Building a Secure Foundation for Defense Manufacturing Growth
As one of the nation’s leading marine-grade aluminum suppliers and fabricators, Bayou Metal Supply & Manufacturing, LLC serves both commercial and government customers across the maritime industry. With approximately 45% of its business tied to defense, transportation, and homeland security programs, maintaining access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) became increasingly critical to the company’s growth strategy.
For Chief Operating Officer Jon Gage, achieving compliance was never simply about checking a box.
“We knew we had to do this to stay in the market. The manufacturing work involving CUI was going to be a major part of our growth.”
Jon Gage, COO
As federal cybersecurity requirements evolved from self-attestation toward verifiable compliance under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, Bayou needed more than a consultant. The company needed a strategic partner. That is when they turned to Vince Scott and Jacob Scott of Defense Cybersecurity Group.
From Compliance on Paper to Compliance in Practice
Like many manufacturers in the defense industrial base, Bayou initially approached cybersecurity as a certification requirement. As CMMC requirements became more stringent, that approach was no longer viable.
Prime contractors began requiring proof of cybersecurity controls, secure handling of government drawings, and documented compliance efforts. Bayou’s growing manufacturing business increasingly relied on the ability to securely receive, store, and process CUI.
Complicating matters, Bayou had outsourced IT operations, so they had no internal IT department and limited cybersecurity expertise.
“I can build boats with the best of them. But securing a computer? That’s not me.”
Jon Gage, COO
The company needed a roadmap, technical guidance, and a practical path forward that would not disrupt operations, overwhelm leadership, or break the bank.
Why Defense Cybersecurity Group
Gage evaluated multiple providers before selecting DCG. Several factors stood out:
- ✓Deep expertise in CMMC and defense contracting requirements
- ✓A practical understanding of manufacturing environments
- ✓Local accessibility and responsiveness
- ✓DCG founder Vince Scott’s military background and ability to understand Bayou’s operational challenges
- ✓A collaborative, business-focused approach rather than a compliance-only mindset
“Vince came in, looked at our company, and understood exactly where we were. There was an instant level of trust.”
Jon Gage, COO
More importantly, DCG focused on helping Bayou build long-term capability rather than selling a one-time compliance project.
Phase 1: Assessment and Risk Identification
DCG evaluated Bayou’s cybersecurity posture, identified gaps, and highlighted organizational risks. One of the earliest recommendations was clear: “You desperately need an internal IT department,” Gage recalled.
DCG helped Bayou understand the business case for cybersecurity investment and supported leadership discussions with the CFO and executive team.
Phase 2: Building Security Infrastructure
Working alongside Bayou’s newly established internal IT function, DCG helped implement the foundational security controls and operational processes required for CMMC. The approach was incremental and manageable.
“It was baby step after baby step. Nothing was overwhelming.”
Jon Gage, COO
Phase 3: Implementing Midwatch, DCG’s Secure Enclave
To support CMMC Level 2 requirements, DCG deployed Midwatch, its secure enclave solution designed for organizations handling CUI.
Bayou’s manufacturing environment requires specialized workflows involving engineering files, CAD drawings, and other CUI that needed to be accessed via secure portals, thumb drives, and physical media from multiple prime contractors.
“Midwatch was and is the answer for us. It created the security we need for our processes involving CUI. We can receive information however our customers need to send it and securely move it into the system. And we can share out secured information at the end of the process.”
Jon Gage, COO
The Midwatch enclave also includes AutoCAD and a secure VIPR Box workstation to safely process sensitive media.
Beyond Compliance: A True Strategic Partner
DCG highlighted how CMMC Level 2 matters in the Joint Certification Program, a key requirement for Bayou to continue accessing certain government technical data.
Bayou was also considering ITAR certification, and DCG showed them that CMMC Level 2 carried an 80% overlap in requirements. The two organizations are now working together on the remaining 20%.
Certification as a Growth Strategy
For Bayou Metal Supply, CMMC compliance became more than a regulatory requirement. It became a catalyst for stronger cybersecurity, better operational discipline, and sustained growth within the defense industrial base. DCG’s guidance helped the company move from a reactive compliance posture to a proactive cybersecurity strategy.
“Vince and the DCG team thoroughly understand the special needs of manufacturers when it comes to CMMC. They helped us build a complete compliance program that was not overwhelming and just what we needed. With their Midwatch enclave, our CUI is fully contained without any disruptions to our manufacturing processes. We are fortunate to count them as a true partner as we continue our rapid growth.”
Jon Gage · Chief Operating Officer, Bayou Metal Supply & Manufacturing, LLC