Niche Consulting

Deep Expertise in Supply Chain Risk

Not generalists. Not jack-of-all-trades. Masters of one critical domain.

Niche Consulting is for organizations navigating the complexity of hardware supply chain security, counterfeit detection, and provenance verification.

We bring decades of domain knowledge to problems that demand it. This isn't broad "cybersecurity consulting." This is specialized expertise in a domain where mistakes have catastrophic consequences.

If your hardware supply chain is mission-critical, we should talk.

The Hardware Supply Chain Crisis

The hardware supply chain is under siege. Counterfeit components, malicious implants, supply chain interdiction, and vendor compromise are no longer theoretical threats—they are operational realities.

The Problem Space

Counterfeit Components

Estimated 10-15% of global electronics supply chain consists of counterfeit or out-of-spec components. For defense/aerospace, a single counterfeit chip can compromise an entire system.

Impact: Mission failure, catastrophic system failures, loss of life.

Supply Chain Interdiction

Nation-state actors intercept hardware shipments to implant surveillance or sabotage capabilities. Even trusted vendors can be compromised upstream.

Impact: Persistent compromise, intelligence collection, kinetic sabotage capability.

Provenance Opacity

Multi-tier supply chains obscure true origin. A chip may pass through 5-10 intermediaries before reaching you. Each hop is an opportunity for compromise.

Impact: Inability to trust hardware authenticity, compliance nightmares, unquantifiable risk.

Regulatory Complexity

NIST 800-161 Rev 1, CMMC, DFARS compliance, and sector-specific requirements create overlapping obligations. Most organizations struggle to even understand requirements, let alone implement them.

Impact: Contract loss, audit failures, operational delays, remediation costs.

What We Bring

Two decades of experience in hardware security, supply chain risk management, and regulatory compliance for defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Counterfeit Detection Programs

Design and implement multi-tier counterfeit detection: visual inspection protocols, X-ray/CT analysis, electrical testing, die photo analysis. AI-augmented workflows for scale.

99%+ detection accuracy | Defense-grade verification | Scalable to 10,000s of components

Supply Chain Risk Assessment

Comprehensive analysis of vendor risk, geographic exposure, single-point-of-failure identification, and adversary capability modeling. Strategic recommendations for risk mitigation.

NIST 800-161 aligned | Threat-informed | Quantified risk scoring

Provenance Verification Systems

End-to-end traceability from fab to deployment. Cryptographic attestation, blockchain integration (when appropriate), and chain-of-custody documentation systems.

Tamper-evident | Auditable | Compliance-ready

NIST 800-161 Rev 1 Implementation

Gap analysis, control implementation, evidence collection, and audit preparation. We translate regulatory requirements into operational reality—not just documentation.

Full lifecycle C-SCRM | Risk-based approach | Auditor-approved

Vendor Security Assessment

Third-party risk evaluation: security posture, supply chain resilience, manufacturing integrity, and adversary exposure. Due diligence that goes beyond questionnaires.

Onsite assessments | Technical validation | Risk quantification

Incident Response & Forensics

Hardware-focused incident response: counterfeit identification, malicious implant analysis, supply chain compromise investigation. For when prevention fails.

Rapid mobilization | Lab partnerships | Threat attribution

How We Work

Strategic Advisory

High-level guidance for organizations developing supply chain risk management programs. Monthly engagements, strategic planning, policy development, threat briefings.

Investment: $15K-$30K/month | Duration: 6-12 months | Output: Strategic roadmap, policies, training

Program Implementation

Hands-on implementation of counterfeit detection, provenance verification, or risk assessment programs. We embed with your team to build operational capability.

Investment: $150K-$500K | Duration: 6-18 months | Output: Operational program, trained team, documentation

Audit Preparation & Gap Assessment

NIST 800-161 Rev 1, CMMC, or sector-specific compliance preparation. We identify gaps, remediate, and prepare you for successful audit outcomes.

Investment: $50K-$200K | Duration: 3-6 months | Output: Audit-ready posture, evidence packages, remediation

Incident Response Retainer

Pre-negotiated rapid response for supply chain security incidents. When you discover a counterfeit or compromise, we mobilize within 24 hours.

Investment: $5K/month retainer + incident costs | Duration: Annual | Output: Peace of mind, rapid mobilization

Training & Knowledge Transfer

Tailored training for procurement, engineering, and security teams. Counterfeit detection techniques, risk assessment methodologies, regulatory requirements.

Investment: $10K-$50K | Duration: 2-5 days | Output: Trained team, reference materials, ongoing access

Who Should Engage Niche Consulting?

This Service Is For:

  • Defense Contractors & Aerospace: Organizations subject to DFARS, NIST 800-161, CMMC supply chain requirements
  • Critical Infrastructure Operators: Power, telecom, transportation systems where hardware integrity is mission-critical
  • Medical Device Manufacturers: Where counterfeit components create patient safety risks and regulatory exposure
  • Financial Services: Hardware security modules, payment processing infrastructure, secure communications
  • Government Agencies: Federal, state, and local entities managing hardware procurement and lifecycle
  • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Companies struggling with supply chain visibility and vendor risk

You Need This If:

If hardware supply chain risk keeps you awake at night, we should talk.

Why Trust Our Expertise?

Supply chain security is not a domain where you can afford to learn through failure. Mistakes are measured in mission failures, contract losses, and in some cases, loss of life.

Our Background:

We don't learn on your dime. We bring proven expertise to problems that demand it.

References available for serious inquiries. NDA required for detailed credentials.

Request Consultation

If your organization faces hardware supply chain risk, we should talk. Initial consultation is complimentary and confidential.

Email: consulting@sanctumsec.com

Subject line: "Supply Chain Consulting Inquiry"
Include: Organization type, specific challenges, regulatory requirements
Response time: 48-72 hours

Cleared personnel available for classified discussions.