies, meticulously document your efforts. This documentation will serve as valuable evidence during a CMMC assessment, demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity improvement.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Navigating CMMC compliance can be complex. Consider seeking guidance from experienced cybersecurity professionals to assist with your self-assessment, develop a robust POA&M, and advise you on best practices for achieving CMMC certification.

Navigating CMMC Assessments

There are two primary assessment types within the CMMC framework: self-assessment and third-party assessment.

• Self-Assessment: For CMMC Level 1, which requires a basic level of cybersecurity hygiene, contractors can typically conduct a self-assessment against the CMMC requirements. However, it's important to note that self-assessments are subject to future scrutiny.
• Third-Party Assessment: For CMMC Levels 2 and above, which involve more stringent cybersecurity requirements, a formal assessment conducted by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) becomes mandatory. These C3PAOs are independent entities accredited by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) to evaluate a contractor's cybersecurity posture against the CMMC standards.

It's important to understand the limitations of POA&Ms within the context of C3PAO assessments. As mentioned earlier, POA&Ms are not typically accepted for high-value controls. During a C3PAO assessment, any deficiencies in these critical areas will need to be addressed immediately to achieve certification.

Furthermore, failing to remediate deficiencies identified in your POA&M within the allotted timeframe can have serious consequences. Not only could your Conditional Certification be revoked, but it could also negatively impact your eligibility for future DoD contracts. This highlights the importance of proactively addressing cybersecurity gaps well before undergoing a CMMC assessment.

CMMC Compliance with Confidence – Partner with Modus Advanced

At Modus Advanced, we understand the unique challenges faced by engineers, procurement managers, and decision-makers within the DoD contracting ecosystem. Tight deadlines, demanding quality standards, and ever-evolving cybersecurity requirements can make navigating the path from prototype to production a complex task.

That's where Modus Advanced steps in. As a vertically integrated industrial manufacturer specializing in custom RF shielding components, we offer a one-stop shop for all your needs. We handle everything in-house – from CNC machining and waterjet cutting to laminating and molding – ensuring the highest quality and fastest possible lead times. This translates to significant cost savings and a streamlined production process for you.

But here's what truly sets us apart: our unwavering commitment to cybersecurity. We understand the critical role a strong SPRS score plays in achieving CMMC compliance. Our proven expertise and meticulous adherence to NIST SP 800-171 standards ensure the security of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) throughout the manufacturing process.

Don't let CMMC compliance become a roadblock to your success.  By partnering with Modus Advanced, you gain a trusted manufacturing partner dedicated to delivering high-quality, secure RF shielding components – all while helping you achieve faster time-to-market and reduce overall costs.

Contact our team today to learn more about our commitment to you as you bring life-saving and life-changing devices to market.