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Decoding Your SPRS Assessment Score: What It Means for Your Business

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    keypoints-top-borderKey Points

     

    • SPRS Scores are critical evaluations by the Department of Defense, assessing a contractor's cybersecurity, quality, and delivery performance, which significantly influence their ability to secure contracts in the aerospace and defense industries.
    • Improving SPRS Scores involves implementing robust cybersecurity measures, maintaining high-quality standards, conducting regular self-assessments, and ensuring thorough documentation through System Security Plans (SSP) and Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
    • A low SPRS score can result in lost business opportunities, reputational damage, legal implications, and increased oversight, making it crucial for manufacturers to prioritize cybersecurity compliance and continuous improvement.
    • Partner with Modus Advanced to leverage comprehensive manufacturing solutions, ensuring your defense contracting success and peace of mind.

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    Operating in the highly regulated aerospace and defense industries demands an unwavering commitment to cybersecurity, risk management, and supplier performance. 

    In these sectors, where safety and reliability are paramount, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and major Department of Defense (DoD) prime contractors rely on the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) to evaluate the cybersecurity risk associated with their suppliers.

    The SPRS assessment score is a critical metric that can make or break a manufacturer's ability to secure contracts and business opportunities within these industries. In this comprehensive guide, we'll decode the SPRS score and explore its implications.

    Looking for a trusted partner to bring your products from idea to ignition? We’re proud to be on the leading edge of CMMC compliance – SPRS score included. Contact our team today to learn more.

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    Understanding the SPRS Score for Manufacturers

    The SPRS score is a standardized measure of a contractor's cybersecurity risk and compliance with the NIST SP 800-171 controls. The score ranges from -203 to +110, with higher scores indicating better compliance. 

    A score of 110 represents full compliance with all 110 of the NIST SP 800-171 controls, which is the desired low-risk score.

    Key components of the SPRS score include:

    • Cybersecurity Compliance: The SPRS score specifically evaluates a manufacturer's adherence to the NIST SP 800-171 controls, which are designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. These controls cover various aspects of cybersecurity, including access control, incident response, and system and communications protection.
    • Self-Assessment and Reporting: Contractors must conduct a self-assessment against the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls using the DoD's Assessment Methodology. The results of this self-assessment, including the SPRS score, must be submitted to the DoD's SPRS system. Scores must be updated at least every three years or whenever there are significant changes to the system.
    • System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M): Contractors are required to develop and maintain an SSP that outlines how they implement the NIST SP 800-171 controls. If any controls are not fully implemented, a POA&M must be created to address these gaps and outline the steps and timeline for achieving full compliance.

    Consequences of a Low SPRS Score for Manufacturers

    A low SPRS score can have severe consequences for manufacturers in the aerospace and defense industries, including:

    • Lost Business Opportunities: OEMs and prime contractors are unlikely to award contracts to manufacturers with a high-risk profile, as it could jeopardize their own compliance with stringent cybersecurity regulations.
    • Reputational Damage: A poor SPRS score can tarnish a manufacturer's reputation, making it challenging to attract new business and retain existing customers.
    • Legal Implications: Inaccurate or fraudulent SPRS scores can result in severe consequences, including fines, contract terminations, and legal implications under the False Claims Act.
    • Increased Oversight and Audits: Manufacturers with a low SPRS score may be subject to more frequent audits and increased oversight from OEMs and prime contractors, adding to operational costs and administrative burdens.

    Improving Your SPRS Score as a Manufacturer

    Enhancing your SPRS score requires a focused approach that addresses all aspects of cybersecurity compliance. Here are some actionable steps manufacturers can take:

    • Conduct Thorough Self-Assessments: Use the DoD's Assessment Methodology to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment against the NIST SP 800-171 controls. Ensure that all controls are accurately evaluated and documented.
    • Develop and Maintain an SSP and POA&M: Create a detailed SSP that outlines how your organization implements the NIST SP 800-171 controls. If any controls are not fully implemented, develop a POA&M to address these gaps and outline the steps and timeline for achieving full compliance.
    • Implement Robust Cybersecurity Measures: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including data encryption, access controls, incident response plans, and regular security training for employees. Ensure that all NIST SP 800-171 controls are fully implemented and continuously monitored.
    • Regularly Update Your SPRS Score: Keep your SPRS score up-to-date by conducting regular self-assessments and updating your score in the SPRS system at least every three years or whenever there are significant changes to your system.
    • Seek Third-Party Assessments: Consider engaging third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct independent assessments of your compliance with the NIST SP 800-171 controls. This can provide an additional layer of assurance and help identify any gaps or areas for improvement.

    Maintaining a Favorable SPRS Score for Sustained Success

    Achieving a favorable SPRS score is just the beginning. Manufacturers must remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to maintain and continuously improve their cybersecurity compliance. 

    Here are some key considerations:

    • Continuous Improvement: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement by regularly conducting self-assessments, audits, and implementing corrective actions to address any identified gaps or areas for improvement.
    • Ongoing Cybersecurity Training and Awareness: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity training and awareness programs to ensure your workforce understands the importance of cybersecurity and is equipped to identify and respond to potential threats.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about changes in industry regulations, standards, and best practices, and promptly adapt your processes and procedures to maintain compliance.
    • Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within your organization and with industry partners to stay ahead of emerging trends, challenges, and best practices in cybersecurity.

    Your Mission, Our Commitment: Modus Advanced

    The SPRS assessment score stands as a pivotal metric in the aerospace and defense manufacturing landscape, reflecting a manufacturer's steadfast commitment to cybersecurity and risk management. Manufacturers who grasp the intricacies of the SPRS score, proactively address potential risk factors, and implement improvement strategies can significantly enhance their prospects of securing contracts and business opportunities with major OEMs and prime contractors.

    Achieving and maintaining a favorable SPRS score hinges on prioritizing cybersecurity compliance through meticulous self-assessments, developing and maintaining a comprehensive System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), and seeking independent third-party assessments. Moreover, a culture of continuous improvement, ongoing cybersecurity training, and adherence to regulatory compliance are indispensable for sustained success in these highly regulated industries.

    Manufacturers, such as Modus Advanced, who wholeheartedly embrace a culture of cybersecurity excellence position themselves as trusted and reliable partners. Their contributions pave the way for the development of cutting-edge technologies while upholding the highest standards of safety and reliability in the aerospace and defense sectors.

    Your mission is our mission. We’re here to work alongside your team to bring your life-saving and life-changing devices to market sooner. Contact our team today.

     

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