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Simplify your compliance journey with an all-in-one solution.

The Quickest Route to DFARS Compliance

No need to be an expert in defense regulations—achieve your compliance goals effortlessly.
Compliance offers a dedicated defense IT compliance specialist to support and guide you every step of the way.

What is DFARS?

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Clause 252.204-7012 was introduced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in 2015 to strengthen the cybersecurity standards within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). This regulation applies to supply chain contractors and organizations working with sensitive defense information.

Key Points About DFARS:

  • Alignment with NIST SP 800-171:
    DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 is based on the 110 cybersecurity controls outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-171. These controls are designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from cybersecurity threats.

  • Transition from Voluntary to Mandatory:
    When first introduced, DFARS compliance was voluntary, giving contractors time to align their operations with the new requirements. However, it is now a mandatory standard for all DoD contractors.

  • CMMC Evolution:
    By 2019, many contractors were still not compliant with DFARS requirements. This widespread non-compliance highlighted the need for a more robust and enforceable framework, leading to the development and introduction of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0.

  • Widespread Adoption:
    DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 is now embedded in over one million prime and subcontracts. Contractors working on these contracts must demonstrate compliance to remain eligible for DoD projects.

By establishing clear cybersecurity requirements, DFARS ensures that contractors and subcontractors in the DIB are better equipped to safeguard sensitive information, thereby strengthening the overall security of the nation’s defense supply chain.

What’s the Difference Between DFARS and CMMC?

Between 2019 and 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) released and revised the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to supplement and, in some cases, replace DFARS. While both frameworks share common goals, they have key differences.

SIMILARITIES

DIFFERENCES

Supported Frameworks & Regulations

Compliance’s Universal Control Framework Offering delivers a comprehensive solution for defense startups and companies to achieve DFARS compliance. With coverage across key frameworks, standards, and regulations in the defense industry, our solution saves you time and money while helping you reach your business goals.

CMMC

A maturity model that certifies and standardizes cybersecurity practices across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

FedRAMP

A Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program that standardizes security for cloud service offerings.

NIST 800-171

Defines security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

FAR 52.204-21

Establishes basic security safeguards for federal contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).

NIST 800-172

Provides advanced security requirements for enhanced protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

DFARS

The Department of Defense’s Acquisition Regulations, mandatory for all contractors engaging with the DoD.

Do You Need Both DFARS and CMMC?

Yes, both DFARS and CMMC play a crucial role in ensuring security. The DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 is a mandatory requirement in most DoD RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, while CMMC 2.0 is now mandatory.

The Solution:

Concentrating on NIST 800-171 compliance addresses the requirements of both DFARS 252.204-7012 and CMMC 2.0, ensuring your organization meets current and future obligations.

What's Included

We offer a complete, all-in-one solution to help defense startups and companies achieve and maintain DFARS compliance effortlessly.

Data & Requirement Scoping

Work with our experts to identify FCI and CUI, ensuring your environment and requirements align with your business objectives.

SSP Development

Save time and money with our team of NIST 800-171 and CMMC specialists, who will develop and maintain your System Security Plan (SSP).

DoD Compliance Assessments

Annual assessments by trained professionals ensure continuous compliance with DFARS 252.204-7019/20 and NIST 800-171.

Control Playbooks

Access pre-built NIST 800-171 and CMMC Control Playbooks that translate complex requirements into simple, actionable steps.

Continuous Compliance

Receive ongoing support from our experts to maintain your compliance with NIST 800-171 and CMMC standards.

Artifact Development

Let our IT compliance experts handle the creation and maintenance of your compliance artifacts, including SSPs and policies.

Dedicated Compliance Experts

Each customer is assigned a dedicated NIST 800-171 and CMMC expert to guide them through every step of their compliance journey.

CMMC Assessment Support

Prepare for success with gap analysis and evidence review by our CMMC-trained assessors to ensure you meet all requirements.

Project Management

Stay on schedule with a dedicated project manager who will keep you on track toward achieving NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance.

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