Cybersecurity for Defense Contractors

Looking for cybersecurity for defense contractors that goes beyond checkbox compliance? Zapata Technology is a veteran-owned small business (VOSB) defense contractor that delivers comprehensive DIB cybersecurity services — from CMMC compliance services and NIST 800-171 assessments to RMF authorization, continuous monitoring, and security architecture for classified networks. We understand defense industrial base cybersecurity from the inside because we live it ourselves: Zapata holds a TS/SCI facility clearance, maintains NIST 800-171 compliance, and operates under ITAR controls every day. When your organization needs a cybersecurity partner who understands what DoD expects, you need a partner who has already met those standards.

CMMC Compliance Services for Defense Contractors

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is transforming how the Defense Industrial Base approaches cybersecurity. Every defense contractor handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must achieve CMMC Level 2 certification — demonstrating compliance with all 110 controls in NIST SP 800-171. Zapata Technology helps DIB companies navigate CMMC requirements because we’ve already done it ourselves.

Our CMMC compliance services include:

• CMMC Gap Assessment — We evaluate your current cybersecurity posture against all 110 NIST 800-171 controls and the CMMC Level 2 requirements, identifying gaps and prioritizing remediation efforts by risk and cost
• System Security Plan (SSP) Development — We author comprehensive SSPs that document your CUI environment, security controls, and implementation status in the format assessors expect
• Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) — For controls not yet fully implemented, we develop actionable remediation plans with realistic timelines and resource estimates
• CUI Scoping & Data Flow Mapping — We identify where CUI enters, resides, and exits your environment to minimize your assessment boundary and reduce compliance burden
• Technical Control Implementation — We deploy and configure the technical controls you need: endpoint detection and response, SIEM/log management, multi-factor authentication, encryption, and access controls
• Pre-Assessment Readiness Review — Before your C3PAO assessment, we conduct a mock assessment to identify and resolve any remaining gaps

Unlike consultancies that only advise, Zapata is a defense contractor that holds NIST 800-171 compliance on our own systems. We understand the practical challenges of implementing these controls in real operational environments because we face them ourselves.

RMF Authorization & ATO Support

For defense contractors and DoD program offices that need systems authorized to operate on DoD networks, Zapata provides end-to-end Risk Management Framework (RMF) support aligned with NIST SP 800-37. Our RMF team has guided dozens of systems through the authorization process, from initial categorization through Authority to Operate (ATO) and ongoing continuous monitoring.

• System Categorization (RMF Step 1) — We determine the appropriate impact levels based on FIPS 199 and CNSSI 1253 for systems processing classified and unclassified data
• Security Control Selection & Tailoring (RMF Steps 2-3) — We select and tailor NIST 800-53 controls appropriate for your system’s categorization, overlays, and operational environment
• Security Assessment (RMF Step 4) — We develop Security Assessment Plans (SAP), execute control assessments, and document results in Security Assessment Reports (SAR)
• Authorization Package Development — We prepare complete authorization packages including SSP, SAR, POA&M, and all supporting artifacts for Authorizing Official review
• Ongoing Authorization (RMF Step 6) — We implement continuous monitoring programs that maintain your ATO through automated scanning, vulnerability tracking, and change management

Our experience spans ATOs on classified networks (SIPR, JWICS) and unclassified networks across Army, Marine Corps, and joint environments. We know what Authorizing Officials look for and how to build authorization packages that get approved.

Continuous Monitoring & Threat Detection

An ATO is not the end of the cybersecurity journey — it’s the beginning. Zapata Technology delivers continuous monitoring services that keep defense systems secure and compliant throughout their operational lifecycle. Our monitoring capabilities are built on the same tools and techniques we use to protect our own classified programs.

• SIEM & Log Management — We deploy and manage Security Information and Event Management platforms that aggregate, correlate, and analyze security events across your environment in real time
• Vulnerability Scanning & Patch Management — Regular ACAS/Nessus scanning, STIG compliance verification, and coordinated patch management to maintain compliance with IAVM requirements
• Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) — Advanced endpoint monitoring that detects and contains threats before they spread across your network
• Network Traffic Analysis — Deep packet inspection and behavioral analytics to identify anomalous activity, command-and-control communications, and data exfiltration attempts
• Automated Compliance Reporting — Dashboards and reports that track your NIST 800-171/CMMC control compliance status and highlight areas requiring attention

Our ZMonitor platform provides operational monitoring and alerting that integrates with your security stack, delivering unified visibility across your defense environment.

Vulnerability Management & Assessment

Effective DIB cybersecurity requires proactive identification and remediation of vulnerabilities before adversaries can exploit them. Zapata Technology conducts comprehensive vulnerability assessments tailored to defense environments, going beyond automated scanning to deliver actionable remediation guidance.

• STIG Compliance Assessment — We evaluate systems against applicable Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and Security Requirements Guides (SRGs) to ensure DoD hardening standards are met
• Penetration Testing — Our cleared security testers simulate advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics to identify exploitable vulnerabilities in your network, applications, and configurations
• Supply Chain Risk Assessment — We evaluate software supply chain risks including third-party dependencies, open-source components, and vendor security postures
• Remediation Prioritization — We prioritize findings based on exploitability, mission impact, and compliance requirements — not just CVSS scores — so your team fixes what matters first

Security Architecture & Engineering

Zapata designs and implements security architectures for defense environments ranging from unclassified CUI environments to TS/SCI classified networks. Our security engineers hold active clearances and have hands-on experience building secure infrastructure for Army, Marine Corps, and joint force programs.

• Zero Trust Architecture — We design and implement zero trust security models aligned with DoD Zero Trust Strategy and NIST SP 800-207, including identity-centric access controls, micro-segmentation, and continuous verification
• Cross-Domain Solutions — Architecture and integration of cross-domain transfer and access solutions that enable secure information sharing across classification levels
• Cloud Security Architecture — Secure cloud designs for DoD Impact Level 4/5/6 environments in AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, and private cloud deployments
• Enclave Design — Network architecture for classified enclaves including boundary protection, data diodes, and compliant interconnections

Marine Corps Cybersecurity — MCTSSA NETC Prime

Zapata Technology serves as a prime contractor on the MCTSSA NETC IDIQ, providing cybersecurity and IT engineering services to the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity. This contract positions us at the forefront of Marine Corps network engineering, cybersecurity testing, and system certification — giving us direct insight into how the Marine Corps evaluates and authorizes systems for deployment across the USMC enterprise.

Our MCTSSA work includes cybersecurity testing and evaluation, RMF authorization support, network architecture, and systems integration for Marine Corps tactical and enterprise systems. This hands-on experience with Marine Corps cybersecurity requirements strengthens the services we deliver to defense contractors and other DoD organizations.

Contract Vehicles for Cybersecurity Services

Zapata Technology holds multiple contract vehicles that provide streamlined procurement paths for cybersecurity for defense contractors and DoD organizations:

Our Cybersecurity Credentials

Partner With Zapata for DIB Cybersecurity

Whether you’re a defense contractor preparing for your CMMC assessment, a DoD program office seeking RMF authorization support, or a DIB company building a cybersecurity program from the ground up, Zapata Technology brings 18+ years of hands-on defense cybersecurity experience to your mission. We’re not outside consultants looking in — we’re a defense contractor that has built and maintained cybersecurity compliance for our own classified programs.

Related Pages

• Cybersecurity Capabilities — Full overview of our cybersecurity services
• Certifications & Compliance — CMMI L3, ISO 9001, NIST 800-171, and more
• Past Performance — Proven track record on defense programs
• AI/ML for the Intelligence Community — Our AI/ML capabilities for IC missions
• IT Services for the U.S. Army — 18+ years of Army program support
• VOSB Defense Contractor — Veteran-owned small business credentials