image: From left, Drew Snow, Les Terrell, Zbigniew Kaniewski, Pravina Raghavan, Retired Col. Darold Tippey, Ghassan Khatib and Regan Edens view more
Credit: UT Arlington
TMAC at The University of Texas at Arlington aided a Fort Worth-based aerospace supplier and manufacturing company become the first firm in the nation to qualify for a certification required of its contractors by the Department of Defense.
Aero-Glen International LLC, a privately owned small business established in 1976, successfully underwent the Department of Defense’s Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessment Program. The successful assessment means that Aero-Glen met its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 Level 2 compliance requirements and will be able to retain Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and compete for future contracts requiring CMMC certification.
Aero-Glen approached TMAC, which is the official representative of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST-MEP) in Texas, in preparation for the cybersecurity assessment. This collaboration could provide a blueprint for future defense industry players.
Retired Col. Darold Tippey and Ghassan Khatib, who both serve as TMAC advisors, used CMMC ePU reference documentation and tools licensed from DTC Global to provide definitive guidance and develop overwhelming evidence of compliance as they addressed gaps and non-conformities.
“This transformational project assured that operations, policies and procedures were aligned and more secure, improving the way Aero-Glen operated end-to-end, from customer orders to final delivery,” Khatib said.
This achievement proved successful not only for Aero-Glen, but also for TMAC, DTC Global, DoD, CMMC and NIST. It demonstrates that compliance with cybersecurity requirements can be achieved effectively and practically within the CMMC model, even for small manufacturers. It will assure the safeguarding and security of sensitive DoD information and enhance national security.
“Cybersecurity is a critical component of how we approach our markets, service our customers and integrate with our daily processes,” said Zbigniew Kaniewski, Aero-Glen international vice president of information technology and continuous improvement. “The TMAC team was great in taking a pragmatic approach to a complex set of requirements and proved we can achieve a sustainable cybersecurity program while enabling the business.”
Pravina Raghavan, NIST-MEP’s national director, presented Aero-Glen with a plaque on Oct. 7 to recognize its achievement in being the first manufacturer in the United States to meet the strict requirements of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 compliance.
“I commend Aero-Glen as the first manufacturer in the U.S. to certify in the Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessment Program,” Raghavan said. “Cybersecurity is a key means by which the MEP National Network is strengthening and empowering U.S. manufacturers. Aero-Glen’s achievement, working with TMAC as the official representative of the MEP National Network in Texas, serves as an example for other U.S. small and medium-sized manufacturers seeking to improve and secure their operations in defense supply chains.”
About TMAC
TMAC has worked with thousands of Texas organizations since its inception in 1995. TMAC is the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in the state of Texas. The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. TMAC’s mission is to improve the global competitiveness of the Texas economy by working to grow the extended manufacturing enterprise. TMAC delivers hands-on business management, technology and operations solutions to a wide range of businesses, including manufacturing, distribution, logistics and others.
TMAC is an organization that accelerates profitable growth by developing and improving profits, products, processes, technologies and people.
About Aero-Glen International LLC
Aero-Glen International LLC is an aerospace stocking distributor servicing commercial, defense, space and maritime industries. Established in 1976, Aero-Glen provides fastening hardware (structural fasteners, assembly hardware and electrical components), build-to-print parts (machined and formed parts, tubes and assemblies) and other support equipment (installation tooling, maintenance and diagnostic equipment, etc.). As a value-added supply chain provider, Aero-Glen’s programs include customized kitting, bin management, and 3PL and 4PL services. Headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Aero-Glen is a privately-owned small business whose core values to its customers are focused on three key principles: commitment, execution, and results.
About NIST MEP
The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing.
Focused on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy, the MEP National Network comprises the NIST MEP, 51 MEP centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and its 1,400 trusted advisors and experts at nearly 385 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.
In 2021, the MEP National Network generated $26.20 in new sales growth and $34.50 in new client investment. This translates into $3.9 billion in new sales. During this same time, for every $1,193 of federal investment, the network created or retained one manufacturing job.
About DTC Global
DTC Global specializes in DFARS/CMMC advisory products and services. Led by Regan Edens and Les Terrell, DTC Global developed CMMC ePU Reference Standard Documentation to provide definitive guidance and overwhelming evidence of compliance. DTC Global, CUI Supply, and many other industry leading organizations founded the CMMC Industry Standards Council, a 501-c6 organization whose purpose is to develop a “CMMC safe harbor” by providing authoritative guidance and training for prescribed “turn-key” solutions” by highly qualified providers.
-Written by Darold Tippey, TMAC