Keystone Information Access Systems, LLC
Independent Consulting • Systems Engineering • QA • IV&V • OT&E • Project Management
📞 304.728.2557 • 📧 mkhess@kias.org
Independent Consulting • Systems Engineering • QA • IV&V • OT&E • Project Management
📞 304.728.2557 • 📧 mkhess@kias.org
We help all sized businesses, contractors, and project teams strengthen their testing, documentation, and quality processes so they can deliver reliable systems, reduce costly rework, and pass audits the first time.
Objective assessments of system development and testing, reducing risks and uncovering issues early. Independent OT&E planning, execution support, and analysis for operational effectiveness and suitability. Practical QA frameworks, metrics, and oversight to ensure projects stay on track and within budget. Clear, accurate manuals, compliance documents, and process documentation aligned with industry standards. Support in planning, tracking, and delivering complex initiatives on time and within scope. Ensuring requirements are clear, traceable, and testable, from early definition through validation and delivery. Independent audits of processes, documentation, and test evidence to prepare for internal or external reviews. Creation, or analysis of full company SDLC processes, and documentation, for test and QA. Performed a 6-week independent review of test plans, code coverage, and defect tracking to validate compliance and quality standards. Typical engagement: Created a traceability matrix connecting system requirements to verification steps, ensuring completeness and audit-readiness. Typical engagement: Designed and supported execution of operational tests, providing independent analysis of suitability and mission readiness. Typical engagement: Established QA checkpoints, risk tracking, and progress metrics for a federal IT modernization program, reducing overruns by 15%. Typical engagement:
Keystone Information Access Systems, LLC was founded by Michael K. Hess, in 1994, a systems engineer and consultant
with over 40 years of experience in systems test engineering, IV&V, OT&E, project management, requirements analysis,
auditing, and quality assurance. His experience spans companies of all sizes, from small start-ups to major
multinational corporations and has exceptional references from executives, peers, and subordinates.
Michael’s background includes designing and leading verification efforts across multiple verticals and projects simultaneously, developing full SDLC testing processes, authoring test and process documentation,
performing independent evaluations for complex technology programs, as well as providing project and organizational management of entire corporate "systems development" program efforts. Keystone’s mission is to deliver independent, cost-effective expertise to organizations
that need reliable systems without the cost of additional full-time hires.
Whether you need support on a short-term project, independent oversight, or help preparing for an audit,
Keystone offers flexible, remote, or on-site consulting tailored to your needs.
📞 304.728.2557Our Services
Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V)
Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E)
Quality Assurance & Risk Management
Technical Documentation
Project Management
Requirements Management
Auditing & Compliance
Process Creation & Management
Case Studies & Sample Engagements
IV&V Assessment for Mid-Size Software Program
Requirements Traceability Audit
Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) Support
QA & Project Oversight
About Keystone
Let’s Work Together
Contact
📧 mkhess@kias.org
👤 Michael K. Hess, Principal Consultant