A practical guide for defense contractors to improve compliance and stay competitive.
If you’re a defense contractor or subcontractor, your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score is more than a number—it’s your ticket to staying competitive in the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain. Under DFARS 252.204-7019/7020, contractors must self-report their compliance with NIST SP 800-171 controls. A low score can jeopardize current contracts and future bids. The good news? With a focused plan, you can significantly improve your SPRS score in just 90 days.
Step 1: Understand Your Baseline
Start by calculating your current SPRS score. The formula begins at 110 points, subtracting points for each unmet requirement. For example, if you’ve implemented 80 of the 110 controls, your score is 80. This baseline identifies gaps and sets the stage for your improvement plan.
Action Items:
– Complete a self-assessment against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls.
– Document your score and submit it to the SPRS portal.
– Create a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) for every unmet control.
Step 2: Prioritize High-Impact Controls
Not all controls carry equal weight in terms of risk and remediation effort. Focus on those that deliver the biggest security and compliance gains quickly:
– Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
– FIPS-Validated Encryption
– Access Control
– Logging and Monitoring
– Patch Management
Step 3: Update Policies and Procedures
Compliance isn’t just about technology—it’s about governance. Review and update policies for all 14 NIST control families, including Access Control, Incident Response, and Configuration Management.
Quick Wins:
– Publish an Incident Response Plan and schedule a tabletop exercise.
– Document your Configuration Management process and baseline settings.
– Train staff on security awareness and record attendance.
Step 4: Build Your Evidence Library
Every improvement must be backed by proof. Create an organized repository of artifacts such as:
– MFA configuration screenshots
– Encryption settings
– SIEM dashboards and log retention policies
– Vulnerability scan reports
– Training rosters and IR drill records
Step 5: Submit Your Updated Score
Once you’ve implemented these changes, recalculate your SPRS score and update it in the DoD portal. Even partial progress—paired with a strong POA&M—signals commitment and can keep you eligible for contracts while you work toward full compliance.
Pro Tip: Leverage Expert Help
If you’re short on time or resources, consider partnering with Mainstream Technologies. We can accelerate your gap remediation and ensure your documentation meets DoD expectations.
Bottom Line: Raising your SPRS score in 90 days is achievable with a structured approach: assess, prioritize, implement, document, and report. Start today, and you’ll not only improve your score—you’ll strengthen your security posture and protect your place in the defense supply chain.
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