CMMC System Security Plan (SSP) Template Guide

Your System Security Plan (SSP) is the narrative spine of CMMC and DFARS 7012 safeguarding. Assessors (including your own affirming official) sample whether the SSP matches reality. This page is a template structure — columns and sections you should maintain — not a downloadable Word file pretending to be official DoD stationery.

Related: CMMC hub · Checklist · Scoping · 14 domains.

Template ≠ truth: Copy-paste SSPs fail interviews. Every implementation statement should name real systems, owners, and evidence.

Recommended SSP Sections

System / enclave name and purpose
Information types (FCI / CUI categories)
Authorization boundary and diagrams
Roles (ISSO/ISSM equivalents, affirming official, IR lead)
External service providers and shared-responsibility matrix
Requirement-by-requirement implementation (15 or 110)
POA&M references where Conditional status applies
Related policies, procedures, and evidence repositories

Requirement Row Columns

Column

Purpose

Requirement ID

FAR L1 ID or 800-171 ID

Domain

One of 14 families for L2

Implementation status

MET / NOT MET (and Conditional notes)

Implementation description

How the control works in your enclave

Evidence link

Policy, config export, ticket, SIEM query

Owner

Accountable role

How CyberSilo Helps

CSA holds living SSP rows mapped to evidence
ThreatHawk supplies AU evidence URLs assessors can sample

Keep the SSP Alive Between Affirmations

Connect each requirement row to current evidence so annual affirmation is not a rewrite exercise.

Talk to CyberSilo CMMC Automation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an official DoD SSP Word file on this page?

No. We describe required structure. Use your document control system or CSA exports.

Does Level 1 need an SSP?

You still need documented implementation of the 15 FAR basic safeguarding requirements and evidence for self-assessment/affirmation — keep it proportionate but real.

How does POA&M relate to the SSP?

Open items belong in POA&M when Conditional status allows (L2/L3). Level 1 cannot use POA&M.

CMMC hub · POA&M · SPRS · Assessment process · CSA CMMC

CMMC System Security Plan (SSP) Template Guide

Recommended SSP Sections

Requirement Row Columns