Third-party assessment validates organization’s ability to protect Controlled Unclassified Information in support of military missions
Rome, NY – July 15, 2026: Griffiss Institute is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 as of July 13, 2026.
“CMMC Level 2 certification represents a significant milestone for Griffiss Institute,” said Heather Hage, President and CEO. “It demonstrates our commitment to maintaining robust cybersecurity safeguards and our readiness to support federal agency missions that require the protection of sensitive information. This achievement reflects the focus of our people, processes, and technology to increase our organizational impact.”
CMMC, established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), sets cybersecurity requirements for organizations within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to ensure the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Level 2 certification validates the implementation of a defined set of security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and is required for contractors supporting DoD programs involving sensitive data.
Griffiss Institute partnered with Simple Helix as a managed service provider for certain technical controls and security operations center monitoring. The assessment was conducted by Sentar, a leading provider of advanced cybersecurity and intelligence solutions and an Authorized Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) accredited to evaluate compliance with the Department of Defense’s CMMC framework.
“Griffiss Institute has demonstrated that their security practices meet the requirements for CMMC Level 2,” said Stephen Pratt, CISO & Lead CCA at Sentar. “This assessment validates their ability to protect Controlled Unclassified Information within the Defense Industrial Base.”
Even with the recent suspension of CMMC Phase II implementation, this certification positions Griffiss Institute to compete for and execute contracts requiring the handling of CUI, while demonstrating a commitment to disciplined cybersecurity practices and risk management.
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About Griffiss Institute
Griffiss Institute develops the next generation of American innovators, breakthrough technologies, and entrepreneurial ventures that strengthen national security and economic growth. A trusted not-for-profit partnership intermediary to federal service laboratories and American industry, Griffiss Institute delivers nationally recognized programs and services that accelerate collaborative technology transfer, grow the STEM workforce, and launch mission-driven startups. Griffiss Institute has powered American innovation to secure the nation from its home and headquarters in the Mohawk Valley region of New York State since 2002. For more information, visit www.griffissinstitute.org
About Simple Helix
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Simple Helix is a premier provider of managed IT services, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and advanced data center solutions. Operating a locally owned, Tier III standard data center, the company delivers highly secure, redundant, and mission-specific technology infrastructure to organizations of all sizes. Simple Helix specializes in supporting businesses across highly regulated fields—including government contracting, technology R&D, manufacturing, and healthcare—ensuring their critical systems remain resilient so they can focus on core operations. For more information, visit https://www.simplehelix.com
About Sentar, Inc.
Sentar, an employee-owned company, is a leading cyber-intelligence solutions provider focused on the National Security sector. Its cyber domain solutions blend expertise in Cybersecurity, Intelligence & Analytics, and Systems & Software Engineering with an “efficiency-first” mindset to deliver superior, transformative results to mission partners. Key clients include the Defense Health Agency, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, and Missile Defense Agency. Sentar has offices in Huntsville, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; San Diego, California; Columbia, Maryland; and San Antonio, Texas. Visit www.sentar.com for more information.
