Partnering with SysArc to Achieve Full CMMC Compliance
The Problem
Honeycomb Company of America, Inc., a supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), faced a critical challenge: achieving compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) before the upcoming 2025 audits by the CMMC Accreditation Board. The company’s internal IT manager was equipped with deep institutional knowledge but lacked the bandwidth and specialized expertise to meet the rigorous requirements of NIST 800-171 alone.
With a one-person IT department, the manager was caught between two competing priorities—keeping day-to-day operations like help desk support running smoothly, and dedicating the massive effort required to prepare for a CMMC audit. Either the organization’s IT support would suffer, or CMMC compliance wouldn’t get done. The stakes were high: without certification, Honeycomb risked losing existing DoD contracts and missing out on future opportunities.
Recognizing that internal resources alone couldn’t handle the scope of the task, the IT manager turned to SysArc, a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) with deep expertise in CMMC compliance and a track record of supporting defense contractors.
The Solution
SysArc began the engagement with a comprehensive Gap Assessment, evaluating Honeycomb’s current IT maturity against the stringent requirements of NIST 800-171. The results revealed significant gaps that would require either substantial internal staffing or a strategic partnership with a specialized MSP. Honeycomb chose to partner with SysArc.
To address the compliance gaps, SysArc deployed a suite of tailored solutions:
- Continuous Network Monitoring – SysArc implemented its Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool along with its Security Operations Center (SOC), enabling 24/7 monitoring—an essential component of CMMC compliance.
- Secure Data Handling – The team established robust data flow and access controls to ensure that Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) was handled, stored, and transmitted securely, with access strictly limited to authorized personnel.
- Enhanced Authentication – A secure password management system was introduced, along with enforced multi-factor authentication across all devices to protect against unauthorized access.
- Help Desk Support – SysArc deployed its full-service help desk, giving Honeycomb’s employees reliable access to expert IT support and freeing the internal IT manager to focus on strategic initiatives.
Thanks to SysArc’s “templatized” CMMC-compliant infrastructure, processes, and toolsets—developed specifically for defense contractors—Honeycomb was able to rapidly and cost-effectively achieve compliance without disrupting daily operations.
The Results
With SysArc’s support, Honeycomb Company of America passed the Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessment Program (JSVAP) with a perfect score of 110, effectively demonstrating full CMMC compliance. This crucial milestone ensures Honeycomb’s continued eligibility for DoD contracts and positions them strongly for future business growth.
The partnership delivered results that went far beyond compliance:
- The IT manager emerged as a strategic leader, having successfully positioned the company for long-term success with DoD partnerships.
- Cost savings were realized by leveraging SysArc’s team of CMMC specialists for less than the cost of adding a full-time employee.
- Cybersecurity was dramatically improved, protecting sensitive company data from cyber threats with top-tier defenses.
- Operational efficiency increased, as the IT manager was freed to focus on growth, innovation, and strategic initiatives rather than being bogged down by daily IT support or complex compliance tasks.
- SysArc complemented—not replaced—the IT manager’s role, becoming an extension of the internal team and a long-term strategic partner.
Conclusion
SysArc’s partnership with Honeycomb Company of America illustrates the power of expert-led collaboration between a forward thinking IT manager and a well-equipped MSP. With the right support, even lean internal IT teams can achieve full CMMC compliance—on time, on budget, and without compromising daily operations.