When you're looking for a CSfC trusted integrator, you want someone who can meet your needs completely and efficiently. You may start your search by reviewing the Classified Program Management Office (CSfC PMO) trusted integrator list. This list is composed of companies that have demonstrated compliance to certain criteria established by the NSA’s CSfC PMO that provides a baseline for integrators.
To qualify as a CSfC Integrator, an organization must be qualified to assemble and integrate components according to a CSfC Capability Package (CP), test the resulting solution, provide a body of evidence to the solution Authorizing Official (AO)/Designated Approving Authority (DAA), maintain the solution, and be the first line of response in troubleshooting or responding to security incidents. To perform these tasks, the organization shall have demonstrated experience in system integration, with the technologies to be integrated, in formal testing processes, and in evidence generation for system authorization.
Other than meeting the NSA’s CSfC PMO criteria, what other qualifications are the most important when selecting a trusted integrator?
Experience
One of the most obvious and most important qualifications is whether or not the trusted integrator has the necessary experience. Finding out about their past projects and their acumen on delivering on the scope and scale of what you are looking for will give you great insight into whether a trusted integrator is a good fit or not.
End-User Mindset
Quality trusted integrators recognize the importance of creating a solution for the end-user. If you're looking to build a solution that is truly customer-centric, then finding a trusted integrator that understands your requirements from a user perspective is imperative for a successful project. It is important to find a trusted integrator that takes the approach of finding a solution that not only meets all of your requirements from an engineering point of view but also ensures they work well from a user perspective.
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Excellent Listener
From the start of the relationship with a trusted integrator communication is key. A trusted integrator must listen to exactly what your needs are and demonstrate that they fully understand the goals of your project.
Forward Thinking
As you are looking for a trusted integrator to build your new, innovative solution, it is important to ask them questions about their ability to anticipate future needs and scale as the project potentially grows. The trusted integrator you select should understand the development process and make the necessary preparations for future projects such as recertification. You will want them to ensure that your teams and infrastructure will continue to run smoothly as your product evolves, so it's important to ask all of your questions now to ensure a smooth transition into the future.
Partnerships
This may not be a make or break, but it is important to understand what your needs for a project entail, and see if a trusted integrator's partnerships (or lack of) could affect the outcome of your project. For larger enterprise installs, selecting a trusted integrator with existing partnerships relevant to your needs may remove some of the middlemen you would typically encounter and provide a more seamless process.
Happy Past Customers
Asking for references from previous customers is one way to find out if a potential trusted integrator has the capabilities you need to get the job done. Ask their references about how well they communicated during the project, and what obstacles they faced to get invaluable insight will prove to be invaluable when deciding which trusted integrator to work with. A glowing review from a past customer for a similar project is probably the best sign of a good fit when searching for a trusted integrator.
Get the Support You Need
If you’re looking for a CSfC trusted integrator, remember that our experts at Archon are here to make your work easier and more profitable. As a Trusted Integrator ourselves, we’re never your competitor; we’re your ally. Make use of our services in whatever way makes sense for you, whether that’s setting up a secure infrastructure, establishing endpoints, or partnering with you to pursue bold new solutions. Contact us today to learn more!