Complex environments. Clear paths forward.
Every engagement is different. These anonymized case studies show how Cipher Sentinel meets Defense Industrial Base contractors where they are, from cloud-native startups to air-gapped research enclaves. Client identities are confidential.
Software Development
Cloud-Native Startup Entering the Defense Market
Client profile
A small software development firm with a cloud-only SaaS delivery model, an active CAGE code, and no existing compliance program, pursuing its first DoD and federal contracts.
What Cipher Sentinel did
- CUI scoping assessment and boundary definition for a cloud-native environment
- Executive readiness summary for leadership
- Enclave strategy including Microsoft 365 GCC High tenant guidance
- Roadmap from zero compliance infrastructure to contract readiness
- MSP selection support
Average timeline
2 to 3 months to a fully scoped environment and remediation roadmap.
Construction
General Contractor with a One-Person IT Department
Client profile
A construction contractor supporting federal projects, with a single IT staff member and no dedicated security team.
What Cipher Sentinel did
- Designed a Microsoft 365 GCC High and Azure Government virtual desktop enclave that confines all CUI to the virtual environment, keeping local devices out of scope
- Authored the complete CMMC Level 2 documentation suite including the System Security Plan, policies, and Incident Response Plan
- Produced system boundary and CUI data flow diagrams
- Built an evidence collection plan sized for a one-person IT shop
Average timeline
3 to 4 months to full documentation and enclave design.
Aerospace Maintenance and Repair
Aerospace Maintenance Provider Preparing for Third-Party Assessment
Client profile
An established aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider operating in Microsoft 365 GCC High with both digital and physical CUI in scope.
What Cipher Sentinel did
- Authored the full deliverable suite including a comprehensive System Security Plan
- Documented FIPS validation exceptions with enduring risk acceptance
- Designed a removable media control program with whitelisted encrypted devices
- Scoped physical CUI handling alongside the digital environment
- Prepared the organization through evidence readiness for a scheduled C3PAO assessment
Average timeline
About 6 months from kickoff to assessment-ready.
Professional Engineering Services
Multi-Office Engineering Firm with an On-Premises CUI Boundary
Client profile
A professional engineering firm serving defense and infrastructure clients across multiple offices, running a hardened on-premises environment rather than a cloud enclave.
What Cipher Sentinel did
- Validated a defense-in-depth boundary built on a standalone FIPS-validated file server, 802.1x network access control, next-generation firewalls, VPN with multi-factor authentication, and centralized SIEM logging
- Revised the full policy and procedure suite to match the environment as actually operated
- Reconciled scoping contradictions between diagrams, policies, and practice
- Stood up a ticketed evidence collection program with client-assigned owners and due dates
- Advanced the firm from a mid-90s SPRS score toward a full 110 self-assessment ahead of third-party assessment
Average timeline
6 to 9 months across self-assessment and third-party preparation.
Research Institution
Air-Gapped CUI Research Enclave
Client profile
A research institution operating a fully air-gapped enclave for CUI processing across multiple facilities, one of the most complex environments a CMMC assessment can cover.
What Cipher Sentinel did
- Conducted a deep readiness assessment across all 320 CMMC Level 2 assessment objectives
- Identified and resolved policy conflicts unique to air-gapped operations, including logging architecture decisions and cloud tool references that did not fit an isolated environment
- Mapped evidence gaps across mixed operating system fleets
- Delivered a prioritized remediation register with owner assignments
Average timeline
The most involved tier, typically 9 to 12 months from initial assessment through remediation.
Do not see your industry?
Cipher Sentinel has supported manufacturers, integrators, and service providers of every shape. Book a scoping call and we will tell you honestly what your environment needs, and what it does not.
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