CMMC vs NIST 800: Which One Do I Need?

Landing a government contract can be a game-changer for small businesses, but the journey often includes a significant hurdle: compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. CMMC and NIST 800-171 are two critical frameworks for safeguarding sensitive information. You know this but you might be asking: What are they? How do they differ? And which one is right for you?  

This guide simplifies the decision-making process by comparing these frameworks and highlighting how they align with your business goals.  

Key Takeaways

• NIST 800-171 is a required framework for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and is often the starting point for federal contract compliance.

• CMMC builds on NIST 800-171 and introduces mandatory certification levels specifically for contractors in the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain.

• The key difference: NIST is self-assessed, while CMMC requires formal audits and certification.

• Your business needs NIST 800-171 if you handle CUI for any federal agency.

• You need CMMC if you're contracting with the DoD or plan to in the future.

• BEMO’s Managed Compliance and Compliance as a Service (CaaS) offerings simplify and accelerate the path to both NIST and CMMC compliance—tailored for small businesses and startups.

Table of Contents:

• What is NIST 800 181? 

• What is CMMC? 

• Key Differences Between NIST 800-171 and CMMC   

• Which Compliance Framework Do I Need?   

• How BEMO Can Help 
  
  
• FAQs

What Is NIST 800 181? 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced the NIST 800 series to provide guidelines for improving the security of information systems.  

NIST 800-181, specifically known as the "National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework," focuses on workforce development and provides a taxonomy to categorize and describe cybersecurity work roles.  

However, for businesses aiming to secure government contracts, NIST 800-171 is often the critical focus. 

NIST 800-171 provides a framework for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. It’s mandatory for any business handling CUI under federal contracts, including Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. 

NIST’s goals include: 

• Protecting sensitive government data. 

• Helping organizations establish security practices aligned with federal requirements. 

• Strengthening the overall cybersecurity posture of contractors. 

This framework serves as a critical foundation for government-related work, ensuring businesses can meet baseline security requirements. 

What Is CMMC? 

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed by the DoD to enhance the protection of federal data handled by contractors. Unlike NIST 800-171, which serves as a guideline, CMMC is a mandatory certification for organizations working with the DoD. 

CMMC builds on NIST 800-171 and introduces a structured, enforceable certification process. It has five levels of maturity: 

• Level 1: Basic cybersecurity hygiene. 

  Who Needs CMMC Level 1?

  If your organization handles FCI but does not process CUI, you will need CMMC Level 1 certification. This level applies to DoD contractors and subcontractors that provide products or services to the government without managing highly sensitive data.

• Level 2: Intermediate cybersecurity practices. 

  Who Needs CMMC Level 2?

  If your organization handles CUI as a DoD contractor or subcontractor, you must meet Level 2 requirements. However, if your role in the supply chain only requires access to limited CUI, a lower CMMC level may apply.

• Level 3: Good cybersecurity practices, aligned with NIST 800-171.

  Who Needs CMMC Level 3?

  Level 3 applies to organizations handling CUI for DoD’s most critical programs. If your organization works with high-value DoD contracts that require maximum security protections, compliance with Level 3 requirements is necessary.

CMMC’s goals are: 

• Ensuring defense contractors meet specific cybersecurity standards.
• Protecting CUI in the DoD supply chain.
• Creating a verifiable and enforceable cybersecurity standard. 

Check out our articles on CMMC Guide for Small Business to learn more about this framework. 

Key Differences Between NIST 800-171 and CMMC 

For businesses looking to secure governmental deals, both frameworks serve different but complementary purposes. NIST 800-171 is often the starting point for compliance, while CMMC adds a layer of enforceable certification. 

Which Compliance Framework Do I Need? 

Companies That Need NIST 800 171 

• Small businesses aiming to handle CUI in federal contracts. 

• Manufacturers providing goods to federal agencies. 

• Tech startups preparing for future CMMC certification by meeting NIST standards. 

Companies That Need CMMC 

• Defense contractors required to handle CUI. 

• Businesses in the DoD supply chain looking to secure or retain contracts. 

• Small businesses expanding into federal markets. 

How BEMO Can Help 

Compliance can feel overwhelming, especially for small businesses and startups aiming for government contracts. That’s where Managed Compliance for small businesses/startups and Compliance as a Service (CaaS) solutions come in. BEMO simplifies the process by providing tailored compliance automation for small businesses/startups to meet standards for all frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST 800 171, HIPAA, and CMMC). 

Whether you need help with CMMC or help with NIST 800 171, BEMO offers the fastest way to get compliant without unnecessary headaches. By leveraging tools like CMMC automation, NIST automation and expert guidance, you can achieve compliance efficiently while focusing on growing your business. 

Choosing between CMMC and NIST 800-171 depends on your business’s specific needs and goals. For those handling Controlled Unclassified Information, NIST 800-171 is often the first step toward compliance, while CMMC ensures adherence to rigorous DoD standards. By addressing these requirements, your business not only secures sensitive data but also unlocks opportunities for growth in the federal market. With solutions like Compliance as a Service (CaaS) from BEMO, achieving compliance is simpler than ever! 

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Ready to get started? Reach out to BEMO for personalized compliance solutions tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NIST 800-171 mandatory?

Yes, if you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) as part of a federal contract, compliance with NIST 800-171 is mandatory.

Can I self-assess my NIST 800-171 compliance?

Yes, NIST 800-171 is typically self-assessed, but third-party help (like BEMO’s compliance automation) can greatly streamline the process.

How does NIST 800-171 relate to other standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2?

While there’s some overlap in security controls, NIST 800-171 is specifically designed to meet federal government requirements for CUI protection.

What happens if I’m not compliant with NIST 800-171?

You may lose eligibility for federal contracts and face potential legal or financial consequences for non-compliance.

Is CMMC required for all government contractors?

No, it is specifically required for companies in the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain. However, more agencies may adopt it over time.

Can I skip NIST 800-171 and go straight to CMMC?

No, CMMC builds on NIST 800-171. You need to meet NIST 800-171 requirements to achieve CMMC Level 3 certification and above.

Do I need a third-party assessor for CMMC?

Yes, for Levels 2 and above, an audit by a CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) is required.

What’s the cost of getting CMMC certified?

It varies based on your organization’s size and current cybersecurity posture. Certification and readiness assessments are typically more expensive than NIST self-assessments, to check a detailed breakdown of how much does CMMC certification cost, read our article.