A mid-sized engineering and construction company was preparing a bid for a major public works project when they stumbled upon a new requirement: bidders now had to show proof of compliance with a long list of cyber and data requirements.
For the firm’s director, that single clause changed everything. Their engineers could design complex structures, but cybersecurity paperwork was another story. With no IT department and tight tender deadlines, the fear of losing out on multi-million-dollar projects due to compliance—not capability—was real.
For the firm’s director, that single clause changed everything. Their engineers could design complex structures, but cybersecurity paperwork was another story. With no IT department and tight tender deadlines, the fear of losing out on multi-million-dollar projects due to compliance—not capability—was real.
The Challenge
The construction industry runs on timelines and trust. But now, trust wasn’t just about quality and delivery—it meant proving cybersecurity maturity.
The director explored getting it done himself, only to find the process filled with technical jargon and unclear steps. Consultants quoted tens of thousands of dollars and months of work. The firm didn’t have that luxury.
What they needed was a realistic, affordable path to compliance with the cyber and data tender specifications —something built for SMEs that still played in big-league tenders.
The director explored getting it done himself, only to find the process filled with technical jargon and unclear steps. Consultants quoted tens of thousands of dollars and months of work. The firm didn’t have that luxury.
What they needed was a realistic, affordable path to compliance with the cyber and data tender specifications —something built for SMEs that still played in big-league tenders.
The Turning Point
That’s when the company found StrongKeep—a cybersecurity and compliance platform that understood both SME realities and procurement pressures.
From the very first login, the StrongKeep platform made it easy to upload the procurement requirements, convert it into the technical controls that needed to be deployed, and then implement them.
Each step was clearly structured, allowing even non-technical managers to follow the process confidently. Within days, their laptops were protected, their compliance report was ready to be submitted to the customer.
From the very first login, the StrongKeep platform made it easy to upload the procurement requirements, convert it into the technical controls that needed to be deployed, and then implement them.
Each step was clearly structured, allowing even non-technical managers to follow the process confidently. Within days, their laptops were protected, their compliance report was ready to be submitted to the customer.
The Solution in Action
StrongKeep’s platform automatically generated policies, tracked evidence, and flagged missing items in real time. Instead of wrestling with spreadsheets or guessing what auditors wanted, the firm could see exactly where they stood.
By the time the tender submission deadline arrived, their compliance status was complete, verified, and accepted without issue.
The procurement compliance process that once seemed like a barrier became the bridge to opportunity.
By the time the tender submission deadline arrived, their compliance status was complete, verified, and accepted without issue.
The procurement compliance process that once seemed like a barrier became the bridge to opportunity.
The Outcome
The firm not only submitted the bid—they won it.
Cybersecurity compliance is now a competitive differentiator rather than a chore. Procurement teams see StrongKeep’s compliance support as proof of diligence, and the company moves straight to discussing the real work they do best: building projects.
Cybersecurity compliance is now a competitive differentiator rather than a chore. Procurement teams see StrongKeep’s compliance support as proof of diligence, and the company moves straight to discussing the real work they do best: building projects.
“StrongKeep turned compliance from a barrier into a competitive edge.”
- Compliance Plan, using a procurement standard from the customer
- 120 staff
- Tender value: >$5m
