Defense contractors face mounting pressure to demonstrate robust cybersecurity practices. Your SPRS score serves as the gatekeeping metric that determines whether you can compete for and retain Department of Defense contracts.
As a manufacturing partner to aerospace and defense organizations, we've seen firsthand how supply chain complexity impacts compliance efforts. The right manufacturing partnerships can significantly reduce your security management burden while improving operational efficiency.
Learn everything you need to know about CMMC here!
What Is an SPRS Score?
The SPRS score is a numerical rating the Department of Defense assigns to assess cybersecurity risk associated with contractors and suppliers. This score measures your organization's implementation of security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171.
SPRS Score Range and Requirements
Score Range | What It Means | Contract Impact |
110 | Perfect compliance with all NIST SP 800-171 controls | Maximum competitive advantage |
88-110 | Meets CMMC Level 2 baseline requirements | Qualifies for most DoD contracts |
Below 88 | Requires POA&M for conditional certification | May face contract restrictions |
Below 0 | Significant compliance gaps | High risk of contract exclusion |
Defense contractors must submit their assessments in the Supplier Performance Risk System portal. The DoD uses these scores to make informed decisions about contract awards and supplier risk levels.
Consequences of poor SPRS scores include:
- Loss of existing contracts
- Exclusion from future bidding opportunities
- Financial penalties
- Damaged reputation in the defense industrial base
Key Factors in SPRS Score Calculation
The SPRS scoring methodology evaluates multiple dimensions of your cybersecurity program centered on 110 specific security requirements from NIST SP 800-171.
Primary Scoring Components
Cybersecurity Maturity:
- Access controls and authentication systems
- Data encryption implementation
- Network monitoring capabilities
- Documented incident response procedures
- Recovery and continuity planning
Risk Management Practices:
- Regular vulnerability assessments
- Documented mitigation strategies
- Continuous monitoring systems
- Current risk registers
Supply Chain Security:
- Subcontractor vetting processes
- Security requirements in procurement
- Third-party security verification
- Supply chain risk management
Documentation Quality:
- Complete security policies and procedures
- Implementation evidence and records
- Audit trails and compliance reports
- System security plans
The scoring system penalizes each gap in implementation. Missing a single required control costs you one point. Failing to address fundamental security requirements can trigger larger deductions.
SPRS Score Requirements for CMMC Compliance
Your SPRS score directly connects to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. Understanding this relationship helps you prioritize compliance investments.
CMMC Level 2 Requirements
Requirement | Details |
Minimum SPRS Score | 88 out of 110 points |
Control Implementation | 80% of NIST SP 800-171 requirements |
Assessment Type | Self-assessment or C3PAO evaluation |
Conditional Certification | Available with POA&M if score below 88 |
Evidence Required | Documented policies, technical configs, operational procedures |
Assessment components assessors examine:
- Documented security policies
- Technical system configurations
- Operational procedure implementation
- Proof of ongoing compliance activities
Your SPRS score serves as the quantitative component of CMMC certification. This provides a clear, objective measure of your cybersecurity posture that the DoD uses to evaluate risk.
What Is a Good SPRS Score?
A good SPRS score depends on your contract requirements and the level of CUI access you need. The minimum threshold for CMMC Level 2 certification sits at 88 out of 110.
SPRS Score Benchmarks
Score Range | Security Posture | Competitive Position |
|---|---|---|
95-110 | Comprehensive security program with minimal gaps | Strong competitive advantage |
88-94 | Meets baseline with some improvement areas | Qualifies for most contracts |
75-87 | Requires POA&M for conditional certification | May face increased scrutiny |
Below 75 | Significant compliance gaps | High risk of contract restrictions |
Scores above 88 demonstrate stronger security postures and lower risk profiles. Organizations achieving scores in the 95-110 range show comprehensive cybersecurity programs.
Your target score should exceed minimum requirements. Higher scores create buffer room for minor compliance lapses that could occur during normal business operations.
How Your Manufacturing Partners Impact Your SPRS Score
Your supply chain creates either complexity or clarity in your compliance efforts. The number of partners handling controlled information directly impacts your security management burden.
Supply Chain Security Challenges
Managing security across multiple vendors consumes significant resources. Each entity accessing your technical data creates potential vulnerabilities that you must monitor and control.
Traditional supply chain challenges:
- Vetting dozens of individual vendors for security compliance
- Monitoring ongoing compliance across fragmented suppliers
- Managing controlled information across multiple handoffs
- Coordinating quality and security requirements
- Responding to security incidents across your supply chain
The Vertically Integrated Advantage
Consolidating manufacturing processes under fewer partners simplifies your security management. When one partner handles multiple processes from CNC machining through final assembly, you reduce supply chain touchpoints.
Benefits of consolidated manufacturing:
- Simplified vendor management: Fewer partners mean less security oversight burden and reduced compliance coordination.
- Reduced data exposure: Minimizing organizations accessing technical data limits vulnerability points.
- Improved quality control: Integrated processes enable better oversight and faster issue resolution.
- Faster production cycles: Streamlined operations free resources for compliance activities rather than coordination overhead.
Consistent security standards: Single partners maintain uniform security practices across all processes.
Manufacturing Partnership for Defense Contractors
At Modus Advanced, we understand that defense contractor cybersecurity extends beyond your organization to encompass your entire supply chain.
Our vertically integrated capabilities span multiple manufacturing processes under one roof. This consolidation reduces the complexity defense contractors face when managing supplier security requirements.
Our Manufacturing Capabilities
Process | Application |
|---|---|
CNC Machining | Precision metal components and housings |
Form-in-Place Gasketing | EMI/RF shielding gaskets |
Die Cutting | Custom elastomeric components |
Waterjet Cutting | Complex geometries in various materials |
Laminating | Multi-layer assemblies |
Slitting | Custom width materials |
Molding | Custom rubber components |
Our Commitment to Security Standards
We maintain critical certifications that demonstrate our alignment with defense industry requirements:
- AS9100 Certification: Aerospace quality management
- ISO 9001 Certification: Quality management systems
- ITAR Registration: International traffic in arms regulations compliance
- Pursuing CMMC Compliance: Understanding DoD cybersecurity requirements
Our engineering team provides design for manufacturability reviews that help defense contractors optimize designs for efficient production. This support reduces prototype iterations and accelerates time-to-market.
Common SPRS Compliance Challenges
Defense contractors face recurring obstacles when working to improve their SPRS scores. Understanding these challenges helps you develop effective strategies.
Typical Contractor Challenges
Challenge | Impact | Manufacturing Solution |
Resource Constraints | Limited budget for compliance investments | Consolidate vendors to reduce management overhead |
Supply Chain Complexity | Managing security across multiple partners | Partner with vertically integrated manufacturers |
Technical Debt | Legacy systems complicate compliance | Work with partners who understand integration challenges |
Documentation Gaps | Lacking policies and procedures | Choose partners with established quality systems |
How manufacturing partnerships help:
Supply chain consolidation reduces the number of security relationships you must manage. Fewer partners mean less vetting, monitoring, and compliance coordination.
Vertically integrated manufacturers handle multiple processes under established quality systems. This provides consistent security practices across your production needs.
Domestic manufacturing for defense partners provides inherent security advantages by keeping production within the United States and reducing supply chain complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions About SPRS Scores
What is the minimum SPRS score required for DoD contracts?
The minimum SPRS score for most DoD contracts requiring CMMC Level 2 certification is 88 out of 110. This demonstrates implementation of at least 80% of NIST SP 800-171 security controls.
How often do I need to update my SPRS score?
You must update your SPRS score annually at minimum. You should also submit updates whenever significant changes occur in your security program.
Can I lose contracts due to a low SPRS score?
Yes. Contracting officers use SPRS scores to assess supplier risk. Consistently low scores can result in contract termination and exclusion from future opportunities.
How do my manufacturing partners affect my SPRS score?
Your supply chain security is part of SPRS evaluation. Consolidating manufacturing under fewer, more capable partners reduces your security management burden and demonstrates stronger supply chain risk management.
What certifications should I look for in manufacturing partners?
Look for AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR compliance. Partners pursuing CMMC certification demonstrate understanding of DoD security requirements.
Streamlining Compliance Through Strategic Partnerships
Your SPRS score represents more than a compliance metric. It directly impacts your ability to compete in the defense market and sustain long-term government partnerships.
Strategic manufacturing partnerships reduce compliance complexity while improving operational efficiency. Fewer partners handling your production means simplified security management and reduced vulnerability points.
At Modus Advanced, we've built our operations to support defense contractors at every stage of product development. Our vertically integrated capabilities and commitment to security standards make us a strategic partner for organizations navigating CMMC requirements.
What we offer defense contractors:
- Multiple manufacturing processes under one roof
- Engineering support from prototype through production
- Quality systems aligned with aerospace standards
- Understanding of defense industry security requirements
- Domestic manufacturing with reduced supply chain complexity
Your journey from prototype to production shouldn't add unnecessary complexity to your compliance efforts. We've structured our operations to support your manufacturing needs while maintaining the security standards the DoD expects.
Ready to discuss how we can support your manufacturing needs? Contact us online or submit your design to explore how our capabilities align with your project requirements.
