Independent Assessments for Microsoft SSPA
Skip the compliance scramble – get your SSPA Independent Assessment handled before Microsoft’s 90-day clock runs out.
- Independent Assessments performed by a licensed CPA firm right in Microsoft’s backyard
- Robust understanding of the DPR and the experience to guide you through A-Z
- Accurate scoping to match your company operations to your Data Processing Profile
DPR Compliance Without the Guesswork
If you’re processing Microsoft’s data, you’re in the Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance (SSPA) program. And depending on your risk profile, a self-attestation won’t cut it. High business impact suppliers need independent verification. That means a qualified third party tests your controls and signs off.
We live and work right outside of Microsoft HQ, and we have lived experience guiding companies through implementing and maintaining successful SSPA compliance programs.
Data Processing Profile review to confirm scope
Gap analysis across all DPR Sections to utilize existing data protection efforts.
Evidence collection guidance and documentation review
Fieldwork with clear, responsive communication
Attestation letter in Microsoft’s approved format
Direct support if Procurement has follow-up questions
Consulting on effectively navigating the Microsoft Supplier Compliance Portal
From First DPR Assessment to Ongoing Compliance
Render Compliance helps Microsoft suppliers demonstrate DPR compliance through independent assessments that satisfy SSPA requirements. Whether you’re facing your first third-party assessment or need ongoing support, we handle the entire process.
Testimonials
We had another great experience working with Render Compliance for our SOC 2 audit. Beau and Matthew were very thorough, taking the time to carefully evaluate our systems and controls while providing clear guidance throughout the process. Their detailed approach gave us confidence that our security and compliance practices were effectively implemented. We appreciate their expertise and highly recommend them.
Adam Saladino
I highly recommend Render Compliance to any company looking for a reliable SOC 2 audit.
They demonstrated an excellent approach and provided great coaching throughout the entire process. What we valued most was how well-balanced the collaboration was—maintaining strict auditor independence while remaining highly approachable and easy to communicate with.
I can confidently recommend Render Compliance to anyone looking for a dependable and professional SOC 2 attestation.
Dorota Wojcik
Having previously worked with the Big 3 auditing firms, I can confidently say that Render Compliance is, without a doubt, the best auditor I have ever partnered with. They are currently working with us on our SOC 2 Type 2 audits, and their approach has been a breath of fresh air. From day one, they were incredibly quick to learn the unique nuances of our environment, completely bypassing the typical sluggish on-boarding process you get with larger firms. Their efficiency is unmatched, yet they remain highly flexible and deeply responsive to our team’s ongoing needs. If you want a rigorous, high-quality audit without the usual friction and bureaucracy, Render Compliance is the obvious choice.
Tyler Ford
Render Compliance made our SOC 2 Type 2 assessment remarkably smooth. Their team was responsive, deeply knowledgeable, and proactive in guiding us through evidence collection and control validation. They translated complex requirements into clear, actionable steps, kept the process on schedule, and were always available to answer questions. The engagement felt like a true partnership, and we came away with both a clean report and a stronger security posture.
Anonymous
Selecting Render Compliance for our initial SOC 2 Type 2 audit was an excellent decision. Beau and his team maintained constant communication and were helpful and professional throughout the entire process. We had a great experience and look forward to partnering with them again for our future compliance requirements. Our sincere thanks to Beau and the whole team at Render Compliance.
Sarah Campbell
Working with Render Compliance on our SOC 2 Type II examination was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Their team brought deep technical knowledge, clear communication, and a genuinely collaborative approach to every phase of the audit — from controls scoping through evidence review and final report. They challenged us constructively where it mattered and made the entire process feel like a partnership rather than an inspection. We’ll be working with Render again without hesitation.
Jeffrey Venditto
Render delivered on every aspect of our SOC 2 audit experience. The Render team was proactive in communicating with us, they answered our questions in a timely manner and overall delivered a first class audit experience. They went beyond just checking the audit box while remaining very easy and professional to work with. We are looking forward to working with them for several more years.
Ram Cherala
I have had a great experience working with Render Compliance – you have both been so helpful in every respect. I find it difficult to imagine how the engagement could have been better. I would love to work with Render again in the future.
Alex Shaw
From start to finish our experience with Render Compliance has been fantastic. They were transparent and helpful throughout the audit process and supported us with several out-of-scope queries and requests. We plan to work with them again on future audits. I highly recommend them.
Ian Clarkson
Why Choose Render Compliance for Microsoft DPR Compliance
Microsoft’s DPR spans 11 categories, including Management, Notice, Choice and Consent, Security, etc. We understand that for many vendors, a Microsoft SSPA compliance status of red is a show-stopper, and work to minimize any chance of that occurring.
No Middlemen. We Work with You Directly
We have both the SSPA program experience and the credentials that Microsoft is looking for in an independent assessor to be able to lead you smoothly through the SSPA compliance process.
Hours, Not Days
Questions answered fast. No waiting around for email replies. You also get results efficiently fast.
Auditors Who Understand IT
CISA and CPA credentials plus real security backgrounds. No hand-holding required.
Tech-Enabled Evidence Collection
Firm Reputation that Carries Weight
How Our Microsoft DPR Attestation Works
Schedule a Free ConsultationEnrollment Review
We confirm your SSPA status and Data Processing Profile to nail down which DPR requirements actually apply.
Control Mapping
We map your existing controls to Microsoft’s 11 DPR Categories to assess what’s covered and what’s not.
Gap Assessment & Remediation
Each gap comes with specific guidance: what to fix, what documentation you’ll need, realistic timelines.
Evidence Collection
Your team gathers evidence with our guidance – policies, scan results, access logs, the works.
Fieldwork
We test controls against DPR requirements. You’ll hear from us throughout, not just at the end.
Attestation Delivery
You get an attestation letter in Microsoft’s required format, ready to upload to the SSPA portal.
Our Latest Articles
We publish educational content to help you understand compliance requirements and prepare for your audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs an independent assessment versus self-attestation?
All Microsoft suppliers complete a Data Processing Profile, which determines both the scope of their Data Protection Requirements and whether an independent assessment is required.
High business impact suppliers – those handling sensitive PII, payment data, or health records – need third-party verification. SaaS providers and subprocessors typically do too. Check your SSPA portal status if you’re unsure.
How long does a DPR assessment take?
For companies with existing security controls: about one month for readiness, two to three months for fixes if needed, one month for the assessment. Strong security posture compresses this significantly.
What if Microsoft Procurement has questions about our report?
We handle it with you. Our goal is an attestation that holds up to scrutiny, not one that creates more questions.
Can ISO 27001 or other certifications substitute for DPR assessment?
Sometimes. Microsoft accepts ISO 27001, ISO 27701, HITRUST, and PCI DSS for certain profiles. An unqualified SOC 2 report may be accepted for DPR Section J (Security). We’ll help you figure out if your existing certs cover your obligations.
What happens if we miss the 90-day deadline?
Your status goes red. That can impact your ability to work under your Microsoft contract. Reach out early so we can build a realistic timeline.
Who can perform an SSPA Independent Assessment?
What does the final product look like for an SSPA Independent Assessment?
What happens if there are gaps in our DPR Compliance?
If we are unable to demonstrate compliance with any of the applicable domains in your Data Processing Profile, we will work with you to ensure you understand any actions needed to remediate gaps and will be available for re-testing.
Is this a one time thing or are there ongoing requirements?