Day 52: What Is FCI vs. CUI—and Why the Difference Matters

Not all sensitive data is treated the same under CMMC. 
With 52 days left until the deadline, it’s essential to understand the difference between Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—because your compliance level depends on it. 

What Is FCI? 

• Information provided by or generated for the government under a contract 

• Not intended for public release 

• Requires CMMC Level 1 (basic safeguarding) 

What Is CUI? 

• Information the government designates as needing protection (e.g., technical drawings, specifications, export-controlled data) 

• Requires CMMC Level 2 or 3 

• Must be protected according to NIST SP 800-171 

Why It Matters 

• Misclassifying your data can lead to: 

• ❌ Inadequate security controls 

• ❌ Failed assessments 

• ❌ Contract disqualification 

How Valeo Networks Helps 

We help you: 

• Identify and classify your data types 

• Map FCI and CUI to the appropriate CMMC level 

• Implement the right controls for each data type 

• Prepare documentation for SPRS and assessments 

Know your data. Know your level. Stay compliant. 
Schedule your data classification review 
📧 Contact: Jim Gast – jim@valeonetworks.com