How does FAR 52.204-21 relate to CMMC?

Federal acquisition regulation 52.204-21 “Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems” includes 15 security controls. CMMC level one draws it’s security practices from FAR 52.204-21.

With FAR 52.204-21 contractors are expected to implement the 15 required security controls. There are no documentation requirements such as a plan of action & milestone or system security plan. FAR 52.203-21 applies to what is known as “covered contractor information systems”. Those are systems that process, store, or transmit federal contract information.

CMMC level one draws its requirements from FAR 52.204-21. Like FAR 52.204-21, CMMC level one doesn’t have any documentation requirements. Companies with a CMMC level one requirement are simply responsible for implementing the 17 CMMC practices.