Reference · Cybersecurity & CMMC
DFARS 252.204-7008
Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls
DFARS 252.204-7008 is a solicitation provision under which, by submitting an offer, a contractor represents that it has implemented the NIST SP 800-171 security requirements — the clause set a compliance deadline of December 31, 2017 — or has an approved variance from the Contracting Officer.
What it is
A representation tied to DFARS 252.204-7012. Submitting an offer is itself the representation that the offeror has implemented NIST SP 800-171 by the clause's deadline of December 31, 2017 — now long past, so in practice the requirements must already be met — unless it has an approved alternative.
Why it exists
It captures the offeror's commitment to the safeguarding baseline up front, at the solicitation stage, rather than only after award.
Who it applies to
Offerors on DoD solicitations that include DFARS 252.204-7012.
Compliance triggers
Have NIST SP 800-171 implemented (the clause's compliance deadline was December 31, 2017); document any variance request to the Contracting Officer, with the proposed alternative or why a requirement is inapplicable, for approval.
Frequently asked
What does DFARS 252.204-7008 represent?
By submitting an offer, the contractor represents that it has implemented the NIST SP 800-171 security requirements, or has an approved variance. The clause set a compliance deadline of December 31, 2017, so a current offeror must already meet 800-171 — it is the offer-stage commitment behind DFARS 252.204-7012.
This is the kind of compliance signal Longlead reads to infer which upcoming defense projects will need cleared or compliance-ready scope — delivered as a cited evidence dossier with your confidence and lead time, 12–24 months before it surfaces as a named solicitation. You make the call, from your own channels; nothing leaves the system.
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Tell us what you sell and what you don't — and see the demand Longlead is inferring for you right now.