Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IT, cybersecurity, and DOL compliance for Third-Party Administrators.
DOL Compliance & ERISA Requirements
What are the DOL cybersecurity requirements for TPAs?
The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has established 12 cybersecurity best practices for ERISA plan fiduciaries. These include maintaining a formal cybersecurity program, conducting annual risk assessments, having third-party audits of security controls, defining security roles, implementing strong access controls, reviewing third-party vendor security, providing cybersecurity awareness training, following secure development practices, maintaining business resiliency programs, encrypting data, implementing strong technical controls aligned with NIST, and having documented incident response procedures.
Do TPAs have fiduciary liability for cybersecurity?
Yes. TPAs, especially those serving as 3(16) plan administrators, have fiduciary responsibility for protecting participant data under ERISA. Cybersecurity failures can create personal liability. The DOL has made clear that cybersecurity is a fiduciary issue, and TPAs must be able to demonstrate they have appropriate safeguards in place to protect participant PII and retirement plan assets.
How does TPAIT help with DOL audits?
We provide audit-ready documentation of your IT controls, cybersecurity measures, access management, backup procedures, and incident response plans. When a plan sponsor conducts due diligence or the DOL requests evidence of your cybersecurity program, you'll have organized documentation ready to present.
Services & Coverage
What types of retirement plans does TPAIT support?
TPAIT provides IT, cybersecurity, and private cloud services for TPAs administering 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, cash balance plans, Section 125 cafeteria plans, and ESOPs. Our team has nearly two decades of experience supporting retirement plan operations and understands the specific compliance requirements and workflows of the TPA industry.
What TPA software platforms does TPAIT support?
Our team has hands-on experience with the full range of TPA software systems—plan administration platforms, compliance testing tools, document generation systems, and Form 5500 preparation software. We also support integrations with major recordkeepers and custodians.
What is a dedicated service desk manager?
Unlike traditional IT support with rotating technicians, each TPAIT client gets a dedicated service desk manager who learns your technology stack, knows your team members, and understands your specific TPA workflows. When you call, you're speaking with someone who already knows your environment—no explaining your setup every time.
What is TPAIT's response time for IT issues?
Our average response time for Priority 1 issues is 15 minutes. We provide 24/7/365 monitoring and support with a U.S.-based team. There are no offshore call centers—your support comes from technicians who understand TPA operations and speak your language.
Do you work directly with our vendors?
Yes—we eliminate the finger-pointing. When you experience an issue involving third-party systems, we coordinate directly with recordkeepers, software vendors, and telecom providers. You shouldn't waste time on three-way calls trying to identify who's responsible. We manage vendor escalations, track tickets, and ensure accountability—you get one throat to choke.
Infrastructure & Security
Where is my data stored with TPAIT's private cloud?
Your data resides in a California-based Tier III datacenter. The facility maintains ISO 27001, SOC 1 SSAE 18 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, NIST 800-53 PE High, and PCI DSS compliance. Our practices align with these standards. Your environment is isolated via VLAN segmentation with offsite replication for disaster recovery.
What happens if there's a security incident or ransomware attack?
We have a documented, tested incident response process. Within minutes, our SOC/MDR team detects the incident, isolates affected systems, and notifies you. Within hours, threats are analyzed and eradicated. Recovery from immutable backups typically happens same day or next business day. You receive a written incident timeline for regulatory reporting, breach notification support if PII was compromised, and evidence for cyber insurance claims.
Getting Started
How quickly can TPAIT onboard a new TPA client?
Most TPAs are fully onboarded within 2-4 weeks. Week 1 focuses on security deployment—RMM, endpoint protection, patching, and initial hardening. Week 2 covers optimization and monitoring tuning. Complete IT documentation is delivered within 30 days. If you choose our Private Cloud, we handle migrations over a weekend: Friday deployment, Saturday migration, Sunday testing—your team connects seamlessly Monday morning.
What is the relationship between TPAIT and CRC Cloud?
TPAIT is a specialized initiative by CRC Cloud, focusing exclusively on the retirement plan TPA industry. CRC Cloud brings more than 40 years of combined IT experience, while TPAIT's leadership has nearly 20 years of direct experience as CIO and CTO at multiple national TPA companies. CRC Cloud maintains Technology E&O and Cyber Liability insurance coverage.
How is TPAIT different from a regular IT provider?
We focus exclusively on TPAs and firms in the retirement administration space. Our systems, documentation, and support are purpose-built for TPA workflows, recordkeeper integrations, and Plan Sponsor due diligence—not adapted from generic IT templates. Unlike general IT providers, we understand filing deadlines, participant data protection requirements, and the specific audit standards TPAs face. You don't have to explain your business to us.
Can we cancel anytime?
Yes—you can cancel with 60 days written notice at any time. All outstanding invoices must be paid through the termination date, and we'll ensure a smooth transition if you choose to move services. No cancellation penalties or hidden fees. Most clients renew year after year—but we believe you should stay because of the value we provide, not because you're locked in.
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