Zero Trust Architecture

Grid Square Holdings delivers Zero Trust architecture support at the program office level. We help federal agencies navigate OMB compliance timelines, integrate Zero Trust principles with legacy infrastructure, prevent implementation scope creep, and identify cost-avoidance opportunities that preserve budget for genuine capability gaps. 

Grid Square develops phased Zero Trust implementation strategies that meet OMB milestone requirements without forcing simultaneous transformation of your entire enterprise. We analyze which systems must achieve compliance by specific deadlines versus which can follow extended timelines. Our roadmaps account for authorization dependencies, budget availability, and operational risk to mission-critical systems.

The result: Programs meet OMB Zero Trust requirements through achievable phased implementation rather than unrealistic enterprise transformation timelines. Compliance strategies align with POM cycles and authorization schedules. Leadership can defend implementation progress to oversight without committing to timelines the organization cannot meet.

Expert Tip: OMB Zero Trust pillars don't require simultaneous implementation across all systems. Prioritize identity and device pillars first - they enable phased progress across the enterprise while network and application pillars follow in later fiscal years. Sequential implementation demonstrates compliance progress without the budget spike of parallel transformation.

Grid Square evaluates which legacy systems can integrate Zero Trust controls versus which require replacement or retirement. We assess authentication modernization options, network segmentation feasibility, and monitoring capability for platforms that cannot support native Zero Trust architecture. Our analysis identifies the cost difference between integration and replacement.

The result: Programs avoid premature infrastructure replacement when legacy systems can support Zero Trust principles through compensating controls. Investment decisions are based on operational analysis rather than vendor migration roadmaps. Budget is preserved for systems that genuinely require modernization.

Expert Tip: Legacy systems often support multi-factor authentication and network microsegmentation even when they can't run modern Zero Trust agents. Before approving infrastructure replacement, evaluate whether legacy platforms can satisfy Zero Trust principles through architectural controls rather than endpoint software - the cost difference is typically 10:1.

Grid Square delivers Zero Trust implementation roadmaps within the original SOW parameters rather than through follow-on study contracts. We define specific deliverables, success criteria, and completion timelines to prevent scope expansion. Our roadmaps focus on actionable next steps rather than multi-year transformation visions that require contract modifications to implement.

The result: Zero Trust implementation stays within the original contract scope and budget. Programs receive executable roadmaps rather than strategic frameworks that require additional funding to operationalize. Contract modifications are reserved for genuine scope changes, not for converting studies into action.

Expert Tip: Zero Trust implementation contracts should specify deliverables beyond the assessment report - configuration guides, deployment procedures, and success metrics. If the contract only delivers a "roadmap document," you're paying for a study that will require another contract to implement. Scope the implementation work into the original SOW. 

Grid Square identifies cost-avoidance opportunities in operational technology and industrial control system environments where traditional Zero Trust approaches create safety and availability risks. We evaluate which Zero Trust controls apply to OT environments versus which create unacceptable operational impact. Our analysis quantifies the cost of OT-appropriate Zero Trust solutions versus attempting to apply IT controls to incompatible systems.

The result: Programs avoid costly failures from applying IT Zero Trust architecture to OT environments without modification. Budget planning accounts for OT-specific Zero Trust requirements rather than discovering them mid-implementation. Safety-critical systems maintain operational availability while achieving Zero Trust principles appropriate to their environment.

Expert Tip: OT and ICS environments cannot tolerate the authentication latency and network segmentation that IT systems handle routinely. Budget OT Zero Trust implementation separately with OT-specific solutions - attempting to apply your IT Zero Trust architecture to manufacturing, power distribution, or weapons systems will fail and cost 3x more to remediate than planning appropriately from the start.