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PE · Physical ProtectionMET

Safeguard 8 of 15 · PE.L1-b.1.viii

PE.L1-3.10.1 · FAR 52.204-21 (b)(1)(viii) · NIST SP 800-171 3.10.1

Limit Physical Access

Limit physical access to organizational information systems, equipment, and the respective operating environments to authorized individuals

What it means

Only approved people can walk up to the computer, server, or file cabinet that holds contract info. Locked doors, keycards, or a locked office count.

Why it matters

For service-trade contractors this is usually the easiest control, a locked office plus a written list of who has keys is often all that's needed. Don't overthink it.

How to do it, Any business

  1. 1Walk through every space where contract info is handled, offices, vehicles, storage rooms
  2. 2Confirm the space can be locked (door lock, keycard, locked cabinet)
  3. 3Write a one-page list: who has a key or code, when they got it, when they last returned it
  4. 4Take a clear photo of the locked door or cabinet, and upload the signed key-holder list

Capture: Photo of the locked space (door closed, lock visible) + signed key/access list (PDF or photo).

The narrative on file

The office and server closet are locked, and only the owner and office admin hold keys. Workstations are in the controlled office area, not the open shop floor. The visitor policy keeps non employees out of areas where FCI is worked.

You answer in plain English; Charlie writes the official narrative for your System Security Plan.

What makes it pass

  • Photo clearly shows the locked door, cabinet, or storage with the lock visible
  • A signed roster lists every authorized person, the space they can access, and the date authorized
  • Home offices and vehicles used for FCI work are included in the roster
  • Owner signature and date

Assessment objectives, NIST SP 800-171A

[a] Authorized individuals allowed physical access are identified
MET
[b] Physical access to systems is limited to authorized individuals
MET
[c] Physical access to equipment is limited to authorized individuals
MET
[d] Physical access to operating environments is limited to authorized individuals
MET

This is one of 15

Answer in plain English, drop the proof, confirm it MET.

Cedar Ridge Machine Works, LLC walked all 15 the same way. The platform explains each one in plain English, tells you exactly what to grab, checks it, and writes the paperwork, and you confirm each one MET. The self assessment stays your act. Start free, or book a call.