Renowned NIST Fellow and Architect of the Risk Management Framework Joins DWPA to Advise Clients on Cybersecurity, Systems Security Engineering, Risk Management, and Federal Policy
McLean, Virginia, September 1, 2026 – Deep Water Point & Associates (DWPA), a federal market growth consulting firm with a network of more than 500 former federal executives, today announced that Dr. Ron Ross has joined the firm as Principal/Strategic Advisor.
Dr. Ross spent more than 25 years at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he served as a Fellow in the Computer Security Division. He is widely recognized as the principal architect of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and led the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Implementation Project, which produced the security standards and guidelines now used across federal agencies, contractors, and the nation’s critical infrastructure. He is the lead author of several foundational NIST publications, including SP 800-53, SP 800-37, SP 800-171, and the SP 800-160 systems security engineering series. He also previously served as Director of the National Information Assurance Partnership, a joint activity of NIST and the National Security Agency.
During his career, Dr. Ross has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Rank Award, the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, the Department of Defense Superior Service Medal, and induction into both the ISSA Hall of Fame and the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame. He has also served as an international cybersecurity ambassador, advising government and industry partners in Australia, India, Japan, Canada, and the European Union.
In his role at DWPA, Dr. Ross will advise clients on cybersecurity and system security engineering strategies, risk management, and federal technology policy, helping DWPA’s network of technology and defense clients navigate an increasingly complex risk, threat, and compliance landscape.
“Ron has spent his career building the frameworks that federal agencies and industry rely on to manage cyber risk,” said Naval Aggarwal, CEO of Deep Water Point & Associates. “Having someone with his depth of experience and credibility advising our clients strengthens the counsel we can offer as they navigate an increasingly complex security and compliance landscape.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on giving organizations practical, disciplined ways to manage cyber risk rather than treat it as a compliance exercise,” said Dr. Ross. “I’m looking forward to bringing that same approach to DWPA’s clients and helping them build security and resilience into their missions from the ground up.”
Dr. Ross holds a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and master’s and doctorate degrees in computer science, specializing in artificial intelligence and robotics.
To mark his arrival, Dr. Ross will headline a DWPA webinar on October 6, “Beyond the Checklist: Securing the Defense Supply Chain in the Age of CMMC Reform,” a candid look at where CMMC reform is headed and what it means for contractors navigating a shifting risk and compliance landscape. Registration details will be announced separately.
About Deep Water Point & Associates
Deep Water Point & Associates is a federal market growth consulting firm based in McLean, Virginia. Drawing on a network of more than 500 former federal executives, DWPA advises technology and defense clients on business development, capture strategy, client engagement, and federal market intelligence.