We advise leadership teams on cybersecurity and compliance governance for satellite and space-related services, including readiness strategies for U.S. government and allied requirements.
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U.S. Federal procurements increasingly require commercial satellite communications (COMSATCOM) operators and service providers to demonstrate compliance across multiple cybersecurity and information assurance frameworks. Success depends on an integrated approach—governance, risk management, system lifecycle controls, and evidence that can withstand third-party assessment and customer scrutiny—across satellites, ground infrastructure, mission networks, and supporting enterprise environments.
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Providence Access helps organizations interpret requirements, align controls, identify gaps and remediation priorities, and prepare compliance evidence appropriate to their role (operator, teleport, service provider, component manufacturer, integrator, prime, or subcontractor). We focus on practical, decision-oriented guidance that reduces risk and improves readiness without treating compliance as a paperwork exercise.
Selected frameworks and requirements we address
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IA-PRE (U.S. Space Force): Updated requirements for commercial communications satellite services, including government-sanctioned third-party assessments prior to placement of “service-affecting information systems” (e.g., satellite and teleport facilities) on an Approved Platforms List (APL). The approach draws on NIST SP 800-53 control selections aligned to high-impact National Security System expectations.
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CNSSP-12 (Committee on National Security Systems): Requirements affecting command and telemetry security, including the use of NSA-approved solutions. We advise on interpreting applicability and integrating approved approaches across the system development life cycle.
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DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program: The CMMC Program (32 CFR Part 170) establishes requirements and a standardized assessment methodology to safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) on contractor information systems, drawing on NIST SP 800-171 and, where applicable, selected NIST SP 800-172 requirements. Under the implementing DFARS acquisition rule and clause 252.204-7021, solicitations specify the required CMMC level/status; contractors must maintain a current status, submit assessment results and annual affirmations of continuous compliance in SPRS, and (where conditional status is permitted) close out defined POA&Ms to reach final status. DoD’s contract rollout began November 10, 2025, with a phased implementation and multi-year phase-in across DoD contracts.
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DCSA Electronic Communications Plan (ECP) and FOCI-related safeguards: For foreign-owned U.S. entities under FOCI mitigation, DCSA may require electronic communications policies and practices supporting safeguarding of classified information, execution of classified programs, and protection of CUI and export-controlled information (ITAR/EAR) consistent with NISPOM expectations. We advise on practical implementation—governance, technology selection, and supporting policies.
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Civil agency requirements (e.g., NOAA, NASA, GSA): Contractual cybersecurity requirements often incorporate controlled unclassified information (CUI) protection and incident reporting expectations. We advise on aligning governance and evidence to contract flow-downs and agency-specific requirements, including for GSA onboarding.
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