SIGMA-NETICS: STRENGTHENING CYBERSECURITY COMPLIANCE TO SUPPORT MISSION-CRITICAL MARKETS

Background

Founded in 1966, Sigma-Netics is a privately held corporation headquartered in Riverdale, New Jersey, that has long been a trusted name in pressure switch manufacturing, serving high-demand sectors like aerospace, aviation, and military defense. Known for its precision-engineered components, the company has built its reputation by providing reliable pressure switches for mission-critical applications.

In 2018, Sigma-Netics expanded its footprint by launching a new division in Virginia, specializing in high-end pressure transducers designed for cutting-edge defense and space programs. Their customer base quickly evolved to include manufacturers of rockets, satellites, missiles, and other true space applications, creating a new tier of compliance expectations. With such a specialized and growing client base, maintaining a strong foundation of cybersecurity and regulatory adherence became more important than ever.

Challenge

As Sigma-Netics expanded into highly sensitive markets—particularly space and defense—the pressure to meet evolving cybersecurity compliance requirements grew rapidly. Longstanding clients in the aerospace and military sectors began enforcing stricter standards, requesting detailed documentation around cybersecurity practices, risk management protocols, and data protection policies.

With requirements like DFARS 252.204-7021 and NIST SP 800-171 becoming increasingly non-negotiable, Sigma-Netics found itself fielding complex questions from clients: Where do you stand on compliance? What safeguards are in place? Is there a formal action plan?

As a small company with limited internal resources and a fast-paced operational environment, Sigma-Netics was not fully prepared to answer those questions—or to demonstrate the level of documentation and planning their customers were now demanding. The organization was focused on product quality and performance but lacked formalized cybersecurity protocols and awareness around compliance frameworks.

Like many manufacturers, Sigma-Netics recognized the value of external support—not just to understand evolving requirements, but to develop a structured path forward that would address client needs, reduce risk, and position the company for confident growth.

Solution

Recognizing the urgency and complexity of the challenge, NJMEP worked closely with Sigma-Netics to develop a phased approach that would lay a strong foundation for cybersecurity compliance. The immediate priority was to meet the requirements outlined in DFARS 252.204-7021, with a clear focus on documentation, risk assessment, and control implementation.

To support their needs, NJMEP helped connect Sigma-Netics with a resource that matched their goals—ensuring the project was both cost-effective and aligned with their timeline and technical requirements.

A full gap assessment was conducted to evaluate existing cybersecurity controls, identify deficiencies, and confirm the implementation of the 31 basic safeguards. NJMEP assisted in calculating the company’s SPRS score and submitting it to the Supplier Performance Risk System, a key milestone for defense-related business.

Sigma-Netics then worked to develop a comprehensive System Security Plan (SSP), which detailed their cybersecurity program, identified Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), defined access permissions, and mapped out their IT system boundaries. NJMEP also supported the creation of a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) to guide the remediation of outstanding controls, ensuring the company had a clear, manageable path forward.

The entire process was completed over the course of four months, allowing Sigma-Netics to make significant progress without overextending its internal resources.

Results

Through its partnership with NJMEP, Sigma-Netics was able to make significant strides in meeting critical cybersecurity compliance requirements—earning greater trust from clients and solidifying its position in highly sensitive markets.

According to a third-party survey, the company reported the following results:

• INCREASED SALES: $750,000
• RETAINED SALES: $350,000
• INFORMATION SYSTEMS INVESTMENTS: $10,000

Molly Griffith, HR Manager at OFS, says that engaging with NJMEP has helped take some of the burden off the shoulders of a small company like OFS. “With NJMEP being as proactive as they are with reaching out and creating connections for us and offering services, it’s just taken a lot of that admin work out of trying to find resources manually on our own.”