“An independent mock audit of CIP compliance is an essential step in preparing for a CIP audit. Most companies just don’t have the independent technical expertise in house to perform an adequately thorough review. We also don’t have experience on how CIP audits will actually be conducted, and they are different than other on-site audits in the depth of review.
CRSI had both the technical expertise and actual audit experience to perform a realistic mock audit for us. They provided valuable insights which allowed us to avoid potential violations due to incomplete evidence, and identified the need to self report an issue. Both of those alone likely saved the company more than the cost of the service (without even considering the possible negative effects investor perceptions of violations). Additionally every single employee involved in the mock audit felt that it helped better prepare them and give them more confidence to present to auditors. This was important because confidence and command of material by the subject matter experts is also a key factor in achieving good audit results. I highly recommend using CRSI to conduct a mock audit, several months before an actual audit. In my experience the benefit far outweighs the cost.”
Henry Stevens
Manager, Reliability Compliance; FERC Policy & Compliance Development
FirstEnergy
“Corporate Risk gave our subject matter experts an excellent introduction to what they will experience in a real audit, which we anticipate will smooth the audit process significantly. They are extremely knowledgeable, and highly professional.” (Mock Audit)
“It has been our experience that having a knowledgeable consultant available during an audit is of considerable value in responding to the many, sometimes unexpected, questions and concerns raised by an audit team. Scott was a tremendous asset to us during our recent CIP audit. Because I couldn’t be in the room with my SME’s the whole time, it was great to have someone knowledgeable on the standards and the audit process to be there with them. Scott also helped formulate some rough drafts of responses for the auditors which significantly decreased the amount of time it took for me to complete these. I would strongly recommend this service offered by CRSI to any utility undergoing a NERC Audit.” (NERC Audit Assistance)
Virginia Cook
Director, Electric Compliance
JEA
“… After using Corporate Risk Solutions, Inc. (CRSI) for the past few years, we have come to appreciate the quality and dedication that is portrayed by your consultants. I have recommended CRSI to others knowing CRSI will deliver the same quality services.”
William H. Sanders, Jr.
Law Firm Partner
Sanders Conkright and Warren
“When Corporate Risk Solutions began developing a security awareness-training program for OGE, I never imagined the impact it would have on our organization. As a result of the training, the security department experienced an increase in the number of suspicious activity reports, demonstrating a greater vigilance by our members concerning the company’s security and their own personal safety.”
Tom Hoskins
Corporate Security Manager
OGE Energy Corporation
“I have found everyone at Corporate Risk Solutions to be extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. Their help has been invaluable in developing and implementing sound security strategies for OGE. By working with Corporate Risk Solutions for several key projects, my own security knowledge has broadened immensely.”
Chris Bell
OGE Energy Corporation
“… I can truly state that you will never find a more professional, knowledgeable, responsive, capable, and driven group of consultants anywhere. Corporate Risk Solutions’ tremendous commitment to their customers’ excellence truly defines the term ‘Strategic Partnership’.”
John Breckenridge, CPP
Director of Corporate Security & Chief Security Officer
Aquila, Inc.
“CRSI performed an onsite gap analysis of PPL’s CIP compliance program in advance of the required compliance date of 12/31/09. Consultants Mike Tibbs and Phil Sobol provided outstanding consulting service in a highly professional manner. They worked extremely well with the various PPL Subject Matter Experts and Counsel staff, patiently answering many questions and educating the staff on various CIP issues. Their knowledge and understanding of the CIP standards and related industry implementation issues enabled them to guide PPL in improving our CIP implementation strategies and our evidence of compliance to the many CIP requirements.
CRSI provided a detailed report of the gap analysis, providing PPL the opportunity to review the draft report and provide comments, prior to finalizing the report. CRSI also separately provided written responses to numerous written observations documented by Counsel and internal auditing during the course of the gap analysis. This was an unexpected benefit and was very helpful in addressing these internal comments. PPL is highly satisfied with the results of this CIP gap analysis and with the conduct and professionalism of the CRSI staff.”
Robert Hoopes
Senior Director of FERC / NERC Compliance
PPL Corporation
“Corporate Risk Solutions is not simply a service provider; rather their team of consultants creates a strategic alliance for mutual success, providing clients and business associates with a professional, holistic, commitment to excellence that makes all the difference.”
Michael Sikora
Executive Vice President
Bukaty Companies Property and Casualty
