IT Support for MOD Contracts That Builds Trust and Readiness

For consultancies working with government departments, secure and compliant technology isn’t optional, it’s essential. The terra firma Consultancy turned to CYAN for IT support for MOD contracts, helping them strengthen their cyber security, achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification, and meet the strict standards required to win and deliver Ministry of Defence tenders.

The Customer’s Vision

The The terra firma Consultancy Ltd is a leading UK firm of Chartered Landscape Architects, providing specialist expertise in landscape planning and design for developers, contractors and local authorities on a wide range of projects across the country.

When terra firma were given the opportunity to tender for Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracts, they needed IT support that could enhance cyber security, prove compliance, and provide confidence in managing sensitive government data.

Partnering with CYAN, terra firma set out to build a secure, compliant IT environment capable of meeting strict MOD and government tender requirements, while supporting the company’s continued growth.

The Challenge

The terra firma Consultancy’s existing setup lacked the robust controls, documentation, and resilience required for IT compliance in government contracts, putting the business at risk of missing future MOD opportunities.

To even be considered for MOD tenders, terra firma needed to:

• Achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification
• Strengthen their overall IT security posture
• Demonstrate compliance during tender evaluations
• Understand and respond effectively to complex MOD security requirements

For a consultancy without a dedicated IT department, the process would have felt overwhelming. The MOD’s language and requirements were unfamiliar, and getting them wrong wasn’t an option.

CYAN were critical in helping us understand some of the terminology and processes which were beyond our expertise. So it was really helpful to have your guys to sort of lead us through that.

The stakes were high. Without the right IT support for MOD contracts, sensitive government work would remain out of reach and their growth ambitions could stall.

Why CYAN

When terra firma’s IT contract came up for renewal, they considered looking at other competitors. After discussions, the leadership team chose to stay with CYAN, recognising the value of a partner who truly understood their business and its risks.

We’d already helped strengthen their compliance and security, and our consultancy-style approach meant we were invested in their long-term goals, not just day-to-day support.

CYAN’s experience providing secure IT support for MOD contracts and government tenders gave terra firma the assurance they needed to move forward with confidence.

It gave us confidence to know that you guys were there for us – to give us the support that we needed, to have that expertise and to understand some of the terminology that they were talking about.

The Journey Forward

Phase 1: Strengthening Security

CYAN began with a full review of terra firma’s IT security posture. Every gap, control, and requirement was explained clearly, helping leadership understand the risks and act with confidence.

Phase 2: Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus

Working closely with CYAN’s security analyst Kelly, terra firma achieved their Cyber Essentials Plus certification. A vital step toward IT compliance for sensitive MOD contracts.

We guided them through every stage, ensuring the team not only passed but fully understood what each requirement meant and why it mattered.

Phase 3: Supporting Tender Readiness

When MOD tender questions demanded detailed, technical responses, CYAN went beyond traditional IT support. Acting as consultants, we helped terra firma interpret complex requirements, translate the technical language, and provide accurate, compliant responses.

We could ask for written feedback, we could chat things through, have Teams calls – various ways in which we could discuss with you guys and try and do what was right.

This open and collaborative approach gave the terra firma team confidence, not just to complete the process, but to fully understand it.

The Transformation

With strategic IT support for MOD contracts, terra firma now operates within a secure, compliant framework that meets government standards and opens doors to new opportunities.

Through the partnership with CYAN, they have:

• Achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification
• Gained eligibility and confidence to tender for MOD and Home Office contracts
• Established a secure IT environment built for resilience and compliance
• Renewed a four-year partnership with CYAN, based on proven results
• Developed comprehensive IT and security policies that strengthen both technical and administrative governance

It’s good to know that we’ve got [Cyber Essentials Plus] there – it’s going to be required for future things like MOD or Home Office work.

The result is a consultancy with the confidence, clarity, and compliance needed to take on high-security government projects, and a technology foundation that supports their growth for years to come.

Long-Term Partnership

The terra firma Consultancy’s partnership with CYAN has strengthened over time. When their initial contract came up for renewal, the team reviewed the details together and chose to continue with CYAN. It was a decision built on proven performance and consistency.

Beyond technology, CYAN supported terra firma in developing detailed IT and security policies. These administrative foundations, alongside technical improvements, gave leadership the confidence to meet MOD requirements and move forward with assurance.

Even if you were a little bit more expensive, the quality we felt was worth sticking with. We know that if we’ve got issues, we can go straight to the team and say, we’re having this issue, can you help us out here? Having that confidence that we can do that is really important to us.

What This Means for You

If your organisation is aiming to win government or MOD contracts, your IT setup can’t be left to chance. You need more than day-to-day support, you need a partner who understands compliance, speaks the language of auditors, and ensures your systems meet every requirement with confidence.

CYAN works alongside your team to make IT a strategic advantage, not a stumbling block. From security frameworks to Cyber Essentials Plus certification, we help you build the confidence, clarity, and compliance needed to compete and grow.