The U.S. government contracts with private companies to develop or deliver products and services. Some of that information is not for public release. Federal Contract Information (FCI) is a category of sensitive data that requires safeguarding. It is less sensitive than Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), but it still needs protection to prevent unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure. Such events could harm government operations or contractor performance.
What FCI Includes
FCI typically includes internal communications, technical data, deliverables, and other materials related to federal contracts. It does not include information shared publicly, such as press releases, marketing materials, or general product documentation.
Safeguarding FCI
Under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.204-21, contractors and subcontractors who handle FCI must implement a basic set of cybersecurity practices to protect it. These 15 security requirements, derived from NIST SP 800-171, cover access control, system protection, data integrity, and incident response.
Compliance and Broader Frameworks
Protecting FCI is a foundational step toward compliance with broader frameworks such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). While the data itself may not pose a national security risk, its compromise could expose procurement details or operational vulnerabilities. Consistent protection is essential across the federal supply chain.