What Critical Ops does

Critical Ops is a Westlake, Ohio-based management consultancy and professional services firm founded in 2012 by Chelsea Treboniak, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran. The firm operates fully remotely with team members distributed across five states and positions itself as a strategic business integration partner for highly regulated industries, including financial services (notably credit unions and community banks), government and defense (DoD, DOT, DHS, FEMA), and critical infrastructure operators. Its portfolio spans four primary lines: Remote Sensing Services delivered via Part-107-certified drone pilots using LiDAR, thermal imaging, and ground-penetrating radar; Blockchain for Occupational Health, a platform that cryptographically separates patient PII from test results for employers and occupational health providers; Fraud Services / E-Crime Intelligence, which combines AI-assisted dark web monitoring with human analysis for financial institutions; and Consulting Services covering business strategy, process optimization, and government/public services work.

The firm's commercial model is primarily project-based professional services with custom pricing per engagement, augmented by recurring revenue mechanics from the Fraud Working Group community (1,500+ professionals across 600+ credit unions), the annual Fraud & Governance School co-developed with NASCUS and America's Credit Unions ($900–$1,100 per participant), and the annual Critical Infrastructure Modernization (CIM) Conference with multi-tier sponsorship. Go-to-market relies on direct enterprise outreach, conference emceeing and speaking engagements at NASCUS, America's Credit Unions, MCUN, and CUANM events, published research through the Transportation Research Board, and government contracting channels enabled by SDVOSB, WOSB, and DBE certifications. Customer retention is reported at 100% ("clients for life") with a 100% project completion rate over 10+ years, and the firm has executed 500+ training and exercise events in all 50 states, reaching over 6,000 financial services executives annually. No external funding, acquisitions, or public valuation signals are disclosed.

Name

Critical Ops

Legal name

Critical Ops LLC

Website

https://criticalops.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Critical Ops is an Ohio-based, all-remote management consultancy and SDVOSB founded in 2012 serving credit unions, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators with remote sensing, blockchain occupational health, e-crime intelligence, and strategic consulting services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Strategic Management Consulting Services

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), National Security and International Affairs (9281)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Managed Security Services (MSSP) & 24/7 SOC Operations (BPAKAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Operations & Counterterrorism (BPAIAHAH), Security Systems Monitoring & Dispatch (SOC/Remote Guarding) (IMAIAEAF), Incident Command System (ICS) & Emergency Management Training/Exercises (Tabletop/Drills) (EUAHALAE)

Keywords

• Strategic business integration
• Remote sensing services
• Blockchain occupational health
• E-crime intelligence
• Government consulting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Westlake

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Strategic Business Integration Consulting: Custom consulting engagements including pilot programs, new initiative leadership, full implementation and integration, business strategy and process optimization, and government/public services consulting. Revenue is project-based, highly customized to client needs, and generates recurring client relationships (100% of clients become clients for life).
2. Remote Sensing Services: UAS-based data collection services including surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, land management, and UAS education/outreach programs. Delivered via autonomous platforms (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR, thermal, and GPR sensors.
3. Blockchain for Occupational Health: Blockchain-based health data management platform for managing occupational health data (toxicology tests, physical exams, wellness panels). Revenue likely from platform licensing and implementation services to healthcare organizations and employers.
4. Fraud Services & E-Crime Intelligence: Dark web monitoring, fraud threat intelligence, and cyber threat services for financial institutions. Includes the Fraud Working Group (1,500+ professionals from 600+ credit unions), workshops, speaking engagements, and Fraud & Governance School in partnership with NASCUS. Revenue from membership, event fees, and consulting.
5. Event Hosting & Conference Management: Critical Ops organizes the annual CIM Conference (Critical Infrastructure Modernization) and partners with organizations like NASCUS, America's Credit Unions, MCUN, and CUANM to host/facilitate credit union fraud and compliance conferences. Revenue from sponsorships, speaker fees, and event management services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Critical Ops is a woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned management consultancy that delivers strategic business integration, drone-based remote sensing services (LiDAR, thermal imaging, GPR), blockchain-based occupational health data management, and e-crime fraud intelligence for financial institutions, government agencies, defense, and critical infrastructure operators. Services are delivered by an all-remote workforce and include pilot programs, full implementation, and ongoing integration support across highly regulated industries.

Product overview

Critical Ops is a woman-owned consulting and services company offering a portfolio of specialized services rather than a unified software platform. The core offerings include Remote Sensing Services (drone-based data collection using LiDAR, thermal imaging, and ground penetrating radar), Blockchain for Occupational Health (blockchain-based health data management), and Fraud Services/E-crime Intelligence (dark web monitoring and fraud threat intelligence). The company also provides Consulting Services across business strategy, processes, and government/public sector work. Additionally, they host the annual CIM Conference and maintain a Knowledge Base of educational content. The services are delivered through an all-remote workforce model.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CIM Conference: Critical Infrastructure Modernization (CIM) Conference - an annual conference organized by Critical Ops focusing on energy, security, and critical infrastructure.

Products and services

• Remote Sensing Services Drone-based (UAS) data collection services using LiDAR, thermal imaging, and ground penetrating radar for surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and land management. For construction firms, energy companies, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators.
• Blockchain for Occupational Health Blockchain-based health data management platform for employment drug testing, physical exams, and wellness panels that separates PII from test results using cryptography for security and privacy. For employers, healthcare organizations, and occupational health providers.
• Fraud Services (E-Crime Intelligence) Dark web monitoring and fraud threat intelligence services for financial institutions, providing fraud prevention through AI and human intelligence to combat malware and Command and Control attacks. Includes Indicators of Internal Compromise detection, 3rd/4th Party Risk identification, Senior Executive Monitoring, and Compromised Payment Card alerts.
• Consulting Services Strategic business integration consulting including pilot programs, new initiatives, and full implementation across business strategy, processes, and government/public services. Engagements are project-based, highly customized to client needs, and reportedly convert 100% of clients into long-term relationships.

Quantifiable outcome

• All projects completed regardless of complexity (100% completion rate over 10+ years)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and growth.

• Q6 CybercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical Ops and Q6 Cyber have a strong partnership to deliver innovative solutions combatting and preventing e-crime fraud. Q6 Cyber is a cybersecurity firm specializing in the digital criminal underground and dark web intelligence. Together they provide financial institutions with proactive threat intelligence to prevent payment card fraud and protect member/asset security. Q6 Cyber's Executive Vice President (Ret. U.S. Secret Service) Robert Villanueva provides a testimonial praising the partnership.
• W2E AmericascoreGTM or Marketing PartnerW2E Americas (Waste-to-Energy) is the Title Sponsor of the CIM 2026 Critical Infrastructure Modernization Conference. Tom Ondrejicka, President and CEO of W2E Americas, is a featured speaker at CIM 2026 presenting on 'From Innovation to Implementation: Waste-to-Energy in Practice.' The partnership connects energy innovation with Critical Ops' critical infrastructure community.
• NASCUS (National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical Ops partners with NASCUS on multiple programs including the annual Fraud School (NASCUS, America's Credit Unions & Critical Ops Fraud School, October 13-14, 2026), the NASCUS State System Summit 2026 (where Critical Ops serves as official emcee), and various certification schools. The partnership delivers fraud prevention training, BSA/AML certification, and regulatory compliance education to credit union professionals nationwide.
• America's Credit UnionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical Ops serves as emcee and speaker for multiple America's Credit Unions events including the Cybersecurity Conference 2026, Fraud & Security Virtual Conference 2026, Supervisory Committee & Internal Audit Conference 2026, BSA/AML Certification School 2026, and co-develops the Fraud School program. These partnerships position Critical Ops as a leading fraud prevention thought leader in the credit union movement.
• Meerkat CybergrowthGTM or Marketing PartnerMeerkat Cyber is a Gold Sponsor of CIM 2026 and a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Chris Haigh, CEO of Meerkat Cyber, is a speaker at CIM 2026 presenting on CMMC, cybersecurity, and the cost of compliance. The partnership strengthens CIM's cybersecurity programming and provides expertise on defense industrial base compliance.
• Montana's Credit Unions (MCUN)growthStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical Ops facilitates the Be Aware Conference (October 27-29, 2026, Great Falls, MT), a specialized fraud prevention event for Montana's credit unions. Critical Ops guides the program to ensure smooth flow, engaging delivery, and maximum value for Montana-specific fraud prevention challenges while aligning with national best practices.
• Credit Union Association of New Mexico (CUANM)growthStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical Ops provides full professional emcee services and delivers a 60-minute fraud session at the International Credit Union Contact Center Conference (October 19-20, 2026, Las Vegas, NV), an event organized by CUANM. The partnership equips credit union contact center professionals with fraud detection and prevention strategies.
• Fortress Security Risk ManagementgrowthStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical Ops co-hosts an Interactive Cybersecurity Tabletop Simulation & Live Expert Panel (March 25, 2026, Cleveland, OH) with Fortress Security Risk Management. The event features hands-on tabletop simulations to test decision-making under pressure, with Chelsea Treboniak participating in the live expert panel alongside security, risk, insurance, legal, and FBI perspectives.
• Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)growthStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical Ops published an interview with a DelDOT drone program representative highlighting how DelDOT's UAV program is pioneering the use of drones for critical infrastructure inspections. DelDOT uses DJI Mavic 3, Mavic 3T, and Mavic 3E drones for transportation infrastructure management. This partnership demonstrates Critical Ops' role as a thought leader in UAS adoption for state DOTs.
• Ohio Apex (Ohio Manufacturers' Association)growthGTM or Marketing PartnerOhio Apex (an Ohio Manufacturers' Association program) is a Growth Sponsor of CIM 2026. Three CIM 2026 webinar sessions are hosted on the Ohio Apex eCenter Direct platform, connecting Critical Ops' critical infrastructure conference content with Ohio's manufacturing and business community.
• CIM 2026 Sponsors (Kintara, JobsOhio, Dara Systems, Infoblox, Air Quality, IG, Fortress SRM, Ohio Academy of Science, Stran, Aries Fraud Solutions, Lumu, InfraGard, KJK, Therma Stor, SusEx, Stone, EXIM, Immobileyes, HVAC-RNTL)growthGTM or Marketing PartnerCIM 2026 has multiple sponsor tiers — Title (W2E Americas), Gold (Meerkat Cyber), Growth (Kintara, JobsOhio, Dara Systems, Infoblox, Air Quality), Silver (Aries Fraud Solutions, Lumu, InfraGard, KJK, Therma Stor, SusEx, Stone, EXIM, Immobileyes, HVAC-RNTL), and Category Sponsors covering Cybersecurity (Fortress SRM), Education (Ohio Academy of Science), Promotional Branded Merchandise (Stran), Energy Storage (IG/IntelGen), and C3PAO (Meerkat Cyber).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• Recorded Future: Enterprise threat intelligence platform with extensive dark web monitoring, payment card fraud alerts, and fraud prevention services for financial institutions. A scaled incumbent competing head-to-head for the same credit union and bank fraud budget as Critical Ops, with a much broader portfolio beyond the U.S. SMB community niche.
• Leidos: Large defense and civil government IT/services integrator with deep presence in transportation (FAA, DOT) and critical infrastructure. Competes for the federal contract dollars Critical Ops targets via SDVOSB/WOSB set-asides and prime contract vehicles.
• Booz Allen Hamilton: Major federal government and commercial cybersecurity/management consulting integrator. Competes for the same DoD, DOT, and federal cyber consulting dollars that Critical Ops targets — particularly relevant given Critical Ops's 500+ DoD exercise footprint and SDVOSB set-aside positioning.
• ICF International: Professional services firm serving federal, state/local, and commercial clients with energy, environmental, infrastructure, and public health consulting. Comparable to Critical Ops on government services and critical infrastructure consulting engagements.
• ManTech: Cleared technology and cybersecurity services firm focused on federal defense, intelligence, and homeland security customers. Direct overlap with Critical Ops's DoD and DHS/FEMA exercise and consulting work, but at significantly larger scale.

Direct peers

• Cyberhawk: UAV-based inspection and integrity management services for oil & gas, utilities, and infrastructure operators. Direct comparator to Critical Ops's Remote Sensing Services for dam, pipeline, and power-line inspection use cases.
• Q6 Cyber: Cybersecurity firm specializing in dark web and digital criminal underground intelligence for financial institutions. Explicitly partnered with Critical Ops to deliver joint e-crime fraud prevention (with former U.S. Secret Service EVP Robert Villanueva publicly endorsing the partnership); competes with the same Fraud Services buyer budget.
• DroneDeploy: Drone data platform for aerial inspection, mapping, and analytics used across construction, energy, and infrastructure. Competes with Critical Ops's UAS Remote Sensing Services line on inspection, surveying, and 3D mapping use cases for similar buyers.
• Flashpoint: Threat intelligence and fraud prevention platform providing deep/dark web monitoring, compromised payment card alerts, and executive threat monitoring. Closely overlaps with Critical Ops's E-Crime Intelligence line of business on indicators-of-compromise, executive monitoring, and fraud prevention use cases.
• DarkOwl: Provider of dark web and illicit data monitoring for enterprise security and fraud teams. Direct competitor to Critical Ops's E-Crime Intelligence offering, with overlapping buyer personas in financial services and government and similar AI+human intelligence delivery model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/critical_ops
• Facebookfacebook.com/CriticalOps
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/criticalops

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 Critical Ops