CMMC 2.0 Readiness & Certification Support

We guide defense contractors through the CMMC framework, which builds on NIST SP 800-171 and requires third-party assessments for certification. Our team works with you to verify that technical, administrative, and physical security controls are in place and functioning as intended.

Cybersecurity Gap Analysis & POA&M Development

Through a structured gap analysis, we assess your current security controls against NIST SP 800-171 to identify what’s missing and where risks exist. You receive a clear, actionable roadmap—including a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)—so you know exactly where to focus your efforts.

DFARS & NIST SP 800-171 Compliance

We help prime contractors and subcontractors understand and meet FAR and DFARS cybersecurity requirements for protecting Covered Defense Information (CDI). As these standards continue to expand across DoD procurement, CONNSTEP ensures your organization is aligned today—and prepared for what’s next.

Customized Plan Development

We collaborate with your internal teams and IT resources to develop required documentation, including System Security Plans that describe how security requirements are met across your systems. We also help create and implement Incident Response Plans to ensure your organization can detect, respond to, recover from, and prevent future cybersecurity incidents.

Internal Quality Audits (IQA)

We conduct strategic internal audits to evaluate the effectiveness of your quality management system, identify risks and redundancies, and ensure processes are working as intended. When internal resources are limited, CONNSTEP serves as your qualified audit partner—and can also train your internal auditors to sustain compliance over time.

Quality Certification & Standards Alignment

Whether you are pursuing your first certification or maintaining multiple standards, CONNSTEP provides hands-on support throughout the certification lifecycle. We help align your quality management system with your broader business processes, establish meaningful objectives and metrics, prepare for registrar assessments, conduct pre-audit “dry runs,” and strengthen your system to meet evolving requirements. We support a wide range of industry-recognized standards, including ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, ISO 50001 NADCAP, and more.

Quality Mentoring & Workforce Engagement

Quality only works when everyone owns it. Through mentoring and workforce training—such as CONNSTEP’s Quality Essentials Program (QEP)—we help build a culture where quality is embedded at every level. Employees gain practical tools to prevent defects, address corrective actions early, error-proof processes, and improve audit outcomes.

Environmental Site Assessments & Reporting

Identify potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities and evaluate hazardous substances to ensure your operations do not pose risks to the environment or community.

OSHA Inspections, Training & Compliance Auditing

Keep your facilities compliant with applicable regulatory requirements. CONNSTEP helps you assess your operations, provide workforce training, and implement processes to meet or exceed OSHA standards.

Hazardous Material & Waste Management

Minimize environmental impact and maintain regulatory compliance by leveraging analysis, testing, and proper handling of hazardous materials and waste.

Health, Safety & Emergency Response Plans

Prepare facility-wide safety programs that engage employees at every level, ensuring readiness to respond to emergencies and fostering a culture of safety throughout your organization.