What Ardalyst does

Ardalyst Federal, LLC is a privately held U.S. cybersecurity and digital transformation firm founded in 2013 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with field-sales presence in Washington D.C., Fort Meade, San Diego, Seattle, and Denver. The company serves the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB), federal/state/local government agencies, manufacturers in government supply chains, corporate enterprises, and growing businesses, with a primary focus on helping the 220,000+ U.S. defense contractors achieve and maintain NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance.

The firm's core productized offering is Tesseract, a managed compliance and cybersecurity program platform that bundles MSSP, MSP, managed detection and response, vCISO advisory, and compliance tooling into a single program. Tesseract is built on the proprietary All-Threat Zero Trust Architecture, which combines Microsoft security and identity stack (Azure AD, Microsoft 365 Defender, Sentinel, Endpoint Manager, GCC/GCC-High) with Mandiant threat intelligence, Trellix XDR, Gigamon network visibility, WitFoo SIEM/SOAR, and iboss cloud security. Specialized extensions include the All-Threat IR Edge deployable SOC-in-a-kit (built on HPE rugged servers and Archon NSA-certified encryption) and the Medici Moons distributed SOC-of-the-future design.

Ardalyst makes money through a mix of value-added reselling of partner technologies (Microsoft, Mandiant, Trellix, Gigamon, WitFoo, iboss), managed cybersecurity subscriptions under Tesseract, professional services for cybersecurity program design and Risk Management Framework (RMF) consulting, digital transformation services (Microsoft Cloud modernization, Dynamics 365, PowerApps), and outsourced cybersecurity staffing. Pricing is quote-based with monthly or annual billing, and go-to-market is enterprise field sales augmented by the Carahsoft public-sector channel and Microsoft co-sell. The firm holds five Microsoft Gold competencies, CMMC-AB Registered Provider Organization status, and registered trademarks on Ardalyst®, Tesseract™, and All-Threat™. Leadership comprises President Michael Speca, CTO Josh O'Sullivan (a U.S. Navy veteran), SVP of Cyber Services Dan Oldham, and VP of Operations & Finance Ingrid Jansen.

Name

Ardalyst

Legal name

Ardalyst Federal, LLC

Website

https://ardalyst.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ardalyst Federal, LLC is a privately held U.S. cybersecurity and digital transformation firm that provides managed compliance, Zero Trust architecture, and Microsoft-based security services to Defense Industrial Base contractors and federal, state, and local government agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Managed Cybersecurity and Compliance Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Other Computer Related Services (541519)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Cybersecurity & Identity Consulting (BPAHAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cybersecurity Architecture & Security Integration (BPAEAAAL), Security Architecture & Engineering Advisory (Zero Trust, IAM, Network) (BPAKADAF), Compliance Technology, GRC Platforms & Controls Automation Advisory (BPAHAFAO)

Keywords

• Managed cybersecurity services
• CMMC compliance consulting
• NIST 800-171 implementation
• Zero trust architecture
• Defense industrial base security

Headquarters

HQ city

Annapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Managed Cybersecurity Services: Tesseract™ managed compliance programs providing ongoing cybersecurity program management, monitoring, support, and compliance maintenance for government contractors and other organizations.
2. Cybersecurity Staffing & Outsourcing: Providing vetted, qualified cybersecurity professionals to fill positions including Cyber Program/Project Directors, Principals Cyber Systems Engineers, Computer System Analysts, and other technical roles.
3. Value Added Reselling: Resale of Microsoft, Mandiant, Trellix, Gigamon, WitFoo, iboss, and other cybersecurity technologies with implementation, configuration, and integration services.
4. Digital Transformation Consulting & Implementation: Microsoft Cloud modernization, Dynamics implementation, PowerApps development, and application modernization services.
5. Risk Management Framework (RMF) Services: Consulting, security documentation, gap identification, remediation, and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) support for NIST RMF compliance and Authority to Operate (ATO) acquisition.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Ardalyst operates a managed cybersecurity and digital transformation business anchored by the proprietary Tesseract managed compliance platform, which packages advisory, monitoring, helpdesk, and tools into one program for NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance. The company builds and deploys the All-Threat Zero Trust Architecture combining Microsoft and Mandiant technologies, sells deployable All-Threat IR Edge incident response kits, designs distributed SOCs (Medici Moons), and provides cybersecurity services, Microsoft cloud/Dynamics/PowerApps modernization, RMF consulting, and cyber staffing to defense contractors, federal agencies, manufacturers, and enterprises.

Product overview

Ardalyst is a cybersecurity and digital transformation firm offering a unified managed cybersecurity platform anchored by Tesseract, its flagship managed compliance and cybersecurity program supporting NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance. The platform is built on the All-Threat Zero Trust Architecture, a multi-tiered approach combining zero trust principles with intelligence-led threat defense using Microsoft and Mandiant technologies. Supporting this core, Ardalyst provides Cybersecurity Services (program design, SOC engineering, incident response), Digital Transformation Services (Microsoft cloud modernization, Dynamics, PowerApps), Outsourcing & Staffing, and Risk Management Framework services. The product portfolio spans Microsoft 365 licensing (GCC, GCC-High, E3, E5 tiers with security and compliance add-ons), Mandiant Advantage (Threat Intelligence, Security Validation, Automated Defense, Managed Defense), the Trellix XDR ecosystem, Gigamon network visibility, WitFoo Precinct SIEM/SOAR, and iboss cloud security. The company also offers specialized SOC designs (Medici Moons) and deployable/permanent IR Edge kits for incident response.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tesseract: Managed compliance and cybersecurity program solution offering tools, advisory services, and support for NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance.

Products and services

• Tesseract Managed Compliance Platform One-stop-shop managed compliance platform combining advisory services, managed programs, compliance tools and applications, helpdesk support, incident response, and continuous monitoring to help organizations achieve and maintain NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance. Designed for government contractors and Defense Industrial Base firms.
• All-Threat Zero Trust Architecture Proprietary intelligence-led, zero-trust-based, balanced-systems architecture protecting organizations against all tiers of cyber threats (No Adversary, Low-Tier, Mid-Tier, High-Tier). Built on Microsoft Zero Trust Architecture, Endpoint Security, and Mandiant Threat Intelligence combined with Ardalyst capabilities.
• All-Threat IR Edge Deployable (~30 lb) and permanent installation incident response kits delivering full SOC capability anywhere. Combines HPE rugged servers, Mandiant visibility, Trellix security, Gigamon monitoring, WitFoo SIEM/SOAR, and Archon NSA-certified encryption for mobile incident response.
• Medici Moons (SOCs of the Future) Next-generation distributed Security Operations Center design featuring operational-level CSOCs managing tactical-level CSOCs with active low-side and passive high-side enclaves. Integrates physical and software-defined architectures with advanced sensors, real-time threat detection, and automated mitigation across physical, virtualized, and cloud-based infrastructures.
• Cybersecurity Services Advisory and consulting services including Cyber Program Design, Concept of Operations, Concept of Employment, SOC Engineering, and Incident Remediation to help government contractors and enterprises build and run comprehensive cyber programs.
• Digital Transformation Services Services including Microsoft Cloud Modernization (migration to Azure), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Implementation, and Microsoft PowerApps Development, helping organizations modernize IT infrastructure while maintaining cybersecurity posture.
• Outsourcing & Staffing Staff augmentation services placing vetted cybersecurity professionals (Cyber Program/Project Directors, Principal Cyber Systems Engineers, Computer System Analysts) into organizations. Leverages over 100 years of combined cybersecurity expertise for screening with placement across Washington D.C., Fort Meade, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, and remote locations.
• Risk Management Framework (RMF) Services End-to-end RMF consulting covering all seven NIST steps (Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor) plus Assessment & Authorization (A&A) support for obtaining Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Tesseract Advisory Services Program Advisor-guided guidance for managing cybersecurity programs, coordinating compliant capabilities, facilitating governance activities, and delivering performance metrics reports.
• Tesseract Detection & Response Services Managed Detection and Response services providing vulnerability scanning, log monitoring, incident response plan development, and cybersecurity advisory workshops as part of the Tesseract compliance program.
• Tesseract Enclave Activation & Migration Secure enclave configuration and data migration services that set up Microsoft-based compliant enclaves with encrypted storage and network data, including advisory, migration, and configuration services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 22,000+ missions conducted by Ukrainian robotic systems (referenced in unrelated news article, not Ardalyst customer outcome)

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration24 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationMicrosoft Gold Partner with certifications in Security, Cloud Platform, Application Development, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Data Analytics. Ardalyst leverages Microsoft 365, Azure, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, and Microsoft GCC/GCC-High environments for cybersecurity solutions. In August 2024, Ardalyst joined Microsoft's AOS-G Program for DoD and DIB solutions.
• Mandiant (formerly FireEye)coreTechnology or IntegrationMandiant Advantage partner providing threat intelligence, automated defense, security validation, and managed defense services. Mandiant's Intel Grid and frontline expertise are integrated into Ardalyst's All-Threat architecture.
• TrellixcoreTechnology or IntegrationTrellix partner offering XDR ecosystem security including endpoint security, cloud security, email/collaboration security, data/user security, application security, and infrastructure security.
• GigamoncoreTechnology or IntegrationGigamon partner providing network visibility and monitoring solutions including ThreatINSIGHT Guided-SaaS NDR, network operations tools, and cloud operations visibility across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
• WitFoocoreTechnology or IntegrationWitFoo partner offering Precinct SIEM and Precinct Cloud solutions combining SIEM, Incident Response Platforms, and SOAR capabilities with advanced analytics and behavior analysis.
• ibosscoreTechnology or Integrationiboss partner providing cloud-based network security platform with containerized architecture for securing internet access, compliance, web filtering, malware defense, and data loss prevention from any location.
• CarahsoftcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarahsoft partnership enables Ardalyst to bring Tesseract to the public sector through Carahsoft's government distribution network. In April 2024, Ardalyst and Carahsoft announced their partnership to serve government customers.
• Hewlett Packard EnterprisemajorTechnology or IntegrationHPE partner providing the most capable, rugged server system for Ardalyst's All-Threat IR Edge incident response kits. HPE servers enable deployable and permanent installation SOC capabilities.
• ArchonmajorTechnology or IntegrationArchon provides NSA-certified portable encryption solution for encrypted mobile communication of highly classified information, integrated into Ardalyst's IR Edge kits.
• CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArdalyst is a CMMC-AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO), authorized to advise organizations on CMMC compliance, provide consulting services, and assist with certification preparation.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CyberSheath: Cybersecurity services firm specializing in CMMC, NIST 800-171, and DFARS compliance for defense industrial base contractors. Closest comparable in scale, customer segment, and NIST/CMMC advisory offering.
• Edgesource Corporation: Veteran-owned cybersecurity and IT services provider to federal and defense clients, with CMMC, RMF, and cyber ops support. Similar mid-sized federal security services footprint.
• Beryllium InfoSec: CMMC consulting firm supporting defense contractors with NIST 800-171 readiness, RMF services, and compliance program build-out. Similar size and niche federal cybersecurity focus.
• SecureStrux: RMF, CMMC, and NIST cybersecurity consulting firm focused on defense contractors and federal agencies. Comparable niche advisory profile and Microsoft-security stack alignment.
• Summit 7 Systems: Specialist in Microsoft GCC/GCC-High, CMMC, and NIST 800-171 compliance for defense contractors. Overlaps Ardalyst on Microsoft-centric federal security stack and DIB target customers.
• Coalfire Federal: Federal cybersecurity advisory arm providing CMMC, FedRAMP, RMF, and NIST compliance services to government agencies and contractors. Direct overlap in federal compliance advisory.
• By Light Professional IT Services: Federal IT and cybersecurity services firm supporting DoD and intelligence customers with cyber operations, compliance, and managed services. Comparable DIB-adjacent cyber services depth.

Broad incumbents

• Leidos: Large federal systems integrator with deep cybersecurity, RMF, and CMMC-related practices serving DoD and intelligence agencies. Larger incumbent competing for the same federal cyber wallet share.
• Booz Allen Hamilton: Premier federal consulting firm with extensive cybersecurity, Zero Trust, CMMC, and cyber compliance practices serving DoD and intelligence customers. Macro-scale competitor pursuing overlapping federal opportunities.

Emerging players

• Ridge IT Cyber Solutions: Smaller federal-focused cybersecurity services and CMMC/NIST 800-171 consultancy serving defense contractors and federal civilian agencies. Comparable size and DIB compliance orientation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ardalyst
• Facebookfacebook.com/ardalysts

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ardalyst