The top NIST 800-171 compliance software in 2027 is FutureFeed for purpose-built assessment and SPRS scoring, IntelliGRC and Paramify for documentation-heavy programs, PreVeil and Kiteworks for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) itself, and Vanta, Drata and Hyperproof for teams managing several frameworks at once.
NIST SP 800-171 sets 110 security requirements for protecting CUI in contractor systems, and CMMC Level 2 maps directly to them. Software helps in two different ways. Some tools manage the program: gap assessments, the System Security Plan (SSP), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), evidence and the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score. Others are the secure environment where CUI lives. Most contractors need one of each.
1. FutureFeed — Built Only For CMMC, NIST 800-171 And DFARS
FutureFeed provides a structured environment for gap assessments, control implementation, evidence management, SPRS scoring, SSP generation and assessment reporting, aimed squarely at the defense industrial base.
It is a strong first platform for small and mid-sized contractors who want guidance rather than a blank GRC tool.
2. IntelliGRC — Federal-Focused GRC With Heavy Document Automation
IntelliGRC supports NIST 800-171, CMMC, FedRAMP and other federal frameworks with workflows that track SPRS scores and generate documentation automatically.
It suits larger contractors and those managing CMMC alongside FedRAMP or other federal requirements.
3. Paramify — Automated Documentation For Faster Compliance Packages
Paramify focuses on generating compliance documentation such as SSPs from a structured model of your environment, which reduces the manual writing that slows many programs.
It is a good fit when documentation, not technical control gaps, is your bottleneck.
4. Totem Technologies — Practical Tools And Training For The Smallest Suppliers
Totem pairs a CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance tool with consulting and training for small businesses that handle CUI but have little IT staff.
It is a budget-friendly path for very small manufacturers and service firms.
5. Exostar — Supply Chain Platform Used Across Aerospace And Defense
Herndon-based Exostar connects primes and suppliers with identity, collaboration and supply chain risk tools, including support for sharing cybersecurity readiness information.
It matters most for suppliers whose primes already use Exostar to manage their supply base.
6. PreVeil — Encrypted Email And Files That Keep CUI Out Of Reach
PreVeil adds end-to-end encrypted email and file collaboration that works alongside existing Microsoft or Google tools, creating a CUI enclave without moving the whole company to a new cloud.
Small contractors often use it to shrink their assessment scope to a small group of users.
7. Kiteworks — Governed Exchange For CUI Shared With Partners
Kiteworks consolidates secure file sharing, email, managed file transfer and web forms under one policy and audit layer, which helps prove control over CUI moving between companies.
It suits larger contractors and primes that exchange CUI with many suppliers.
8. Vanta — Continuous Monitoring For Teams With Commercial Frameworks Too
Vanta maps NIST 800-171 and CMMC alongside SOC 2, ISO 27001 and others, with automated tests against cloud, identity and endpoint systems.
It fits software companies selling to both commercial buyers and defense customers.
9. Drata — Evidence Automation Across Many Frameworks
Drata automates evidence collection and control monitoring and supports NIST 800-171 mappings for CMMC readiness.
It is best for organizations already running continuous compliance for other standards that now need defense coverage.
10. Hyperproof — Compliance Operations For Mature Programs
Hyperproof handles risk, policy, audit tracking, control management and framework mapping, letting larger teams reuse evidence across NIST 800-171 and other requirements.
It suits mid-market and enterprise compliance teams more than first-time small contractors. See our list of multi-framework compliance platforms for more options.
How We Evaluated These Tools
We grouped tools by the job they do and weighed:
Coverage of all 110 NIST 800-171 requirements and CMMC assessment objectives
SSP, POA&M and SPRS score support
Ability to protect CUI directly, through encryption or governed sharing
Fit for small suppliers versus larger contractors
How To Choose NIST 800-171 Software
Where does your CUI live?
If CUI is spread across your whole network, scope is large and expensive. Enclave tools such as PreVeil can shrink it.
Do you need guidance or flexibility?
Purpose-built tools like FutureFeed walk you through requirements. General GRC platforms are more flexible but assume you know what to do.
Who will maintain it?
Software does not run controls by itself. Pair it with an internal owner or a CMMC RPO.
Will an assessor accept the outputs?
Ask vendors for sample SSPs and evidence packages and check them against assessment objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NIST 800-171?
NIST Special Publication 800-171 is a set of 110 security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in non-federal systems. DFARS clauses require defense contractors to implement it.
What is an SPRS score?
The Supplier Performance Risk System score summarizes a contractor’s NIST 800-171 self-assessment, starting from 110 and subtracting points for unmet requirements.
Is NIST 800-171 the same as CMMC Level 2?
CMMC Level 2 is built on the 110 NIST 800-171 requirements and adds an assessment and certification process.
Can software make me compliant?
No. Software organizes the work and can protect data, but you still need to implement controls and maintain evidence.
Conclusion
Pick a program tool and, if needed, a CUI protection tool. FutureFeed, IntelliGRC, Paramify and Totem manage the program; PreVeil and Kiteworks protect CUI; Vanta, Drata and Hyperproof make sense when NIST 800-171 is one of several frameworks you maintain.
