--- title: Classified System Design and eMASS ATO Services date: 2026-10-15T23:22:13Z modified: 2026-10-16T13:09:36Z permalink: "https://www.divergentsolutionsgroup.com/services/emass-ato-consulting/" type: stm_service status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 7869 timestamp: 2026-10-16T13:09:36Z tags: [] --- CLASSIFIED SYSTEMS · RMF · eMASS # DCSA Classified System and eMASS ATO Support for Defense Contractors Building or preparing a classified information system is not just a technical project. It requires the right system design, documented controls, security evidence, responsible roles, and an authorization package that can be reviewed in the applicable DCSA process. Divergent Solutions Group helps small and mid-sized defense contractors plan, build, document, and prepare classified information systems for authorization workflows. DSG can support the work from initial system scoping through RMF documentation, security-control evidence, STIG implementation, POA&M development, and eMASS submission preparation. [Discuss Your Classified System Project](https://www.divergentsolutionsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/contact-us.md) ![RMF Classified Systems](https://www.divergentsolutionsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/rmf-classified-systems.jpg) System design, documentation, and evidence—planned together. ## Who DSG Supports This service is intended for defense contractors and subcontractors that need to establish, improve, modify, or document a classified information system to support contract performance. DSG can help organizations that need to: - Plan a new standalone or multi-user classified system - Prepare a classified environment for an upcoming contract requirement - Replace or refresh system hardware while maintaining required documentation - Organize an incomplete RMF or eMASS package - Develop or improve a System Security Plan, control implementation statements, evidence, and POA&Ms - Apply and document required technical security configurations - Prepare for ongoing authorization, assessment, continuous-monitoring, or change-management work - Translate a complex requirement into a scoped, manageable project The final scope depends on the system type, classification level, applicable overlays, contract requirements, existing facility/system approvals, and the current state of documentation and technical implementation. ## What DSG Can Do DSG provides hands-on consulting support for the technical, documentary, and project-management work required to prepare a classified information system for the applicable authorization process. Depending on the agreed scope, DSG may support: ### 01 / Design & coordination - Classified system architecture and implementation planning - System categorization and documentation planning - RMF-aligned project planning - Change documentation for hardware, software, configuration, or boundary updates - ISSM, ISSO, management, and technical-team coordination ### 02 / Documentation & governance - System Security Plan development or updates - Information Technology Security Manual development - Security policy, procedure, and governance documentation - Security control implementation narratives - Control-evidence identification and organization ### 03 / Technical readiness - Security assessment preparation and control testing support - DISA STIG implementation and configuration documentation - Vulnerability and remediation tracking - POA&M development and maintenance - eMASS record organization and submission preparation DSG scopes work around the system and available evidence. We do not use a one-size-fits-all authorization package. ## Typical Project Deliverables Your exact deliverables are defined in the statement of work. A classified-system support engagement may include: ### Project foundation & documentation - A documented project scope, system boundary, assumptions, and milestones - System inventory and architecture documentation - System Security Plan content - Security control implementation statements - Information Technology Security Manual or comparable governance documentation - Required policies and procedures ### Evidence & submission readiness - Security assessment plans, test results, and evidence packages - STIG checklists, hardening evidence, and remediation records - Risk assessment documentation - POA&Ms and remediation trackers - eMASS-ready documentation and data-entry support - Change-control documentation for system modifications - A final package review against the agreed project scope DSG will identify the artifacts it can produce, the evidence the client must provide, and the activities that remain the responsibility of the client or government authority. ## A Practical Path to Authorization Readiness ### 01 / Scope the system and the objective We begin by understanding the contract need, system type, classification level, current environment, applicable requirements, available documentation, and project deadline. ### 02 / Assess the starting point DSG reviews existing artifacts, configurations, evidence, and known gaps. If the system has already been built or previously documented, we identify what can be reused and what needs to be updated. ### 03 / Build the documentation and evidence plan The team identifies the required artifacts, technical evidence, responsible parties, and dependencies. This prevents documentation work from becoming disconnected from the actual system. ### 04 / Implement and document controls DSG supports the agreed design, hardening, documentation, evidence collection, assessment preparation, and remediation work. Findings are tracked so unresolved items are visible and managed. ### 05 / Prepare the submission package DSG organizes the agreed documentation and evidence for eMASS entry and submission support. The client retains responsibility for approvals, sponsorship, internal decisions, and interactions reserved for authorized personnel. ### 06 / Support changes and ongoing work If the system changes after the initial effort, DSG can scope delta work for hardware refreshes, software changes, documentation updates, control reassessment, or continuous-monitoring support. ## What DSG Needs From the Client A successful classified-system project requires active client participation. The client is typically responsible for: - Identifying the contract, system owner, ISSM, ISSO, and other required stakeholders - Confirming the applicable system type, classification level, overlay, and government/customer requirements - Providing existing system documentation, inventories, evidence, approvals, and project records - Procuring hardware, software, licensing, connectivity, facility resources, and other client-owned dependencies unless expressly included in scope - Providing timely access to authorized personnel and approved project information - Reviewing documentation and approving internal decisions - Maintaining responsibility for matters that must be handled by the contractor, facility, sponsor, ISSM, management, or government authority DSG will coordinate the consulting work, but cannot replace client accountability for its systems, personnel, facilities, contractual obligations, or representations to government authorities. ## What DSG Does Not Control DSG can help prepare a complete, well-organized, and defensible package within the agreed project scope. However, DSG does not issue an Authorization to Operate, approve a system on behalf of DCSA or another government authority, guarantee approval, or control government review timelines. Government review, sponsor actions, contract requirements, facility prerequisites, client decisions, incomplete evidence, system changes, and external dependencies can affect the final timeline and outcome. Any estimate provided by DSG applies to the consulting work under DSG’s control. It does not guarantee the duration of an external review or authorization process. CLIENT PERSPECTIVE ## Practical advice. Real business value. “We can’t afford to hire a CISO, but with DSG, we get top notch cybersecurity advice at a reasonable price.” Cintia L. — COO, Construction Firm ## Frequently Asked Questions Does DSG issue the ATO? No. DSG provides consulting, technical, documentation, evidence-preparation, and submission-support services. The responsible government authority makes authorization decisions. Can DSG help if our system already exists? Yes. DSG can assess the current state, identify documentation or control gaps, and scope the work needed to prepare, improve, modify, or support the system. Can DSG help after a hardware refresh or system change? Yes. System changes often require documentation, configuration, evidence, assessment, or POA&M updates. DSG can scope delta work based on the actual change and existing package. Can DSG help with eMASS? DSG can support the organization, preparation, and entry of agreed system documentation and evidence in the applicable eMASS workflow. The client retains responsibility for authorized access, approvals, and submissions reserved for client or government personnel. Can DSG work remotely? Much of the planning, documentation, evidence review, and advisory work can be performed remotely. On-site work is scoped when the system, facility, client preference, security restrictions, or project objective requires it. How is the project priced? Where the scope is sufficiently defined, DSG may offer a fixed-scope engagement. Work that depends on unknown conditions, changing requirements, or additional remediation may be scoped separately or performed on a time-and-materials basis by agreement. ## Scope the System Before the Deadline Becomes the Problem Tell DSG the system type, current state, contract or business driver, existing documentation, and expected deadline. We will help you determine the right starting scope. [Discuss Your Classified System Project](https://www.divergentsolutionsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/contact-us.md)