Defense Compliance Advisory · Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Structured implementation of NIST 800-171 controls, governance architecture, and assessment readiness for small and mid-tier organizations across the Defense Industrial Base.
Regulatory Risk Exposure
These structural deficiencies appear in the majority of pre-assessment reviews. Each one can independently cause assessment failure, contract ineligibility, or enforcement action.
Control documentation exists but is not mapped to the assessment artifacts C3PAOs require for validation.
Incorrect boundary definitions invalidate the entire assessment scope and all downstream documentation.
Self-reported scores unsupported by auditable evidence — a growing enforcement focus for DoD assessors.
Supply chain compliance requirements unaddressed across subcontractor relationships.
Plans of action without defined milestones, resource allocation, or closure criteria.
Leadership unable to articulate the organization's compliance posture under assessor questioning.
The Stella Maris Governance Model
A structured, repeatable framework designed to move organizations from compliance uncertainty to assessment-ready confidence.
Phase I
Identify where you stand. Map the gaps.
Phase II
Build the governance structure. Design for the assessor.
Phase III
Validate readiness. Prepare to withstand scrutiny.
The Stella Maris Governance Model™ — Assess · Architect · Defend
Advisory Services
Structured advisory for organizations preparing for third-party certification and regulatory enforcement.
For: Defense contractors handling CUI/FCI
For: Primes enforcing subcontractor compliance
For: Contractors with subcontractor obligations
Who We Serve
Stella Maris Governance serves organizations across the defense supply chain that handle Federal Contract Information or Controlled Unclassified Information.
Small and mid-tier subs preparing for CMMC certification
Component and systems manufacturers in the defense supply chain
Production facilities handling CUI under DFARS requirements
Emerging technology companies entering the defense market
Compliance Framework Coverage
Leadership
Principal & Managing Director
Over 20 years of governance oversight within Department of Defense and Department of Justice environments. Direct management of personnel access authorizations, federal budget oversight, and compliance programs — with documented zero audit findings across all assignments.
Two decades of active duty Navy service including contingency operations in Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom. Sole GCPC government contracting authority, supply chain logistics under FAR/DFARS/ITAR frameworks, and a documented 99.6% compliance rating in supply department audits.
Stella Maris Governance extends federal enforcement-level accountability into private-sector defense compliance advisory. The methodology is built upon direct experience where documentation integrity and evidence traceability were operational requirements under inspection.
Stewardship. Duty. Clarity under pressure.
Every Stella Maris Governance engagement is led directly by the firm's principal advisor — not delegated to junior consultants. This ensures consistent methodology application, direct accountability, and the depth of experience that defense compliance requires.
Credentials
Active certifications aligned to control validation, audit defensibility, and federal compliance frameworks.
Full credential portfolio available upon request.
Assessment Timeline
Most failed assessments stem from structural gaps identified too late. Start with a readiness review.
Schedule Assessment Readiness Review →Engage
NDA available prior to detailed scoping discussions. Initial consultations evaluate CUI scope, current compliance posture, assessment timeline, and engagement fit.
Engagement Capacity Notice: Stella Maris Governance limits concurrent readiness campaigns to preserve documentation rigor and assessor-level review discipline.