Navigating IT Compliance

Why Navigating Compliance Is a Strategic Business Necessity

In today's high-stakes cybersecurity environment, navigating compliance across federal and industry standards is essential for maintaining contracts, protecting sensitive data, and upholding business integrity. For organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) or any regulated sector, aligning with compliance frameworks like CMMC, DFARS, HIPAA, SOC2, and ISO 27001 is more than regulatory—it’s a competitive advantage.

Whether your business handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Federal Contract Information (FCI), or exports sensitive defense items under ITAR, Synivate’s compliance team helps you build resilience and readiness.

CMMC: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), is mandatory for DoD contractors handling CUI and FCI. This framework is based on NIST SP 800-171 and advanced controls from NIST SP 800-172.

CMMC Levels:

• CMMC Level 1: Basic Safeguarding of Federal Contract Information

• CMMC Level 2: Advanced Security for Controlled Unclassified Information

• CMMC Level 3: Expert-Level Safeguarding for national security-focused contracts

Compliance services include:

• CMMC assessment and readiness reviews

• CMMC requirements gap analysis

• Working with C3PAO (Certified Third Party Assessment Organizations)

• Compliance with DFARS clause 252.204-7012

Synivate works with trusted third-party service providers for advanced compliance environments. It is not best practice for the same firm who is auditing the environment to implement the IT standards and best practices within the organization.

DFARS & Federal Regulations

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) mandates that contractors comply with NIST SP 800-171 for protecting CUI. The DFARS clause is enforced under contracts that involve handling sensitive information.

We help clients:

• Align with DFARS clause expectations

• Prepare self-assessments and plans of action

• Document compliance for solicitation and contract award readiness

NIST SP 800-171 & 800-172: Core Security Requirements

Our compliance team aligns your operations with:

• NIST SP 800-171: Advanced cybersecurity requirements for protecting CUI

• NIST SP 800-172: Enhanced security for national security systems

HIPAA: Safeguarding Health Data

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) applies to healthcare organizations managing Protected Health Information (PHI). We assist with:

• Privacy and Security Rule compliance

• Breach prevention and training

• Documentation and information security controls

SOC2: Protecting Client Trust in SaaS & Cloud Environments

SOC2 focuses on five Trust Principles: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Our SOC2 compliance support includes:

• Trust criteria mapping

• Internal audits

• Audit readiness with assessors

ISO 27001: Global Standard for Information Security Management Systems

ISO compliance isn't just about certification—it’s about creating a repeatable system for data protection. We offer:

• Risk analysis and mitigation

• Policy development

• Internal ISO audits

GDPR: Data Privacy for European Markets

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates privacy rights for EU citizens. We help businesses:

• Define lawful bases for processing

• Implement cross-border transfer mechanisms

• Conduct privacy impact assessments

ITAR: International Traffic in Arms Regulations

ITAR compliance is crucial for companies dealing with defense contractors, military exports, and technical data. We help manage:

• Export licensing

• Entity screening

• Regulatory filings with the DoD CIO

Additional Industry-Specific Regulations

We offer tailored solutions for:

• FERPA (educational institutions)

• FDA cGMP (regulated manufacturing)

• PCI DSS (credit card data processing)

Supply Chain & Subcontractor Compliance

Your supply chain can be a compliance risk if unmanaged. We provide tools to:

• Flow down CMMC and DFARS requirements to subcontractors

• Ensure federal contract information remains protected

• Secure procurement pipelines

Documentation, Audits & Training

We support:

• Cybersecurity standards education

• Audit-ready documentation

• Mock audits and stakeholder engagement

FAQs About Compliance

1. Do all DoD contractors need CMMC certification?

Yes, if they handle CUI or FCI under DoD contracts.

2. What is a C3PAO?

A C3PAO is an assessor authorized to conduct CMMC Level 2 and Level 3 audits.

3. Can subcontractors be exempt from CMMC?

No. Subcontractors must meet the same CMMC requirements as prime contractors.

4. How often must self-assessments be completed?

Annually, per DFARS clause and CMMC program updates.

5. How does GDPR affect U.S. companies?

If you collect data on EU residents, you must meet GDPR standards.

Partner with Synivate for Compliance Success

From CMMC compliance to SOC2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and beyond, Synivate ensures your organization remains audit-ready, contract-eligible, and resilient against cyberattacks.

A comprehensive set of IT Policies is a great starting point with respect to any compliance alignment. You can download our policy templates for FREE: Click Here