Last revised: January 2026
FAR 52.204-21 Compliance Statement
Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems
DataPeak’s SaaS architecture, operational controls, and security governance are designed to align with the safeguarding requirements defined in FAR 52.204-21, which establishes minimum security standards for protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI).
While FAR 52.204-21 does not provide a formal certification mechanism, this page outlines how DataPeak supports federal contractors by aligning with the 15 mandatory safeguarding requirements and enabling customers to meet their contractual obligations.
1. Scope & Applicability
FAR 52.204-21 applies to contractor information systems that process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI).
DataPeak supports alignment by providing a secure, multi-tenant SaaS platform with strong technical, administrative, and operational controls.
This alignment applies to:
DataPeak systems that may process or store FCI
Underlying cloud infrastructure and inherited security controls
Operational processes that protect confidentiality and integrity
Customer-configurable security features and access controls
Customers remain responsible for:
Proper data classification
Configuration of identity providers and access policies
Appropriate use of DataPeak’s security features
2. Summary of Alignment with FAR 52.204-21 Safeguarding Requirements
FAR 52.204-21 Requirement
1. Limit access to authorized users
2. Limit access to authorized devices
3. Verify controls for internal users
4. Protect information during transmission
5. Protect information at rest
6. Identify and authenticate users
7. Monitor and control connections
8. Implement boundary protections
9. Control public information posting
10. Perform system monitoring
11. Identify unauthorized use
12. Update malicious code protections
13. Patch and update systems
14. Restrict physical access
15. Monitor physical access
3. Detailed Alignment with FAR 52.204-21 Requirements
3.1 Access Control & Authorization
DataPeak enforces strict access controls to protect systems that may contain FCI:
SSO via SAML and OIDC
Mandatory MFA for privileged and administrative roles
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Least-privilege access defaults
Automated user provisioning and offboarding
Optional IP allowlisting and device trust enforcement
Outcome: Only authorized users and devices can access systems containing FCI.
3.2 Encryption & Data Protection
DataPeak protects FCI using industry-standard encryption:
Encryption in transit using TLS 1.2+/1.3
Encryption at rest using AES-256
Cloud-native key management services (KMS) with rotation
Secure APIs using OAuth2, signed tokens, and rate limiting
Outcome: FCI remains protected from interception or unauthorized disclosure.
3.3 Network & Boundary Security
Boundary protections include:
Virtual private cloud (VPC) isolation
Cloud-native firewalls and security groups
Web application firewalls (WAF) and DDoS protection
Zero-trust service-to-service authentication
Network segmentation for sensitive components
Outcome: Unauthorized network access is prevented and continuously monitored.
3.4 Monitoring, Logging & Detection
DataPeak maintains continuous monitoring through:
Centralized audit logging
Immutable log storage with retention controls
SIEM integration for correlation and alerting
Automated anomaly detection
Alerts for unauthorized access attempts
Outcome: Suspicious activity is detected and investigated promptly.
3.5 Malware Protection & Patching
System integrity is maintained through:
Malware scanning for uploads and containers
Software composition analysis (SCA)
Runtime security monitoring
Automated patching pipelines
Regular vulnerability scanning and remediation
Outcome: Systems are protected against malicious code and known vulnerabilities.
3.6 Physical Security (Inherited Controls)
DataPeak leverages hyperscale cloud providers that maintain:
FedRAMP Moderate or High data centers
24/7 surveillance and access monitoring
Multi-factor physical access controls
Redundant power, cooling, and fire suppression
Outcome: Physical access to systems storing FCI is tightly controlled.
4. Shared Responsibility Model
Area
Platform security
Infrastructure security
Identity provider configuration
Data classification
Access policies
Logging & monitoring
Incident response
DataPeak Alignment Summary
SSO, MFA, RBAC, least-privilege defaults
Device-based trust, IP allowlisting, conditional access
Privileged access reviews, automated offboarding
TLS 1.2+/1.3, encrypted APIs
AES-256 encryption, KMS-managed keys
SSO, MFA, OAuth2, API key rotation
Network segmentation, WAF, rate limiting
Cloud firewalls, VPC isolation, zero-trust patterns
No public exposure of customer data
SIEM integration, audit logging, anomaly detection
Behavioral analytics, alerting, log correlation
Malware scanning, container/runtime security
Automated patching, vulnerability scanning
Inherited cloud provider physical controls
Cloud provider surveillance and access logging
DataPeak Responsibility
✔
✔
—
Shared
—
Shared
✔ (inherited)
Customer Responsibility
—
—
✔
Shared
✔
Shared
—
5. Continuous Improvement
DataPeak continuously improves its security posture through:
Regular control reviews
Threat intelligence integration
Annual penetration testing
Continuous monitoring and assessment
Alignment with NIST SP 800-171, NIST CSF, and FedRAMP baselines
6. Documentation & Support
Customers may request additional documentation, including:
Security whitepapers
Architecture and data flow diagrams
Penetration test summaries
Shared responsibility guidance
Requests can be made through your account representative.
Official Regulation Reference
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-21 – Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-21
For questions, contact info@factr.me.
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