Federal PQC Migration
Sterling has the solutions and expertise to guide you through each phase of Post-Quantum Cryptography migration. Secure critical data today and proactively prepare for quantum computing.
Federal PQC Starts October 22nd
With the introduction of Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers (CRQC), modern cryptography methods in use across government systems can be decrypted, leaving our nation’s data unprotected. In response, federal directives have been introduced addressing required agency actions necessary to migrate systems towards Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) measures by 2030. These initiatives have already taken effect, with phase one urging agencies to identify cryptographic implementations vulnerable to quantum attacks, establish comprehensive inventories of these vulnerabilities, and develop concrete migration plans before October 22, 2026.
Making PQC migration a top priority introduces significant pressures surrounding cybersecurity and compliance across the federal government, but Sterling has the PQC solutions to support you throughout the process and is prepared to guide your mission from development to deployment – and beyond.
6x Dell Technologies Federal Partner of the Year
2025 Intel Solution Provider Public Sector IT Modernization Partner of the Year
2024 SolarWinds Federal Partner of the Year
3x HPE Platinum Partner of the Year
How Sterling Can Support PQC Initiatives
Sterling acts as a trusted federal solutions resource, bringing together best-in-class technologies to address federal agencies’ PQC migration challenges. Our ecosystem of partners and technical expertise provides the necessary tools for comprehensive visibility and post-quantum remediation of federal systems. We’re here for every step of the process. We provide the advisement, solution architecture, and implementation support to guide agencies through these critical PQC migratory steps, ensuring they meet federal mandates and enhance their cybersecurity posture against the looming threat of CRQC.
Comprehensive Asset Discovery & Inventory Management
Implement auditable software solutions that automate traditional manual methods and gain a clear, verifiable inventory of all assets.
Detailed Cryptographic Inventory & Visibility
Utilize network observability tools to identify all encryption protocols, cipher suites, and cryptographic assets in use. Deploy advanced solutions to monitor network activity, ensuring continuous visibility into cryptographic implementations and potential risks.
Gap Analysis
Leveraging data from the prior assessments, our experts clearly identify where encryption is not sufficient for PQC in accordance with NIST FIPS 203, 204, and 205 standards and work to pinpoint resolutions unique to your current infrastructure.
Roadmap
Once the solution is confirmed, detailed roadmaps are produced with KPI’s for Sterling and trusted partners to meet, providing you with clear visibility and accountability to the phased implementation approach.
Solutioning
Sterling delivers specialized Post-Quantum Cryptography solutions using expert insights and partner resources. We ensure phased integration, minimizing downtime while advancing systems towards PQC goals.
Software & Hardware Lifecycle Management
We assess and manage the lifecycle of all software and hardware, identifying unsupported components that may pose PQC vulnerabilities.
Execution
Our experts work to meet every milestone towards implementing the specific PQC technologies outlined during the solutioning phase into your environment.
Compliance Reporting & Readiness Dashboards
Our team then develops automated reporting and dashboards to track progress against federal PQC directives and demonstrate compliance.
Zero Trust & Cybersecurity Modernization Initiatives
Integrate PQC migration into broader Zero Trust architectures and overall cybersecurity modernization efforts for a robust, future-proof defense.
Visibility is Key for PQC
To address the first phase of this federal initiative, we’ll want to start with full visibility within your systems. Organizations cannot remediate what they cannot see, so introducing trusted solutions that provide clear visibility into their environments is necessary in addressing their quantum-vulnerable cryptography—among other risks. See where you can advance and what encrypted areas may already be exploitable.
Eracent, which would support agencies in identifying cryptographic assets, vulnerable algorithms, certificates, libraries, hardware security modules, and software dependencies that require assessment as part of PQC migration planning.
Gigamon is another partner that enables organizations to identify encryption protocols, cipher suites, and other network activity across on-premises, cloud, and containerized environments, crucial for understanding cryptographic usage.
FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls enable deep visibility across the entire network, including encrypted traffic, enabling contextual security policies. They integrate with the Fortinet Security Fabric for unified management, securing hybrid organizations against threats across multiple domains. With FortiOS 7.6, PQC is integrated into IPsec, securing communication against future quantum threats.
Splunk AppDynamics provides full-stack observability and AI/ML-driven runtime security for applications and infrastructure. Splunk Enterprise enhances this with post-quantum cryptography in TLS 1.3, offering future-proof data protection against quantum threats.
Proactive Preparation for PQC
Our partner ecosystem is comprised of numerous leading innovators that specialize in PQC initiatives. From hardware level integrations to system wide policy enactments, we can produce the right PQC solution for your agency in advance of phase two pilots and early migrations starting in 2027. Each of our solutions are deployed following the NIST FIPS 203, 204, 205 standards for comprehensive PQC adherence.
Quantum Helix AI Identity is a responsive security platform produced in collaboration between Sterling, Messier 42, and Dell Technologies. This PQC solution provides cryptographic identity and verifiable accountability for AI workloads operating on federal networks. Find our listing on the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace or follow the link below for a detailed look at the QHx solution.
Eclypses provides FIPS 140-3 validated, polymorphic data protection that utilizes the FIPS 203 algorithm – simplifying security for federal agencies. Its containerized solution rapidly deploys, embedding unique encryption within data, eliminating key management, and offering crypto-agility against classical and quantum threats without complex network upgrades or application changes.
IonQ is the only full-stack quantum platform with products and services spanning across quantum compute, quantum networking, quantum sensing, quantum security, and quantum space infrastructure. Secure communications, protect critical data, deliver high-performance sensors, and build the quantum internet’s foundation with IonQ.
Get Ahead of PQC with FYE Funding
With the federal fiscal year-end approaching, take this opportunity to direct available funding towards cybersecurity, observability, asset management, and infrastructure modernization in association with PQC. Our experts will enable comprehensive visibility, identify vulnerabilities, address areas of improvement, and produce a comprehensive solution that will support you through PQC migration.
Partnered with the Best
Sterling strategically leverages 1,500+ industry partnerships across all our solutions and via numerous contract vehicles, allowing us to provide optimal outcomes for every federal deployment. With Sterling, you can rest easy knowing that you’re receiving more than PQC-ready products, but also receiving secure, specialized solutions, built to perform and supported by leading names from across the industry.
Superior Pricing & Streamlined Procurement
We’ve been awarded numerous federal contracting vehicles that enable us to simplify and expedite procurement of products and services towards federal PQC initiatives. These contract are furthered through BPAs and IDIQs that have been expertly compiled to address the multifaceted needs of various agencies, institutions, and organizations. Follow the links below to find the contract vehicle that supports your unique mission.
Ready to Plan for Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Federal fiscal year-end is a prime opportunity to advance critical technology initiatives, like PQC, and make strategic investments that support your agency’s long-term mission. From infrastructure modernization to cybersecurity advancement, the decisions made today can help agencies maximize available funding while preparing for future priorities. Whether you’re in the early stages of PQC planning or ready to take that next step towards migration, Sterling is your trusted resource for trusted technology and proven solutions.