The Trusted Standard in DIB Compliance.
Veteran-Led Cybersecurity
The
Trusted Standard
in DIB Compliance.
We guide defense contractors through CMMC, NIST 800-171, and CIS frameworks. As an authorized C3PAO and RPO, we bring military precision to your cyber defense.
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Authorized By
CMMC Ready
Official C3PAO assessments
10%
Profits to US VALOR
100%
DIB Focused
C3PAO
Authorized Assessor
USMC
Disabled-Vet Owned
Strategic capabilities.
Comprehensive cybersecurity services designed specifically for the Defense Industrial Base and compliance-driven organizations.
Consulting
Expert guidance for CMMC, NIST 800-171, NIST CSF, and CIS v8. From policy development to Virtual CISO (vCISO) services, we build your compliance foundation.
vCISO Services
Policy & Procedure Dev
GRC Strategy
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Assessments
As an authorized C3PAO, we perform official CMMC assessments. We also conduct penetration testing, vulnerability, and rigorous risk assessments.
CMMC C3PAO Assessments
Penetration Testing
Vulnerability & Risk Assessments
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Managed Services
Continuous protection for select clients. We manage secure enclaves, M365 security, AWS infrastructure, incident response readiness, and more.
Continuous Compliance
M365 & AWS Security
Incident Response
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The path to CMMC certification.
Compliance and Cybersecurity isn't achieved overnight. It requires a methodical, disciplined approach. Whether we prepare you or assess you, this is how readiness is built.
Step 1
Gap Assessment
We map your current environment against NIST 800-171 and CMMC requirements to identify exactly where you fall short and what needs remediation.
Step 2
Remediation & Policies
Fixing the technical gaps and drafting the robust System Security Plan (SSP) and required policies that prove your compliance on paper.
Step 3
Pre-Assessment Readiness
A mock assessment simulating the rigorous C3PAO process to ensure no surprises exist before the official audit begins.
Step 4
Official C3PAO Assessment
As an Authorized C3PAO, KNCSS can perform the official assessment, submitting your score to the DoD to secure your contracts, as long as we have not provided any CMMC Consulting Services to you in the past.
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Don't wait until contract renewal to discover compliance gaps.
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Red, White, and Blue Glove Service.
We don't just hand you a checklist. We act as a trusted extension of your own team. We learn your business, respect your culture, and build security programs that protect your contracts without paralyzing your operations.
Veteran-Led Discipline
Founded by USMC Disabled Veterans and a veterans advocate, we bring military precision and integrity to every engagement.
True Partnership
We provide a bespoke, white-glove relationship. Your risk is our risk.
Led by experience.
Our executive team combines decades of military discipline, enterprise IT management, and deep cybersecurity expertise.
Kelly C. Kendall
CEO & President
A Disabled Veteran (USMC), Kelly leads KNC with a commitment to national security and operational excellence. Under his guidance, KNC achieved C3PAO status.
Chuck Buresh
EVP & COO
Chuck brings extensive leadership in IT operations, consulting, program management, and compliance, ensuring that KNC's service delivery exceeds the stringent demands of the Defense Industrial Base.
Meet the full team & our story
Our Mission
Building the next generation of defenders.
We proudly commit
10% of our annual profits
to support US VALOR, a non-profit organization founded by KNC. US VALOR runs a specialized Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program for transitioning military members, equipping them with the skills to defend our nation's digital infrastructure.
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Podcast
CMMC Wars
Compliance doesn't have to be dry. Join hosts Greg McVerry and Kelly Kendall as they use Star Wars to teach CMMC concepts. A monthly transmission of insight, strategy, and slightly nerdy cybersecurity banter.
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Ready to secure your operations?
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your CMMC readiness, assessment needs, or managed security requirements.
Questions and answers
What is a C3PAO and why does it matter?
A C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization) is authorized by the CyberAB to conduct official CMMC assessments. Working with a C3PAO ensures that your assessment is legitimate and meets the strict DoD requirements for DIB contractors.
What is the difference between NIST 800-171 and CMMC?
NIST 800-171 is the set of security controls that defense contractors must implement. CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is the validation framework that ensures contractors have actually implemented those NIST controls correctly before they can win DoD contracts.
Do you only work with defense contractors?
While we specialize in serving the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) due to our veteran leadership and C3PAO status, we provide high-level cybersecurity and GRC services to any organization that takes data protection seriously.
What is your 'Red, White & Blue Glove' service?
It's our commitment to being a true partner, not just a vendor. We provide a bespoke, high-touch relationship driven by military precision and integrity. We act as an extension of your team, ensuring security enables rather than paralyzes your operations.
How does the CMMC readiness process work?
We typically begin with a gap assessment against NIST 800-171/CMMC requirements, followed by remediation planning, policy development, and implementation support. Once you're ready, we can either prepare you for assessment or, if we didn't consult for you, act as your official C3PAO assessor.