Navigate the Complexity of NIST Standards.
Identify missing controls, calculate your SPRS score, and build a concrete roadmap to compliance with NIST CSF 2.0, SP 800-53, SP 800-115, or SP 800-171.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sets the gold standard for cybersecurity, but navigating its thousands of controls can be overwhelming. Whether you are a federal contractor preparing for CMMC, an agency facing FISMA requirements, or a private enterprise adopting the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), our NIST Gap Assessment services compare your current security posture against federal requirements to show where you stand and how to close the gap.
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What is a NIST Gap Assessment?
Review of current security policies, procedures, and controls against a NIST framework to identify which are fully implemented, partially implemented, or missing.
A NIST Gap Assessment is a systematic evaluation of your organization’s cybersecurity policies, procedures, and technical controls against a specific NIST framework.
It is a Current State vs. Desired State analysis. We review your environment to determine which NIST controls are fully implemented, partially implemented, or non-existent.
- For Contractors:Â It is the math behind your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score.
- For Enterprises: It is the strategic roadmap that moves you from reactive to proactive security management.
What Requires a NIST Gap Assessment?
NIST compliance is rarely optional. It is usually driven by federal mandates or strategic business goals:
Defense Contractors
If you handle Controlled Unclassified Info (CUI), you are legally required by DFARS 252.204-7012 to assess compliance with NIST SP 800-171.
CMMC Preparation
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is built on NIST 800-171. A Gap Assessment is the mandatory first step to prepare for a C3PAO.
Federal Agencies
Agencies and their direct contractors must comply with FISMA regulations by aligning with the rigorous controls of NIST SP 800-53.
Cyber Insurance
Private sector companies are increasingly adopting NIST CSF 2.0 to demonstrate Standard of Due Care to insurers and shareholders.
Types of NIST Gap Assessments We Perform
NIST isn’t one single standard. We tailor the assessment to the specific Special Publication (SP) relevant to your industry.
| Assessment Type | Description |
| NIST SP 800-171 Gap Assessment (CMMC Readiness) | Protecting CUI in non-federal systems. We assess the 110 controls required for DFARS and CMMC Level 2. |
| NIST SP 800-115 Gap Assessment (Technical Security) | Conduct technical security tests to find vulnerabilities, assess control effectiveness, and ensure compliance. |
| NIST SP 800-53 Gap Assessment (FISMA) | The most rigorous catalog of security and privacy controls. Assessing Low, Moderate, or High baselines. |
| NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Assessment | A holistic view of your security program across 6 functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. |
| NIST SP 800-161 (Supply Chain) Assessment | Assessing Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM). |
What Our NIST Gap Service Includes
We go beyond a simple checklist. We provide the evidence-based validation required by federal auditors.
Clear Readiness for NIST-based Audits
We provide the artifacts necessary to satisfy an auditor or an Authorizing Official (AO).
Gap Analysis Report
A detailed matrix listing every control, its implementation status (Implemented, Planned, N/A), and the risk level of any gaps.
POAM
A Plan of Action and Milestones document tracking every deficiency, the planned remediation, and the estimated completion date.
SSP Consultation
Guidance on how to update your current System Security Plan to accurately reflect the reality of your environment.
SPRS Scorecard
(For Contractors) An accurate calculation sheet that is ready for submission to the Supplier Performance Risk System.
Why Choose Us for NIST Compliance?
We speak Gov, map NIST 800‑53 controls, and map to frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 so you can test once, comply many.
We Speak Government
We understand the nuances of CUI, FCI, and FIPS validation. We know how to interpret federal speak into actionable IT tasks.
Practicality Over Theory
We won’t recommend an expensive tool if a simple policy change satisfies the control. We focus on cost-effective compliance.Â
NIST Gap Assessment Certifications
Our team holds industry-recognized certifications that reflect hands-on expertise across offensive security, cloud, incident response, and compliance.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester (GCPN)
GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester (GCPN)
CompTIA Security+, Network+, A+, Pentest+
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP)
Microsoft AZ-900, SC-900
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Burp Suite Certified Practitioner (Apprentice)
eLearnSecurity Junior (eJPT)
Web App Penetration Tester (eWPT)
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Palo Alto PSE Certifications
NIST Gap Assessment: FAQs
Learn more information about the most frequently asked questions
NIST CSF vs. NIST 800-171?
NIST CSF is a voluntary framework used by private companies to manage general cyber risk. NIST 800-171 is a mandatory standard for federal contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). If you have a DoD contract, you likely must do 800-171.
What is a POAM?
POAM stands for Plan of Action and Milestones. It is a formal document required by the government that lists every security gap you have, how you plan to fix it, and when it will be fixed. It is a critical output of our assessment.
Do I need a perfect score to keep my contract?
Currently, for DFARS 7012, you do not need a perfect score (110), but you must have a System Security Plan (SSP) and a POAM for every unmet control. However, for future CMMC Level 2 certification, you will likely need to close all POAM items.
How long does a NIST Gap Assessment take?
For a typical small-to-mid-sized contractor, the assessment takes 3 to 4 weeks. Complex organizations with multiple Enclaves or CAGE codes may take longer.
Does this satisfy the CMMC assessment requirement?
This assessment acts as your mock audit. It prepares you for the formal C3PAO assessment. You cannot get certified without first doing a gap analysis to fix your issues.
What is CUI and how do I know if I have it?
Controlled Unclassified Information is data created or possessed by the government that requires safeguarding (e.g., blueprints, specs, privacy data). If your contract includes DFARS clause 252.204-7012, you likely handle CUI.
Do you help us write the policies?
Yes. A major gap for most companies is documentation. We offer Policy Writing Services to help you create the SSP, Incident Response Plan, and Access Control policies required by NIST.
Can you assess Cloud (AWS GovCloud/Azure Gov)?
Yes. We specialize in the Shared Responsibility Model for government clouds. We help you identify which NIST controls are handled by Amazon/Microsoft and which ones you are responsible for configuring.