How to Improve Your SPRS Score Before It Costs You Contracts
If your SPRS score isn’t where it should be, you could be losing DoD contracts—without even realizing it. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score, how it’s calculated, and the exact steps you can take to improve it before your next bid.
What Is an SPRS Score and Why Does It Matter?
The SPRS score is a numerical indicator used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate a contractor’s implementation of NIST SP 800-171 controls. You begin with a base score of 110 points, and deductions are applied for each unimplemented control.
“If your score isn’t accurate—or worse, if you’ve just checked boxes without documentation—you’re risking not just lost contracts but potential False Claims Act violations.” — Brooke, Justice IT Consulting
Even a perfect score of 110 doesn’t guarantee compliance unless it’s fully backed by documentation. Many contractors self-score too high without realizing the impact of incomplete or unsupported controls.
Step 1: Understand Your CUI and Data Flow
Before you begin improving your score, make sure you understand:
What Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) your organization handles
How that data flows throughout your environment
This step ensures your assessment scope is accurate and your data protections are targeted correctly.
Step 2: Perform a Thorough Gap Analysis
A detailed gap analysis will help identify which controls are missing or partially implemented. This forms the basis for creating your Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
Even if you partially meet a control, it's still considered not implemented if you can’t demonstrate full compliance with all objectives.
Step 3: Prioritize Controls for Maximum Impact
Each NIST 800-171 control carries a weight of 1, 3, or 5 points. Focus on those with the highest point value first to make the biggest impact on your score.
Use your POA&M to group related remediation tasks into projects with realistic timelines and achievable milestones.
Step 4: Build Strong Documentation
To support your SPRS score and prepare for an eventual CMMC assessment, you must have complete documentation. This includes:
A current System Security Plan (SSP)
A POA&M with specific, time-bound actions
Written policies and procedures
Proof of implementation for each control
If it’s not documented, it doesn’t count.
Step 5: Focus on High-Impact Technical Controls
Key technical areas that can rapidly improve your SPRS score include:
Access Control
Limit access strictly to what users need to perform their duties. Remove unnecessary accounts or privileges.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA for all admin, cloud, and network access points.
FIPS-Validated Encryption
Ensure all CUI is encrypted using FIPS 140-2 validated modules and document which modules you’re using.
Secure Media Handling
Have formal procedures for protecting both digital and physical data storage—lock cabinets, encrypt drives, and dispose securely.
Step 6: Strengthen Your Organizational Practices
Technical controls aren’t enough. Contractors should also implement:
Continuous monitoring and logging
An incident response plan
Ongoing cybersecurity and role-based training
These align with CMMC Level 2 requirements and demonstrate a mature security posture.
Step 7: Use GRC Tools (But Don’t Rely on Them Alone)
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools can simplify and streamline your process, but they can’t do the work for you.
Some helpful platforms include:
FutureFeed
Microsoft GCC High
Exostar
Make sure the tool you use aligns with your internal processes and documentation needs.
Need a Roadmap? Start With a Free SPRS Score Review
If you're unsure where to begin, we offer a free SPRS Roadmap Session. In just 90 minutes, we’ll:
Review your current self-assessment
Identify your biggest compliance gaps
Deliver a step-by-step strategy to help you reach 110
Normally $1,500—yours free for a limited time. No pressure, just expert guidance.
Your SPRS score is more than a number—it’s a competitive factor in your ability to win and retain DoD contracts. Take the time to evaluate your current score, fix weak spots, and implement strong documentation and processes before your next assessment.
