Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted IT & Cybersecurity Compliance Solutions
Founded in 1966 by Susan S. Elliott, Systems Service Enterprises (SSE) has evolved from a pioneering IT training provider to a nationally recognized leader in managed IT, cybersecurity, and compliance solutions. With a foundation built on IBM partnerships and education centers, SSE transitioned from desktop support to comprehensive network services, establishing itself as a trusted partner for businesses requiring operational continuity and data security. The company maintains ISO 9001-certified processes to ensure quality service delivery, supported by a documented quality management system that drives continuous improvement.SSE's expertise spans CMMC Level 2 certification, NIST 800-171 compliance, and defense contractor cybersecurity frameworks, serving clients coast-to-coast through managed, co-managed, and compliance-focused service models. Recognized as #56 among global managed service providers, SSE combines technical excellence with client-centric values rooted in integrity, teamwork, and service-minded focus.
Services
Managed IT Services
Cybersecurity Compliance
CMMC Certification
NIST 800-171 Compliance
Co-Managed Services
Cloud Services
Gap Assessments
Policy Documentation
Remediation Services
Continuous Monitoring
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- ISO 9001-certified quality management processes ensure consistent service delivery
- 24x7 Midwest-based technical support with 99%+ client satisfaction rate
- CMMC Level 2 certified with perfect 110 assessment score
- 15+ years supporting defense contractor cybersecurity requirements
- Customizable compliance frameworks with policy templates and remediation support
Associations and certifications
- CMMC Level 2 Certified
- The CYBER AB (CMMC Accreditation Body) Registered Provider Organization (RPO)
What people say
Expert compliance guidance
Reliable 24/7 support
Proven cybersecurity solutions
Long-term client relationships
Certified professionals
Services
Managed IT Services
Our comprehensive managed IT services provide proactive network monitoring, 24x7 help desk support, and strategic technology planning. With ISO 9001-certified processes, we ensure system availability through documented procedures and quality assurance checks. Our Midwest-based technical experts deliver timely issue resolution while maintaining 99%+ client satisfaction scores. Services include virtual CIO advisory, project management, and multi-layered security protocols meeting CMMC Level 1 requirements out-of-the-box.
CMMC Compliance
We specialize in Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance services for defense contractors. Our four-step approach includes readiness assessments, gap analysis, remediation planning, and continuous monitoring. As a CMMC Level 2 Certified organization and Registered Provider Organization, we guide clients through Levels 1-3 compliance with documented System Security Plans and POAMs. Our experts maintain current security clearances and certifications to ensure audit-ready compliance status.
NIST 800-171 Compliance
Our NIST 800-171 compliance services help defense contractors protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). We provide gap assessments, policy documentation, and remediation support aligned with DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements. With experience since the standard's 2017 implementation, our team creates audit-ready System Security Plans and maintains continuous compliance through evidence collection and reporting frameworks.
Co-Managed Services
Our co-managed services augment internal IT teams with specialized cybersecurity expertise. We provide vetted technology stacks and certified professionals to fill capability gaps without requiring full team expansion. Services include tool implementation, policy development, and remediation support tailored to specific compliance needs. This hybrid model offers cost-effective access to CMMC-certified professionals and proven cybersecurity frameworks.
Managed Cloud Services
We optimize Microsoft 365 environments through customized configuration, security implementation, and migration support. Our services ensure secure collaboration while maintaining compliance with industry standards. We provide seamless cloud migration with detailed planning and user training, along with ongoing license management and system optimization to maximize client ROI while minimizing security risks.
People
Susan S. Elliott
Founder
Founded SSE in 1966 after IBM career, pioneering IT training and support services. Holds AB from Smith College and authored 'Across the Divide' about women in tech leadership.
Elizabeth Elliott Niedringhaus
President and CEO
Led SSE since 2004, expanding services to nationwide defense and financial sectors. Recognized in St. Louis Business Journal's 40 under 40 and Small Business Monthly's Top Women Business Owners.
Charlie Sciuto
Chief Information Security Officer
CISSP-certified cybersecurity expert with 25+ years IT experience. Leads CMMC/NIST compliance initiatives and holds active security clearance. Graduated from Webster University with dual degrees in Computer Science and Business Management.
Jim Dobbins
Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
CFO since 2004 with prior experience at Charter Communications and aerospace firms. Provides executive leadership in finance, operations, and business development for technology companies.
Robin Harber
Vice President of Quality
Quality management specialist with IT project management background. Implemented SSE's documented quality systems aligned with ISO 9001 standards. Holds IT degree from ITT Technical Institute and music conservatory training.
Questions
What cybersecurity compliance frameworks do you specialize in?
We specialize in CMMC Levels 1-3 and NIST 800-171 compliance frameworks for defense contractors, including System Security Plans and POAM documentation.
How do you support remote IT operations?
Our 24x7 Midwest-based help desk provides timely technical support with documented processes ensuring consistent service delivery across distributed teams.
What industries do you serve?
We primarily serve defense contractors, financial institutions, aerospace firms, and professional services organizations requiring secure IT infrastructure.
How do you ensure service quality?
We maintain ISO 9001-certified quality management systems with documented procedures, checklists, and continuous improvement processes for all services.
What differentiates your compliance services?
As CMMC Level 2 Certified providers with hands-on experience since NIST 800-171's inception, we offer practical implementation guidance beyond theoretical compliance checklists.
How do you handle policy documentation?
We provide customizable policy templates aligned with cybersecurity frameworks, saving clients weeks of documentation development while ensuring compliance requirements.
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