| name | SR-3(3)_sub-tier-flow-down |
| description | Ensure that the controls included in the contracts of prime contractors are also included in the contracts of subcontractors. |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","sr-3-3","sr","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["any"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | ["SR-5","SR-8"] |
| prerequisites | ["SR-3"] |
| severity_boost | {"SR-5":"Chain with SR-5 for comprehensive security coverage","SR-8":"Chain with SR-8 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
SR-3(3) Sub-tier Flow Down
Enhancement of: SR-3
High-Level Description
Family: Supply Chain Risk Management (SR)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
To manage supply chain risk effectively and holistically, it is important that organizations ensure that supply chain risk management controls are included at all tiers in the supply chain. This includes ensuring that Tier 1 (prime) contractors have implemented processes to facilitate the "flow down" of supply chain risk management controls to sub-tier contractors. The controls subject to flow down are identified in SR-3b.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SR-3(3) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.
Step 2: Validate Implementation
# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly
# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null
Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness
Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.
Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Usage |
|---|
| Manual Review | Documentation and interview-based | N/A |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Ensure that the controls included in the contracts of prime contractors are also included in the contracts of subcontractors.
Implementation Guidance
To manage supply chain risk effectively and holistically, it is important that organizations ensure that supply chain risk management controls are included at all tiers in the supply chain. This includes ensuring that Tier 1 (prime) contractors have implemented processes to facilitate the "flow down" of supply chain risk management controls to sub-tier contractors. The controls subject to flow down are identified in .
