Launch of "Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System Contract and Certification Support Service"

SHIFT Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Dai Tange; TSE Prime Market: 3697; hereinafter "SHIFT"), a group company that supports the creation of sellable software services and products for its customers, and its group company, Japan Aerospace & Defense Consulting Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hideo Mori; hereinafter "JADC"), a consulting firm specializing in the defense sector, today, July 3, 2026 (Fri), announced the launch of the "Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System Contract and Certification Support Service" to support companies aiming for contracts and certification under the Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System established by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).

Through the provision of this service, JADC will support companies transitioning from special clauses and those newly entering the defense business in building and strengthening their information security management systems. This will contribute to the further enhancement of information security management systems within the domestic defense industry and the deepening of public-private cooperation.

About the Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System

The Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System, implemented in July 2025 (Reiwa 7), targets companies that have or intend to have transactions related to handling classified information with ATLA. Its purpose is to strengthen information security management systems and streamline/rationalize contract procedures.

Under this system, target companies are required to establish organizations, rules, education systems, facilities, and systems that meet the information security standards defined by the system. This necessitates an organizational and practical information security management system that goes beyond mere documentation. By meeting these strict standards and obtaining certification, companies will no longer need to obtain individual certifications for each procurement, enabling early contract execution. They will also benefit from efficient business operations, such as simplified procedures for multiple contracts and revised inspection frequencies.

Background for the Launch of the "Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System Contract and Certification Support Service"

SHIFT entered the defense sector in 2022 and has accumulated expertise in this field. Furthermore, in 2025, SHIFT established JADC as a consulting firm specializing in the defense sector, offering a variety of security consulting services, including "RMF Support Consulting Services" and "Defense Industry Cybersecurity Standards Support Services."

By combining the know-how and professional knowledge cultivated by both companies, JADC is launching the "Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System Contract and Certification Support Service" to support defense industry-related companies that handle or plan to handle classified information in strengthening their information security management systems.

About the Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System Contract and Certification Support Service

Service Scope

The "Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System Contract and Certification Support Service" offered by JADC comprehensively supports the necessary steps for compliance with the Defense Business Qualified Business Operator System, including gap analysis, support for drafting application documents, and assistance with applications and corrective actions.

In STEP 1, "Initial Evaluation," we will conduct a preliminary assessment of compliance with the basic requirements stipulated by the system, such as foreign capital ratio, executive composition, and legal compliance status. This will provide a reliable outlook on eligibility at the initial stage, optimizing customer investment efficiency and system compliance plans.

In the subsequent requirement development phase (STEP 2), we provide comprehensive support for building the necessary foundation for certification, including basic services such as establishing an information security organization, drafting internal regulations, and building employee education systems. Additionally, as an option, we support the creation of various application documents for information security facilities and classified information handling systems. In the final stage (STEP 3), application procedures, we will accompany clients from submission procedures to negotiations with ATLA and provide detailed support for corrective actions in response to any points raised, promoting steady acquisition of certification.

Inquiries about the Service

Optional Menu

We also offer the following optional menus tailored to each customer's challenges and facility conditions:

Support for Building Information Security Facilities

We support the establishment of environments that meet strict facility requirements, such as structures with steel plates of 3.2mm or thicker, or equivalent strength, as well as outer fences and specific anti-burglary structures to prevent illegal intrusion from the outside, which are mandated for areas handling classified information.

Previously, facility requirements were primarily described with large defense equipment manufacturing companies with large factories in mind, posing a significant barrier to entry for companies based in general office environments. In response, JADC has thoroughly examined the original purpose and intent of the standards and established unique know-how for rationally ensuring and demonstrating equivalent or stronger security in office environments without dedicated factories. We propose optimal approaches that fully comply with the standards to startups and IT ventures that were previously forced to abandon contract and certification due to their facility structure.

Support for Security Development of Classified Information Handling Systems

We support the establishment of system operation structures compliant with qualified business operator standards for information systems that handle classified information, including separation from external networks, strict access control, acquisition and storage of usage logs, and restrictions on terminal removal.

Support for On-site Inspection (Audit) Response

We conduct checks on the operational status of the information security management system and provide mock interviews, anticipating on-site security audits (interviews and site inspections) by the Ministry of Defense. We also provide total support for developing improvement plans and implementing corrective actions for any issues identified after the review.

About Japan Aerospace & Defense Consulting (JADC)

Japan Aerospace & Defense Consulting (JADC) is a consulting firm established in April 2025 by the SHIFT Group, specializing in the defense sector. It has numerous professionals with extensive knowledge of international security situations and the domestic defense industry. By providing services such as research, technical support/process management, and RMF consulting to various defense industry stakeholders, including defense-related government ministries and companies, JADC contributes to solving organizational challenges and promoting public-private cooperation.

Various Reports on the "Now" of Defense are Available

JADC researches domestic and international security situations and market trends in the defense industry, and publishes various reports written by its members.

JADC Reports

- Company Name: Japan Aerospace & Defense Consulting Inc. - Representative: Hideo Mori, President and CEO - Advisors (also Advisors to SHIFT Inc.): Hideaki Watanabe (First Director-General of ATLA), Shigeru Iwasaki (Former Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Office), Yoshihisa Hara (Former Senior Executive Officer, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation) - Address: (Headquarters) Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Ichigaya Office) 4-3 Katamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo - Corporate Site: https://shift-jadc.jp/