Stratus Service Joins the MSP Collective
We're thrilled to announce that Stratus Service has officially joined the MSP Collective. The MSP Collective is a coalition of Managed Service Providers and Managed Security Service Providers united around a shared mission: securing the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and the critical infrastructure that supports our national security.
Why We Joined
The DIB is the backbone of America's defense capabilities, yet it faces mounting cybersecurity challenges that are often underappreciated. Small and medium-sized businesses make up over 75% of the DIB, and the vast majority of them rely on external service providers (ESPs) like Stratus Service to deliver the IT and security expertise they simply can't maintain in-house. That means the quality and integrity of ESPs like us directly determines whether our nation's most sensitive defense contractors, and the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) they handle, are adequately protected.
This is exactly why the MSP Collective exists, to place rigorous standards on top of just going through the motions to complete certs. Joining the MSP Collective strengthens our commitment to provide a safe and trusted location for organizations seeking certification (OSCs) to find a certified company to assist them in achieving compliance.
Additionally, Alaska's defense contractors face unique challenges. As an Alaska-based MSP, Stratus Service is uniquely positioned to help them navigate CMMC compliance and DIB cybersecurity requirements. At the same time, we bring that same deep expertise to defense contractors nationwide, delivering the security solutions that protect our warfighters and our nation's most sensitive information.
Aligned with a Bigger Purpose
The MSP Collective is doing important work advocating for clearer standards, stronger certification requirements, and a more coherent regulatory framework for ESPs operating in the DIB. Their positions on CMMC scoping, RPO certification reform, and the need for ESP-specific NIST standards reflect what we've seen on the ground with our own clients: a piecemeal landscape leaves contractors unsure what standards need to be met and which security partners they can trust.
At Stratus Services, we believe that MSPs and MSSPs are more than just vendors. We're a critical layer of the national defense supply chain. Joining the MSP Collective bolsters our commitment to being part of the solution.
What's Next
As a member of the MSP Collective, Stratus Service will contribute to the collective's ongoing advocacy efforts, help shape best practices for ESP service delivery, and connect with a community of like-minded providers who take their role in national security seriously. We look forward to working alongside our fellow members and engaging with Congress, the DoD, and the Cyber-AB to advance policies that make the entire DIB ecosystem more resilient.
If you're a defense contractor looking for an MSP that understands the unique demands of CMMC compliance and DIB cybersecurity, or an ESP interested in joining the conversation, we'd love to connect.
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Stratus Services provides managed IT, cybersecurity and compliance solutions. Based in Anchorage, they support organizations in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and across the nation with technical expertise and a focus on practical implementation. A Cyber-AB certified RPO since 2022, Stratus’ team includes multiple CMMC-trained staff, including certified Registered Practitioners Advanced (RPAs) and a Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA).
The MSP Collective is a nonprofit organization representing Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) dedicated to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of U.S. critical infrastructure. Founded in2023, the Collective advocates for secure industry standards, informs government and industry leaders, and promotes the essential role of qualified, security-minded service providers in national cyber defense. Through initiatives like the External Service Provider (ESP) Directory, the MSP Collective connects critical infrastructure and Defense Industrial Base organizations with trusted, certified partners who meet the highest standards of reliability, compliance, and cybersecurity readiness.
