Cybersecurity & Supply Chain (Parts 4 / 39 / DFARS 204)

DFARS 252.204-7020

NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements

Substantive companion to 252.204-7019. Requires contractors and subs that process, store, or transmit CDI to have a current NIST 800-171 DoD Assessment in SPRS, and to give the Government access to facilities and personnel for Medium and High Assessments. Establishes the assessment methodology (Basic = self, Medium / High = DoD-led).

FAR / DFARS Part
DFARS Part 204 — Administrative and Information Matters
Prescribed By
DFARS 204.7304(e) — Required in DoD solicitations and contracts other than COTS.
Flow-down to Subcontracts

Yes — flow down required to subcontractors handling CDI (252.204-7020(g)).

What this clause requires

  • 1Current NIST 800-171 DoD Assessment in SPRS (Basic, Medium, or High depending on contract requirements).
  • 2Flow-down to subs handling CDI.
  • 3Access for Medium and High Assessments by DCMA's DIBCAC.
  • 4Periodic reassessment per methodology.

When this clause applies

DoD contracts where CDI may be processed, stored, or transmitted.

Common pitfalls

!Sub flow-down failures — primes responsible for sub assessments.
!Restricting DIBCAC assessment access — can result in assessment failure and CPARS impact.
!Treating Basic Assessment as final — Medium / High Assessments by DIBCAC can result in significantly lower scores.

Proposal-team checklist

  • Audit sub list for CDI access; require subs to confirm SPRS score before sub award.
  • Pre-arrange DIBCAC assessment readiness — annual mock assessments uncover gaps.
  • Document control implementations rigorously — DIBCAC inspects evidence, not just attestation.

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FAQ

What is the difference between Basic, Medium, and High Assessments?

Basic = contractor self-assessment per DoD methodology. Medium = DIBCAC review of documentation. High = on-site DIBCAC assessment with evidence review. Medium and High typically result in lower scores than Basic.

Related clauses

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Reference content based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation and DFARS as of June 2026. Always verify the current clause text at acquisition.gov before relying on it for an actual submission. Educational reference; not legal advice.