Intrepid Gears Up for CMMC with M365 GCC High and Guardian MSP

Challenge 

When Intrepid began evaluating its cybersecurity posture, it identified several key issues that needed immediate attention. They knew Microsoft Commercial Cloud was not meeting their needs. They needed a solution that could help them improve on cybersecurity best practices like vulnerability assessments, patching, backups, and more. 

As the organization grew, its IT infrastructure required transformation to meet the growing demands required to work with the DoD. Huys highlighted concerns over:

•    CMMC Compliance: The existing setup did not meet DFARS and CMMC Level 2 requirements.
•    Cybersecurity Risks: Intrepid wanted to explore different types of tools that were available on the market to enhance the current cyber posture.
•    Resource Constraints: With a lean IT team, managing compliance and security simultaneously was becoming overwhelming.

Solution 

After evaluating multiple cybersecurity firms, Intrepid chose Summit 7 based on its expertise in Microsoft environments, its focus on CMMC compliance, and the level of support. 

“We looked at Summit 7 and at least two other companies. What set Summit 7 apart was the level of detail in the documentation and the level of communication and support we received throughout the evaluation process.” – Christopher Huys

Summit 7 proposed a comprehensive security transformation plan that included:
•    Migrating Intrepid from Microsoft Commercial Cloud to Microsoft Government Community Cloud (GCC) High, ensuring compliance with DFARS and other government regulations. Intrepid wanted to keep the option of taking on multiple types of contracts in the future and prevent the need to migrate again later, making M365 GCC High the right choice over M365 GCC.
•    Offering Summit 7’s Guardian Managed Services for IT support. 

“The use of Guardian MSP services has allowed me to come out of the weeds and focus on future technologies and what’s on the horizon.” – Christopher Huys

Implementation & Transformation

Intrepid’s IT team worked closely with Summit 7 to ensure a smooth transition.

“The migration to GCC High was one of the smoothest I’ve ever been through. I’ve gone through Army migrations before, and this was hands down a better experience. Even for the users things went very well.” – Christopher Huys

Summit 7 provided hands-on support during the transition, addressing technical issues, user training, and compliance documentation. The team also guided Intrepid through regulatory changes, helping them prepare for their CMMC Level 2 assessment.

Results & Business Impact

By implementing Summit 7’s solutions, Intrepid achieved:
•    CMMC Level 2 Readiness: “We’re gearing up for our 2025 assessment, ahead of many in the industry. Summit 7 has provided great resources and support— we feel confident we will get across the line.”
•    Stronger Security Posture: Improved monitoring and compliance tracking.
•    Operational Efficiency: “I’m saving a lot of cycles that would’ve gone into documentation and troubleshooting. 

In addition, the ongoing partnership with Summit 7 provided continuous improvements and adaptability to regulatory changes.

“We don’t feel like Summit 7 is just selling us a service. It’s a genuine back-and-forth relationship. I’ve never felt like I’ve been belittled for the questions I’m asking. If I bring up something that makes sense, they look into it. It’s never just something we sign up for that gets plopped in our lap. It’s not transactional—it’s a relationship built on trust.” – Christopher Huys

Looking Ahead

Intrepid is on track to become CMMC compliant in 2025. By working with Summit 7, they have secured their ability to continue bidding on critical defense contracts, but the benefits go beyond mitigating the risk of losing business; Intrepid will also leverage their compliance posture to make themselves more competitive when bidding on upcoming contracts. By investing in CMMC, Intrepid is investing their future. 

“Summit 7’s documentation, support, and solutions have been invaluable. We’ve positioned ourselves well for upcoming contracts. We’re showing the government and clients that we take this seriously.” – Christopher Huys