Microsoft SSPA Assessment
SSPA Compliant in 60 Days or Less
Achieve compliance faster so you can stay focused on growing your business. We’re a Microsoft-preferred assessor that’s helped more than 100 organizations simplify their SSPA process, from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Reclaim your time with our AI-powered automation and hands-on expertise for complexities. Because compliance doesn’t need to be complicated.
get startedGain a competitive edge when bidding on new contracts
Stay current with evolving standards and regulations
Protect your confidential data and reputation
Build trust with customers and prospective clients
Take the Stress out of SSPA with SC&H
Your time is valuable. That’s why we prioritize efficiency and proactive communication, offering a US-based team that delivers speedy assessments without compromising quality. We go beyond checking the compliance box, ensuring you understand the results and equipping you with strategic insights for the future. With SC&H, you’ll have both experienced auditors and trusted advisors by your side.
Faster audits, faster results
Get SSPA compliant in 60 days or less with SC&H. From extension requests to automated workflows, we’ve got you covered.
On-demand support
Unlike other assessors, we actually pick up the phone when you call. Our experienced auditors are available to help you confidently navigate the process.
100% US-based auditors
No offshoring here. Our certified in-house audit team, led by a seasoned director, manages your audit from start to finish.
100% US-based auditors
No offshoring here. Our certified in-house audit team, led by a seasoned director, manages your audit from start to finish.
“I was very pleased by how SC&H worked with us through our SSPA certification process. We’ve retained their services for multiple years to help us through a potentially complex and changing process, ensuring compliance was both achievable and affordable from year to year.”
Joseph LaFleur
Team Leader, It Risk & Compliance | GP Strategies
“I’m continuously impressed by how easily SC&H guides us through the SSPA certification process. The process can be daunting, but their knowledgeable team helps simplify the entire process and ensures we remain compliant and on schedule each year.”
Jennifer Beaver
Vice President of Operations | Mozaic Group
What’s Included in the SC&H Process
Save time and money with our seamless attestation process while ensuring the utmost security for your data. When complexities arise, our dedicated audit team stands ready to provide answers and keep the process moving. Here’s what’s included:
Automated workflows with document management
Progress dashboards for seamless project tracking
Integrated library of policy and procedure templates
Substantial year-over-year efficiencies
Control mapping to SOC 2 and ISO 27001/27701 standards
Our Secure, AI-Powered Audit Platform
Automate up to 25% of certification management with our cloud-managed audit platform, Fieldguide. This secure platform offers a user-friendly interface and built-in, intuitive dashboards.
- Easily upload documents
- Track open items clearly
- Communicate directly with your auditor
- Reduce emails throughout the audit process
How the SSPA Process Works
A contract compliance audit may seem intimidating, but SC&H’s experienced, certified auditors have broken it down into four simple steps. We work as an extension of your team to complete audits with suppliers without disrupting operations.
Initial Consultation
Meet with one of our certified auditors to discuss your business operations, data handling practices, and SSPA requirements. We’ll establish scope and clear timelines to ensure your needs are met.
Assessment Execution
We conduct in-depth reviews to ensure compliance with SSPA requirements. This involves examining relevant documentation, interviewing stakeholders to grasp your operations, and conducting technical assessments of systems, networks, and applications to evaluate security controls.
Remediation Plan
Working alongside your team, our advisors create a customized remediation plan to address security and privacy gaps, helping facilitate the deployment of new controls or improving existing processes to meet SSPA requirements.
Independent Assessment
Our experts prepare an independent letter of validation summarizing assessment findings, remediation efforts, and evidence of SSPA compliance. Collaborating closely with your team, we refine the statement before submitting it to Microsoft.
Gain All-In-One Compliance, Faster
Enhance credibility with prospective clients around the world by demonstrating compliance in every facet of your business. Our standardized approach to SSPA attestation lays the foundation for additional frameworks, meaning you can achieve these certifications faster and easier with SC&H.
- SOC Audits: Build stakeholder trust and streamline operations through independent, third-party assurance of internal controls and systems. As a licensed CPA firm, our auditors can help your team streamline the audit process while meeting AICPA requirements. Learn more >
- ISO Certification: Get ISO 27001/27701 certified quickly with our streamlined audit process for middle-market companies in growth mode. We ensure strict adherence to ISO regulation to help you minimize risk and stand out from your competitors. Learn more >
- Cybersecurity Audits: Protect against cyber threats and improve business processes to ensure compliance. Our certified auditors, well-versed in various NIST frameworks, leverage audit findings to help your business safeguard organizational and customer data. Learn more >
SSPA Compliance FAQs
No. Contrary to popular belief, contract compliance audits build stronger relationships. Restoring transparency and earned trust enables a more collaborative, mutually beneficial relationship. Insights garnered from the audit can be applied to future business between the parties to generate additional value and achieve desired outcomes.
Microsoft requires an independent assessment for most vendors. Independent assessments by qualified assessors (like our firm) validate compliance and provide a higher level of assurance to Microsoft. Self-attestation is only acceptable for certain low-risk vendors that are not handling confidential data.
The SSPA process can be painstaking and complex. Choose assessors who are well-versed in navigating SSPA regulations and requirements to ensure your experience is seamless. Additionally, an assessor who demonstrates open, responsive communication will provide a faster process, answering your questions quickly and offering on-demand support.
You must update your supplier profile every year, complete the self-attestation, and, if needed, undergo an independent assessment. Compliance is essential before work can begin.
The DPR outlines 52 SSPA requirements across 10 domains. It guides compliance efforts and ensures alignment with Microsoft’s data protection standards.
As a preferred assessor, we meet stringent criteria set by Microsoft. Our expertise ensures accurate assessments and smooth compliance processes, keeping you up-to-date with evolving regulations and industry best practices.
