Executive Brief
Defense contractors are navigating two overlapping compliance realities:
- Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) scores measure your alignment with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171.
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) validates implementation through an assessment.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) and prime contractors use both as trust signals.
- It’s important to focus now on building transparency with accurate scores while preparing for certification.
Dig deeper below to see how primes interpret SPRS, CMMC, and where your company should prioritize.
The Difference at a Glance
Contractors often confuse SPRS scores with CMMC certification, but they serve different purposes. The SPRS score is a self-reported number showing your progress, while CMMC certification is an independent audit confirming compliance. Understanding the distinction is critical because DoD officials and primes look for both in 2025.
- SPRS Score: A self-reported number based on how many of the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls you’ve met.
- CMMC Certification: Achieved by completing a formal assessment, of which the type of assessment needed is determined by the maturity level required by your contract. For most contractors, CMMC Level 2 will require a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) audit.
- The difference: SPRS indicates compliance. CMMC confirms it.
Why Both Still Matter in 2025
Some contractors believe they can focus on one or the other, but that’s no longer realistic. The SPRS score is a present-day requirement for eligibility, while CMMC certification is the future standard for contract awards. Together, they ensure both near-term bidding and long-term competitiveness.
- SPRS is active now. You must have a score on file to bid. False reporting risks penalties under the False Claims Act.
- CMMC is phasing in. By November 10, 2025, contract clauses will begin requiring certification through the government’s phased rollout timeline or prime contractor flowdown requirements.
- Together: SPRS is a snapshot of your current compliance posture; CMMC is the proof. Contractors can’t ignore either.
How Prime Contractors Interpret Them
Prime contractors use both metrics to evaluate subcontractor risk. A poor SPRS score raises doubts about your security program, while certification provides assurance that you’ve truly implemented the controls. For many primes, asking for both has become standard practice.
- SPRS scores = risk signal. A low or outdated score suggests weak security. A high but unsubstantiated score raises red flags.
- CMMC certification = eligibility. A passed audit reassures primes that your security controls are implemented, not just documented.
- Trend: Many primes are requiring subcontractors to demonstrate both an up-to-date SPRS score and a path to certification.
Where Contractors Should Focus Now
Defense contractors must balance today’s reporting requirements with tomorrow’s certification mandates. By keeping your scores accurate and building toward CMMC readiness, you’ll stay competitive across both current and future solicitations. The key is to document progress and communicate it transparently.
- Keep scores honest. Submit and update your SPRS score regularly, even if it isn’t perfect. Demonstrating progress matters. At a minimum, your SPRS score should be updated every three years.
- Update your SSP. It’s the backbone for both SPRS and CMMC readiness.
- Build toward certification. If you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), plan for a third-party Level 2 assessment.
- Communicate with primes. Transparency about where you are and how you’re progressing helps keep you in their supply chain.
Contractor Takeaway
The compliance environment isn’t offering contractors a choice between SPRS and CMMC. You need both, and you need them working together to maintain eligibility. The contractors that thrive in 2025 will be the ones treating SPRS as the short-term entry ticket and CMMC as the long-term credential.
- SPRS is your representation.
- CMMC is your proof.
- Together, they determine your eligibility and competitiveness.
Now is the time to align your scores, your plans, and your certification path.
FAQs
Can I get a contract with only an SPRS score?
Yes, for now. But as the new CMMC clauses take effect, certification will become a prerequisite.
What SPRS score do I need?
While 110 is the goal, a score of 88+ with documented POA&Ms may support conditional certification.
Do primes really check both?
Yes. Primes view SPRS as a quick posture check, but CMMC certification is the validation they will need for their supply chain.
