Mapping NIST 800-171 to CMMC – A Step-by-Step Guide

Author:

James Rogers

Last Updated:

October 17, 2025

Introduction:

At the heart of CMMC 2.0 lies NIST SP 800-171. Contractors that understand the relationship between the two frameworks save time, reduce confusion, and avoid redundant work.

Breaking Down the 14 Control Families

NIST 800-171 organizes requirements into 14 control families, such as Access Control, Audit & Accountability, Incident Response, and System Integrity. Each maps directly to CMMC Level 2.

Overlaps Between NIST 800-171 and CMMC

One-to-One Mapping: Most of CMMC Level 2 requirements are drawn directly from NIST 800-171.
Assessment Requirements: CMMC formalizes third-party audits where NIST relied on self-attestation.
Documentation Standards: CMMC requires more rigorous demonstration of compliance.

Common Gaps Contractors Face

Missing multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts.
Incomplete audit logging or log retention.
Weak or nonexistent incident response playbooks.
Lack of encryption for data at rest and in transit.

Prioritizing Remediation

Companies often get overwhelmed by 110 controls. The key is prioritization. Focus first on showstopper requirements: MFA, patching, and incident response. Then build out policies and technical enhancements.

Treating SSPs and POA&Ms as Living Documents

Auditors expect to see accurate and current documentation. SSPs and POA&Ms must reflect the environment as it is today, not a snapshot from years ago.

Conclusion

Mapping NIST 800-171 to CMMC is less about reinventing compliance and more about refining it. With a structured approach, contractors can demonstrate maturity and readiness.

Argo Cyber provides detailed control mapping, test-case matrices, and remediation roadmaps tailored to your environment. Contact Argo Cyber Systems and get started!

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