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 Compliance Services for Small Technology Firms
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“Enabling small technology firms to compete with confidence”
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For small and emerging technology companies working in aerospace, defense, and dual-use sectors, compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is both a legal requirement and a strategic enabler. Registration with the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) and implementation of an effective compliance program are mandatory steps for pursuing federal contracts, SBIR/STTR awards, and sensitive technology partnerships.

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TIV provides exactly that: targeted ITAR compliance services designed for resource-constrained innovators. Our model ensures companies achieve immediate regulatory readiness while building scalable internal systems that grow with their business.

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Understanding ITAR

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) form the US government’s framework for controlling the manufacture, export, and import of defense-related articles and services. Overseen by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), ITAR protects national security by ensuring that sensitive technologies and technical data listed on the United States Munitions List (USML) remain in the hands of trusted individuals.

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At its core, ITAR limits access to controlled physical materials and technical data to US persons only. While controlling access to physical goods is relatively straightforward, safeguarding digital technical data is far more complex. In today’s environment of global supply chains, distributed workforces, and cloud-based collaboration tools, companies must design systems that prevent unauthorized access while enabling innovation and business growth.

 

Compliance with ITAR is not optional. Any organization that handles, manufactures, designs, or distributes defense-related products and technologies is required to comply, including prime defense contractors, aerospace companies, software vendors, component suppliers, and even research universities. Responsibility extends across the supply chain: if a component originating with one firm is eventually transferred to a foreign entity without authorization, the original manufacturer may also be held accountable.

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Meeting ITAR obligations involves more than simply registering with DDTC. Companies must establish compliance programs that combine written policies, staff training, licensing procedures, and technical safeguards. These programs must address both physical and digital security, implementing measures such as access control, encryption, monitoring, and clear labeling of controlled data. While certain US allies, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, benefit from limited exemptions under standing agreements, the principle remains the same: access by non-US persons requires explicit authorization.

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The stakes for compliance are high. Violations can result in substantial fines, criminal penalties, reputational damage, and the loss of business opportunities to compliant competitors. Conversely, ITAR registration and a strong compliance record open doors. They are often prerequisites for Department of Defense contracts, SBIR/STTR funding, and partnerships with major prime contractors. Beyond the legal necessity, ITAR compliance demonstrates a company’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive technologies, a mark of credibility that strengthens trust with clients, partners, and government

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Our ITAR Compliance Framework

TIV’s ITAR services encompass the compliance lifecycle, with a focus on the areas most critical for small firms seeking federal innovation funding. Our ITAR advisory is designed to work in tandem with our SBIR/STTR and TABA services, ensuring that businesses are not only competitive for funding but also fully prepared to meet the compliance requirements tied to their awards.

  1. DDTC Registration & Eligibility Assessment

Navigating the DDTC registration process is often the first and most critical step in ITAR compliance. TIV guides companies through eligibility determinations, registration filings, and ongoing renewal obligations to ensure a strong compliance foundation.

  • Eligibility analysis to determine ITAR obligations, including US Munitions List (USML) category review and jurisdiction determination.

  • Hands-on guidance through the DECCS platform, including account creation, DS-2032 Statement of Registration submission, and documentation assembly.

  • Strategic fee structure navigation, ensuring access to small business discounts and relief measures where available.

  • Ongoing renewal and change notification management to keep registrations current.

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2. Policy Development & Technology Control Plans

Effective ITAR compliance relies on written policies and security frameworks that demonstrate an organization's commitment. TIV develops practical, scalable policy documents tailored to the needs of small technology companies.

  • Development of a core ITAR Compliance Manual (ICM) that documents management commitment, organizational responsibilities, and compliance authority.

  • Creation of Technology Security/Control Plans (TSP/TCP) addressing physical security, data protection, encryption, and access control restricted to U.S. persons.

  • Foreign person access policies, classification procedures, and export control protocols tailored to small business environments.

3. Employee Training (Four-Tier Model)

​Training is both a regulatory mandate and a frontline defense against compliance failures. TIV implements structured, role-specific training that equips staff at all levels with the knowledge to safeguard sensitive technologies.

  • Tier 1: General awareness training for all staff.

  • Tier 2: Senior management training on compliance oversight and disclosure responsibilities.

  • Tier 3: Functional staff training on licensing, classification, and technical data handling.

  • Tier 4: Compliance team training on advanced monitoring, audits, and regulatory change management.

  • Annual refresher programs, onboarding modules, and documentation aligned with ITAR Parts 120, 124, and 126.

4. Risk Assessment & Continuous Improvement

Compliance is not static; it requires continuous assessment and adaptation. TIV provides risk analysis and improvement strategies that evolve in tandem with a company’s growth and technological developments.

  • Enterprise-wide and ITAR-specific risk assessments, tailored to company operations and technology transfer risks.

  • Prioritization of high-likelihood, high-impact violations using risk matrices and scalable internal assessments.

  • Integration of risk findings into compliance manuals, training updates, and audit programs.

  • Continuous monitoring using cost-effective technology tools and periodic external validation

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Why TIV?

  • Focused on small businesses. Our phased approach is built for innovators pursuing SBIR/STTR funding and early commercialization opportunities, ensuring that compliance never becomes a barrier to growth.

  • Regulatory depth. We bring hands-on expertise in ITAR requirements, DDTC processes, and defense technology policy, translating complex rules into practical strategies for small firms.

  • Built to scale. We establish immediate compliance foundations that grow with your company, adapting as projects and technologies expand in scope and complexity.

  • Seamless integration. Our ITAR advisory is not a standalone service, but rather part of a larger ecosystem that leverages TIV’s expertise in SBIR/STTR, TABA, technology commercialization, cybersecurity, and data governance.

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