Decades of Service. One Trusted Team.
Axcend was built on a simple conviction: organizations deserve cybersecurity and technology services delivered with rigorous, uncompromising excellence.
Axcend was founded in Fairfax, Virginia by engineers deeply experienced in the world's most demanding environments. We don't chase every contract; we earn engagements where technical excellence and accountability are non-negotiable.
Today, Axcend is an 8(a) SBA-Certified, Minority-Owned firm. We have an active track record serving the DoD, Intelligence Community, civilian agencies, and commercial enterprises.
We are agile, senior-heavy, and deeply credentialed. Every engineer on an Axcend engagement holds active, relevant certifications. We stay current because mission environments evolve constantly.
Our founder, Ray Rafaels, authored definitive technical books on Cloud Computing and NIST 800-53 used universally by IT teams. We operate with this high intellectual rigor while remaining responsive, reliable, and accessible.
Founded in Fairfax, Virginia
Government Cyber engagement
First DoD and Intel Cyber/Cloud engagement
Cloud Computing book published
NIST 800-53 Rev 4 guide released
GSA 8(a) STARS III award
NIST 800-53 Rev 5 guide released
Credentials that match mission complexity.
Every certification here is active. We believe credentials only matter when they are completely current.
AWS Solutions Architect – Associate
AWS-SAACertified Information Systems Security Professional
CISSPCertified Ethical Hacker
CEHProject Management Professional
PMPITIL V3 Foundation
ITIL V3Cisco Certified Network Associate
CCNARed Hat Certified System Administrator
RHCSA