Georgia NIST 800-171 for Government and Defense

 

In Georgia (USA), organizations working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies must comply with NIST 800-171 requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This guide explains Georgia-specific implementation of these cybersecurity requirements.

 

What is NIST 800-171 in the Georgia Context?

 

• NIST 800-171 is a set of cybersecurity requirements that Georgia defense contractors must follow to protect sensitive government information.
• In Georgia, this framework is particularly important due to the high concentration of defense contractors around military installations like Fort Benning, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
• The Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) provides additional guidance for state agencies implementing these controls.
• Georgia's Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is required to implement these controls to maintain contracts with the Department of Defense and participate in the Georgia Defense Exchange (GDX) program.

 

Key Georgia-Specific Requirements

 

• Georgia Cybersecurity Workforce Academy certification is recommended for security personnel at Georgia defense contractors implementing NIST 800-171.
• Organizations must comply with Georgia Electronic Records and Signatures Act in addition to federal requirements when handling electronic documentation containing CUI.
• Georgia defense contractors must report cybersecurity incidents to both federal authorities and the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta for coordination with state-level response.
• The Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC) provides threat intelligence specific to Georgia defense contractors that should be incorporated into security monitoring.
• Companies must align with Georgia-specific data breach notification laws (Georgia Code § 10-1-912) alongside federal reporting requirements.

 

Implementation Timeline for Georgia Contractors

 

• Georgia defense contractors must have System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs) in place to document compliance status and remediation plans.
• Companies participating in the Georgia Defense Initiative have specific deadlines for implementation aligned with DoD contract requirements.
• Georgia contractors must implement the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, which builds upon NIST 800-171, according to the DoD contract schedule.
• Quarterly compliance assessments are recommended for Georgia defense contractors to maintain readiness for potential state and federal audits.

 

Georgia Resources for Implementation

 

• The Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta offers specialized training and resources for implementing NIST 800-171 within Georgia's defense industry context.
• The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) provides technical assistance specifically tailored to Georgia defense contractors implementing NIST 800-171.
• The Georgia Small Business Development Center offers cybersecurity consulting services to help smaller defense contractors in Georgia meet compliance requirements.
• Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) maintains state-specific interpretations of NIST requirements for Georgia government contractors.
• The Atlanta FBI Field Office's Cyber Task Force conducts outreach and education specific to Georgia defense industry cybersecurity threats.

 

Access Control Requirements for Georgia Contractors

 

• Implement role-based access control systems that comply with both NIST 800-171 and Georgia-specific requirements for state information systems.
• Maintain separate authentication systems for CUI and non-CUI information, with specific documentation requirements for Georgia state auditors.
• Implement multi-factor authentication for all remote access to systems containing CUI, including specific requirements for personnel working at Georgia military installations.
• Enforce session termination after periods of inactivity in accordance with Georgia state government recommended practices (typically 15 minutes).
• Maintain detailed access logs for potential review by Georgia state auditors as well as federal inspectors.

 

Network Security Requirements

 

• Implement boundary protection with firewalls configured to Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) standards where applicable.
• Conduct vulnerability scanning at intervals defined by both DoD requirements and Georgia-specific vulnerability management practices.
• Deploy intrusion detection systems with feeds connected to both federal reporting systems and Georgia's cyber threat information sharing network when required.
• Implement network segmentation to isolate systems containing CUI from general business networks, following Georgia Cyber Center recommended architectures.
• Maintain secure configurations for network devices using baselines approved for Georgia defense contractors.

 

Physical Security Considerations in Georgia

 

• Implement physical access controls that address Georgia's specific environmental concerns (hurricane, flooding) for facilities housing CUI.
• Establish visitor management procedures that align with both federal requirements and Georgia facility security assessment recommendations.
• Develop emergency response plans that incorporate Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) protocols for protecting CUI during natural disasters.
• Implement media sanitization procedures that comply with both NIST requirements and Georgia Environmental Protection Division regulations for electronic waste.
• Maintain backup power systems appropriate for Georgia's climate and potential weather emergencies to ensure CUI availability.

 

Incident Response Requirements

 

• Develop incident response plans that include notification to both federal authorities and the Georgia Cyber Center within required timeframes.
• Conduct tabletop exercises that incorporate Georgia-specific scenarios relevant to the local defense industry landscape.
• Establish relationships with Georgia law enforcement agencies for incident response coordination, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
• Implement forensic capabilities that meet both federal requirements and Georgia legal evidence standards.
• Participate in the Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC) for threat intelligence specific to Georgia's defense sector.

 

Compliance Validation and Reporting

 

• Georgia defense contractors must self-attest compliance through the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) and maintain documentation for Georgia state contract requirements.
• Prepare for CMMC certification by authorized C3PAOs (CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations) operating in Georgia.
• Maintain documentation that satisfies both DoD requirements and potential Georgia state procurement audit requirements.
• Conduct regular assessments using both NIST assessment tools and Georgia-specific evaluation criteria where applicable.
• Report cybersecurity status to prime contractors and government agencies according to both federal and Georgia state contract requirements.

 

Common Challenges for Georgia Defense Contractors

 

• Meeting the cost requirements of implementation, with potential support from Georgia economic development programs for small defense contractors.
• Finding qualified cybersecurity personnel in Georgia's competitive job market, particularly outside the Atlanta metro area.
• Balancing compliance requirements between federal standards and Georgia-specific regulations for state contracts.
• Implementing cloud security requirements while ensuring compliance with both NIST 800-171 and Georgia data sovereignty considerations.
• Addressing supply chain security requirements in Georgia's diverse defense manufacturing ecosystem.

 

Next Steps for Georgia Organizations

 

• Assess your current posture against NIST 800-171 requirements and identify gaps specific to Georgia implementation.
• Develop documentation including System Security Plans that address both federal and Georgia-specific compliance requirements.
• Train personnel using resources available through the Georgia Cyber Center and other state educational institutions.
• Implement technical controls with assistance from Georgia-based managed security service providers familiar with defense requirements.
• Prepare for certification by engaging with Georgia-based consultants specializing in CMMC and NIST 800-171 implementation.