Understanding the SPRS Assessment Score for Defense Manufacturers
Operating in the highly regulated aerospace and defense industries demands an unwavering commitment to cybersecurity, risk management, and supplier performance.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and major Department of Defense prime contractors rely on the Supplier Performance Risk System to evaluate the cybersecurity risk associated with their suppliers. The SPRS assessment score serves as a standardized measure that directly impacts a manufacturer's ability to secure and maintain defense contracts.
The SPRS score measures a contractor's cybersecurity risk and compliance with the NIST SP 800-171 controls. Scores range from -203 to +110, with higher scores indicating better compliance. A score of 110 represents full compliance with all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls — the desired low-risk score that demonstrates a contractor has implemented comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
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.
Core Components of SPRS Assessment Scores
Cybersecurity compliance measurement: The SPRS score evaluates a manufacturer's adherence to the NIST SP 800-171 controls 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 requirements: Contractors must conduct a self-assessment against the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls using the DoD's Assessment Methodology. Assessment results, including the SPRS score, must be submitted to the DoD's SPRS system. Scores must be updated at least every three years or whenever significant system changes occur.
System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M): Contractors must develop and maintain an SSP outlining how they implement the NIST SP 800-171 controls. POA&Ms must be created for any controls not fully implemented, addressing these gaps and outlining steps and timelines for achieving full compliance.
How SPRS Scores Are Calculated
SPRS score calculation follows the DoD Assessment Methodology. Scoring begins at the base of -203, the lowest possible score.
Each of the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls carries a specific weight:
5-point controls: High-priority security requirements 3-point controls: Medium-priority security requirements
1-point controls: Lower-priority security requirements
The score increases as contractors meet each control fully, potentially reaching the perfect score of +110. Partial fulfillment of controls does not earn any points — controls must be fully implemented to receive credit.
What Constitutes a Good SPRS Assessment Score
A score of 88 or higher is generally considered competitive for CMMC Level 2 certification. This threshold represents the minimum number of controls that must be met during an organization's initial C3PAO-led assessment.
A score of 110 indicates full compliance and zero cybersecurity risk. First-time assessments often result in negative scores due to unmet controls, but scores generally improve significantly with proper guidance and implementation.
Defense contractors should aim to achieve or surpass 88 points as CMMC requirements become mandatory. Higher scores provide stronger competitive positioning when pursuing Department of Defense contracts.
Consequences of a Low SPRS Assessment Score
Low SPRS assessment scores create significant obstacles for manufacturers competing in aerospace and defense sectors.
- Lost business opportunities: OEMs and prime contractors rarely award contracts to manufacturers with high-risk profiles. A low score could jeopardize their own compliance with stringent cybersecurity regulations, making such partnerships untenable.
- Reputational damage: Poor SPRS assessment scores tarnish a manufacturer's reputation within the defense industrial base. This damage makes attracting new business and retaining existing customers increasingly difficult.
- Legal implications: Inaccurate or fraudulent SPRS scores can result in severe consequences. These include fines, contract terminations, and legal prosecution under the False Claims Act. Penalties can reach three times the contract value, with whistleblowers potentially receiving up to 25% of recovered amounts.
- Increased oversight and audits: Manufacturers with low SPRS scores face more frequent audits and heightened oversight from OEMs and prime contractors. The Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) can conduct validation assessments, adding operational costs and administrative burdens.
Improving Your SPRS Assessment Score: A Strategic Approach
Enhancing SPRS assessment scores requires focused effort addressing all aspects of cybersecurity compliance.
- Conduct thorough self-assessments: Use the DoD's Assessment Methodology to conduct comprehensive self-assessments against the NIST SP 800-171 controls. Evaluate all 320 assessment objectives within the 110 controls — not just the high-level requirements. Ensure accurate evaluation and documentation of all controls.
- Develop and maintain an SSP and POA&M: Create a detailed System Security Plan outlining how your organization implements NIST SP 800-171 controls. Develop a Plan of Action & Milestones for any controls not fully implemented, addressing these gaps with specific steps and timelines for achieving full compliance.
- Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Invest in comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including data encryption, access controls, incident response plans, and regular security training for employees. Ensure all NIST SP 800-171 controls are fully implemented and continuously monitored.
- Regularly update your SPRS score: Keep SPRS assessment scores current through regular self-assessments. Update scores in the SPRS system at least every three years or whenever significant system changes occur.
- Seek third-party assessments: Consider engaging third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct independent assessments of compliance with NIST SP 800-171 controls. Independent validation provides additional assurance and helps identify gaps or areas requiring improvement.
Maintaining a Favorable SPRS Assessment Score
Achieving a favorable SPRS assessment score marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
- Continuous improvement culture: Embrace continuous improvement through regular self-assessments, audits, and implementation of corrective actions addressing identified gaps or areas needing enhancement.
- Ongoing cybersecurity training and awareness: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity training and awareness programs. Ensure your workforce understands cybersecurity importance and can identify and respond to potential threats effectively.
- Regulatory compliance vigilance: Stay informed about changes in industry regulations, standards, and best practices. Promptly adapt processes and procedures to maintain compliance with evolving requirements.
- Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within your organization and with industry partners. Stay ahead of emerging trends, challenges, and best practices in cybersecurity.
Frequently Asked Questions About SPRS Assessment Scores
What is an SPRS assessment score?
An SPRS assessment score is a numerical rating ranging from -203 to +110 that measures a defense contractor's compliance with NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity controls. The Department of Defense uses this score to assess cybersecurity risk when evaluating contractors.
How often must SPRS scores be updated?
SPRS scores must be updated at least every three years or whenever significant changes occur to the system. Contractors must maintain current scores throughout the duration of their contracts.
What happens if I report an inaccurate SPRS score?
Reporting inaccurate SPRS scores can result in prosecution under the False Claims Act, with penalties reaching three times the contract value. Additional consequences include contract loss, fines, and suspension from government contracting.
Is a score of 88 sufficient for defense contracts?
A score of 88 is the minimum threshold for CMMC Level 2 conditional certification. While this score allows contract eligibility, achieving full compliance with all 110 controls provides the strongest competitive position and security posture.
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 significantly enhance their prospects of securing contracts and business opportunities with major OEMs and prime contractors.
Achieving and maintaining favorable SPRS assessment scores hinges on prioritizing cybersecurity compliance through meticulous self-assessments, developing and maintaining comprehensive System Security Plans and Plans of Action & Milestones, and seeking independent third-party assessments. A culture of continuous improvement, ongoing cybersecurity training, and adherence to regulatory compliance prove 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.
