Spika Design and Manufacturing stands as a critical player in the defense supply chain, designing and manufacturing engineered access platforms and work-support equipment for aerospace and defense manufacturing, maintenance, and sustainment operations.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 certification reflects Spika’s continued role supporting federal and defense programs, with more than 25 years of experience delivering engineered access solutions for secure, mission-critical environments. With A-LIGN as their trusted Certified Third-Party Authorization Organization (C3PAO) and Summit 7 as their readiness partner, Spika earned certification to adhere to regulations and demonstrate a deep commitment to protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

The challenge

Like many small manufacturers, Spika, an SBA certified WOSB, faced challenges in preparing for CMMC due to limited internal IT resources. Their cybersecurity management was handled by a managed service provider (MSP), which maintained their systems and provided basic functions necessary for general IT operations.

While working with a prior MSP, Spika’s environment was well-managed from a traditional IT standpoint, but it had a few gaps in the extent to which formalized controls, documentation, and specialized infrastructure are required to earn CMMC certification.

They recognized the need to partner with both a readiness provider and an experienced C3PAO to successfully achieve CMMC certification. This meant selecting a partner known for strong technical preparation, as well as an audit partner recognized for credibility, practical experience, and a balanced interpretation of requirements.

Spika Design engaged Summit 7 to support their preparation and selected A-LIGN as their independent C3PAO. This approach ensured they were well-prepared for assessment while maintaining the independence required for certification, aligning with their timeline, budget, and long-term compliance objectives.

“While we’ve always built our systems around protecting customer information, the certification elevates our preparedness that is essential when supporting regulated, mission-critical environments. That’s why we sought a partner who could guide us through the complexities of CMMC certification with clarity and expertise. A-LIGN stood out for their deep knowledge and strong reputation in the federal compliance marketplace.”
– Katie Spika, President & CEO

Why A-LIGN

Spika Design engaged Summit 7 as their Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to ensure preparation and readiness for CMMC certification.

The Summit 7 team played a central role in modernizing Spika Design’s IT environment by migrating their systems to Microsoft GCC High, implemented crucial technical controls for managing CUI, and conducted a thorough gap assessment to identify areas of non-compliance.

Spika Design selected A-LIGN as their independent C3PAO to conduct the assessment. They made the decision to select A-LIGN due to their proven expertise, structured assessment methodology, and clear, pragmatic communication. A-LIGN’s professionalism and deep understanding of the CMMC framework gave Spika Design confidence as they approached the certification process.

“The experienced staff at A-LIGN and the thorough preparation provided by Summit 7 made us feel fully ready and confident heading into our first CMMC Level 2 assessment and transformed a potentially daunting process into a manageable experience.”
– Katie Spika, President & CEO

Results

The certification process with A-LIGN was smooth, efficient, and achieved on the first pass, thanks to Spika Design’s general state of readiness, their specific preparation for this certification, and ongoing collaboration with Summit 7.

A-LIGN’s team provided clear guidance, prompt feedback, and professional communication throughout the process. Technical documentation and evidence collection were managed by Summit 7, while the internal team at Spika Design focused on operational and training requirements.

A key milestone in the assessment process was hosting an on-site assessment at Spika Design’s office in Lewistown, MT. The Spika Design team found the on-site assessment was seamlessly executed by A-LIGN.

The ultimate result from working with A-LIGN and Summit 7 was a successful certification, allowing Spika Design to continue serving its government and defense customers while exploring new growth opportunities with limited business interruptions.

“Achieving CMMC Level 2 certification is a major milestone in our commitment to protecting CUI, which is critical to securing our nation’s defense.”
– Katie Spika, President & CEO

Advice for Organizations Seeking CMMC Certification

Spika Design’s advice for organizations preparing for CMMC is to understand the scope and complexity of the requirements. Engaging early with trusted experts, such as an MSSP and a reputable C3PAO, can make a significant difference. Spika recommends prioritizing formalized controls, updating documentation, and modernizing IT infrastructure to align with compliance demands.

“Working with experienced providers like Summit 7 and A-LIGN, ensures access to specialized expertise. Thorough preparation and collaboration with knowledgeable professionals are the key to successfully achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance.“
– Katie Spika, President & CEO

About Summit 7

Summit 7 is the leading cybersecurity, compliance, and cloud engineering partner for the Aerospace and Defense industry. Specializing in CMMC, NIST 800-171, DFARS, and Microsoft GCC High solutions, Summit 7 helps organizations secure Controlled Unclassified Information (C*I), prepare for audits, and compete confidently in the federal marketplace. Summit 7 delivers end-to-end visibility, automation, and peace of mind for organizations navigating complex regulatory environments.