DFARS 252.204-7012 — Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting
Requires DoD contractors and subcontractors handling Covered Defense Information (CDI) to implement NIST SP 800-171 security controls and report cyber incidents within 72 hours.
When This Clause Applies
Required in all DoD solicitations and contracts (including commercial items) except for COTS purchases. Flows down to all subcontractors handling CDI.
What This Means for Contractors
Contractors must implement all 110 NIST 800-171 controls (or document deficiencies in a System Security Plan + Plan of Action & Milestones). Must report cyber incidents to dibnet.dod.mil within 72 hours. Must preserve and protect images of affected systems for at least 90 days. Cloud services storing CDI must be FedRAMP Moderate equivalent or higher.
Common Pitfalls
- 1Treating the SSP as a one-time document instead of a living artifact
- 2Missing the 72-hour cyber incident reporting deadline
- 3Using cloud services not equivalent to FedRAMP Moderate
- 4Failing to flow the clause down to subcontractors handling CDI
- 5Not posting current self-assessment score in SPRS
Related Topics
Related Clauses
Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements
Requires offerors on DoD solicitations involving CDI to have a current Basic, Medium, or High self-assessment score posted in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements
Contract clause version of the SPRS requirement — flows down to subcontractors and requires score updates during performance.
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Requirements
Implements the CMMC program — requires contractors handling FCI or CDI to achieve and maintain a CMMC certification at the level specified in the solicitation.
Continue Your Research
DoD Procurement Guide
Cybersecurity clauses primarily apply to DoD acquisitions. See DoD's vehicles and small business focus.
NAICS 518210 — Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services
Find federal contracts under NAICS 518210. Common agencies, set-asides, contract values.
NAICS 541330 — Engineering Services
Find federal contracts under NAICS 541330. Common agencies, set-asides, contract values.
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