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Nelson Engineering Finds Cost-Effective Path to CMMC Compliance with Arizona MEP
With the help of: Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Arizona MEP)
About
The Challenge
Arizona MEP took the time to understand how we operate and guided us through every step. They provided a clear, well-structured path to CMMC compliance and built a partnership we trust.
MEP's Role
Arizona MEP delivered a well-defined, fixed-price engagement and outlined a structured compliance roadmap. The project began with a comprehensive CMMC/NIST SP 800-171 gap assessment, resulting in a clearly organized System Security Plan (SSP) and a draft Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M). Rather than overwhelming the team, Arizona MEP broke the process into manageable steps.
Weekly working sessions were held to review the SSP, assign actionable tasks, and track progress. Each meeting closed out completed items and identified the next priorities, ensuring steady forward momentum. When questions arose between meetings, Arizona MEP remained readily available to provide clarification and guidance, keeping the project on schedule.
Results and Impact
Through the engagement, Nelson Engineering's team developed a strong understanding of CUI protection, required security controls, and how to implement policies and procedures that fit its business without adding unnecessary complexity. Customers were informed about the company's proactive compliance efforts, which reinforced trust and demonstrated a strong commitment to cybersecurity. CMMC compliance helped Nelson Engineering retain $2 million in sales and six jobs. The project also strengthened external relationships. Nelson Engineering evaluated its service providers; CMMC readiness and, when gaps were identified, confidently referred partners to Arizona MEP.
A Trusted Partner for Compliance
For Nelson Engineering, the value of working with Arizona MEP went beyond technical expertise. Arizona MEP understood both the aerospace industry and the realities of operating as a small manufacturer. Transparent pricing, clear expectations, and a practical implementation strategy made planning and execution far more predictable.