Growing Markets. Gaining Advantage.
We Deliver Mission-Driven Communication and Marketing Solutions
In today’s complex defence and security landscape, the ability to communicate with clarity, credibility, and consistency has become a strategic imperative. Whether responding to hybrid threats, engaging with allied partners, advancing new technologies, or navigating procurement environments, communication is no longer a support function; it is central to their successful execution.
At NIVA, we provide tailored communication and knowledge mobilization services that respond to the operational realities of national government defence agencies, NATO institutions, and private sector defence and security contractors. We understand the unique challenges faced by our clients: strict regulations, geopolitical ramifications, media scrutiny, investor demands, and the need to convey highly technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
From supporting multinational operations to positioning industry innovators for growth and contract success, we work at the intersection of influence, trust, and strategy. Our team brings deep experience in science, technology, and defencerelated communications, behavioural insights, and campaign development to help organizations align messaging with their strategic objectives, reputation, and readiness.
We also possess a deep understanding of the importance and necessity of deploying wellinformed strategies and tactics to maximize the impact and effectiveness of military research, training, and operations. This is especially true when managing the informational needs of target audiences and campaigns directed at cognitive change in stakeholder engagement, social media, scenario planning, and battlefield ecosystems.
While emerging information and data collection platforms can offer incredibly valuable insights to defence and security organizations, the key to their success lies in converting these insights into actionable intelligence that gets you the results you need. Our firm is highly skilled at transforming raw information into practical analysis, written materials, visualizations, internal dialogues, and change management processes that facilitate rapid knowledge mobilization across organizational decision-making chains.
Our Core Services
Communication Strategy and Tactics
Why It Matters:
In military and defence operations, strategy without implementation is risky. Communication efforts must be tightly aligned to organizational priorities, coordinated across partners, and designed to influence behaviour in complex, high-stakes environments. Failure to both plan and execute effectively results in fragmented messages, operational confusion, and increased vulnerability to adversarial influence.
What We Deliver:
• Development of comprehensive communication strategies aligned with key goals, objectives, and operational realities.
• Integration with existing influence operations and public diplomacy efforts.
• Stakeholder and audience mapping (military, civilian, political, and transnational).
The Impact:
Strategy and implementation work hand in hand to ensure consistent messaging, agile adaptation, and seamless operational cohesion across all theatres. When executed correctly, they enhance clarity, strengthen outcomes, and build organizational trust and credibility.
Narrative and Messaging
Why It Matters:
In an era of information warfare, the side that shapes the narrative controls the battlespace. Defence organizations that lack a clear, credible, and consistent narrative are left reacting to misinformation and disinformation, and as a result, failing to inspire confidence. There is always a better story to be told.
What We Deliver:
• Narrative frameworks and campaign messaging that resonate with your target audiences.
• Issue framing and positioning that shape how your audience understands and processes the information being presented.
• Counter-disinformation narratives to neutralize hostile influence.
• Unified messaging toolkits for leadership, public affairs, and diplomatic officials.
The Impact:
A strong, cohesive narrative unifies coalitions, reinforces deterrence, and strengthens legitimacy. When clearly articulated and consistently delivered, it fosters public confidence, strategic clarity, and resilience against adversarial influence.
Our Core Services
Behavioural Insights Analysis
Why It Matters:
Winning hearts and minds is not only about delivering information; it is about understanding how people think, feel, and act under pressure. In defence contexts, messaging must be informed by how audiences make decisions, respond to authority, and perceive risk. Communication strategies risk being ignored, misinterpreted, or actively resisted without behavioural insight.
What We Deliver:
• Analysis of target audience behaviours across civilian, military, and adversarial groups.
• Application of behavioural science models to shape influence, deterrence, and public engagement strategies.
• Testing and validation of messaging frameworks through scenario planning and perception audits.
• Integration of cognitive load, trust dynamics, and resistance factors into campaign planning.
The Impact:
Behavioural insights empower more effective influence operations, counter-messaging, and stakeholder engagement by aligning communication strategies with how people think, how they are motivated, and how they respond. When integrated thoughtfully, they enhance practical impact, build trust, and improve outcomes across diverse psychological and cultural contexts.
Scientific and Technical Communications
Why
It Matters:
Defence organizations rely heavily on scientific research and advanced technologies. If technical findings are not translated clearly, key insights can be lost or misinterpreted by decision-makers, operators, or partners.
What
We Deliver:
• Technical writing support for defence science and R&D reports.
• Translation of complex concepts for policy, operational, or public audiences.
• Editing and publishing support for military journals, white papers, and internal briefs.
The Impact:
Clear scientific communication and well-adapted technical content foster understanding, build operational confidence in cuttingedge innovations, and facilitate the transfer of knowledge. This clarity supports informed decision-making and encourages greater investment in innovation.
Our Core Services
Knowledge Mobilization
Why It Matters:
The ability to move knowledge from research to practice is essential in the defence and security sector. When best practices, lessons learned, or emerging insights remain siloed, opportunities are missed, and missions can be compromised.
What We Deliver:
• Strategies to translate research and intelligence gathering into practical tools.
• Knowledge dissemination frameworks within and across organizations.
• Briefing kits, visualizations, and knowledge-sharing events for internal and external audiences.
The Impact:
Effective knowledge mobilization ensures valuable research insights are actively applied to drive progress and enhance operational performance. It transforms research into actionable outcomes that support informed decision-making and readiness.
Design and Data Visualization
Why It Matters:
In defence and security environments, how information looks can be as critical as what it says. Effective graphic design enhances credibility, clarity, and comprehension, whether briefing a senior commander, informing the public, or submitting a proposal for procurement. Poor design can distract, confuse, and undermine trust in the message.
What We Deliver:
• Professionally designed communication products tailored to operational, technical, and policy audiences.
• Development of high-impact reports, presentation decks, infographics, and field-ready visual guides.
• Visual branding systems for projects, programs, and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Data visualization support for intelligence reports, campaign dashboards, and decision-support tools.
The Impact:
Superior design communicates authority, organizes complexity, and elevates critical content. When thoughtfully applied, it ensures your message is seen, respected, and clearly understood—amplifying impact and accelerating engagement.
Our Core Services
Marketing and Business Development Materials
Why It Matters:
For private sector defence companies and service providers, securing contracts and building client trust requires more than capability – it requires credibility and mutual understanding of what is needed and what is possible. Inconsistent or overly technical messaging can alienate decision-makers, while a lack of strategic marketing can result in missed opportunities and weak brand positioning in a highly competitive sector.
What We Deliver:
• Marketing strategy aligned with defence sector procurement cycles and client pain points.
• Development of capability statements, white papers, and promotional materials.
• Support for trade shows, digital campaigns, and client engagement planning.
• Messaging and narratives tailored to resonate with military buyers, government stakeholders, and strategic partners.
The Impact:
Great marketing builds reputation, opens doors, and positions your company as a trusted partner in delivering on both long-term mandates and real-time procurements. Strong business development communication enhances visibility, earns credibility with procurement officers and prime contractors, and improves your competitive edge.
Operational Communications
Why It Matters:
Effective operational decision making and execution depend on trust, clarity, and morale across all levels of a defence organization. Poor internal communication can lead to the misinterpretation of intent, resistance to change, and even a decline in morale within the ranks.
What We Deliver:
• Communication strategy for defence modernization and reform.
• Commander communication tools and chain-of-command briefings.
• Inter-agency and joint-task force integration protocols.
The Impact:
Clear, purpose-driven internal communication strengthens cohesion, accelerates adaptation, and enhances leadership presence. When communication is strong, it fosters organizational resilience, ensuring teams are well-equipped to respond effectively in dynamic environments.
YOUR CHALLENGE, OUR MISSION.
We know how to frame complex defence and security issues in ways that resonate with decision makers, operational leaders, and the public.
We know how to position solutions and value propositions so that they align with strategic priorities, geopolitical realities, and technical requirements.
Whether you are a government agency, international alliance, or defence contractor, our team ensures that your message communicates purpose, builds support, and drives informed action.
Why Choose Us?
Trusted. Experienced. Agile.
Information is not just power in the defence and security sectors – it is a weapon, shield, and strategic asset. Our work is grounded in understanding the operational realities facing modern defence and security organizations, specifically the need to communicate sensitive, complex, and often classified information with precision, discipline, and speed.
Defence leaders trust us because we not only deliver proven approaches to strategic and technical communications, but also because we understand the context and the stakes. From combat zones to command centres, boardrooms to the trade show floor, we operate with an uncompromising commitment to operational security, strategic clarity, and message control under pressure.
What Sets Us Apart:
Expertise in Complex Information
Environments:
We translate technical, scientific, and strategic concepts into actionable, audience-specific messages that retain their integrity and intent.
Fluency in Classified and Sensitive Workflows:
Our team consists of security cleared personnel with experience in handling secure environments and established protocols for dealing with sensitive and compartmentalized information.
Rapid Response, Real-Time Agility:
We build approaches to communication that can adapt at the pace of the modern information battlespace, whether in crisis, cyberattack, or rapidly shifting geopolitical terrain.
Hyper-Focused Mindset:
Every word we write, every visual we design, and every campaign we build is aligned with your strategic objectives, tactical challenges, and the realities of your operational environment.
Defence and Security Project Fact Sheets
Communication and Publication Support Services
NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance comprising 31 North American and European countries, based on the North Atlantic Treaty signed on 4 April 1949. NATO constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party.
NATO’s S&T Organization (NATO STO) carries out a variety of technical activities. These include in-depth research managed by task groups, events such as symposia, workshops, and specialist meetings, as well as educational activities like lecture series and technical courses aimed at disseminating state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and recent field developments through on-site instructor training.
Since 2018, NIVA has been the exclusive provider of communication and publication support services for NATO’s Science and Technology Organization (STO). We have also provided support to the STO’s Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE).
Scientific studies conducted by Task Groups (TGs) are published in Technical Reports (TRs). Ranging in size from 50 to 1000 pages (with the average being about 200 pages), the publications contain embedded graphics and scientific equations. We edit between 600 and 1,000 pages per month (approximately 30-50 pages per day). This amounts to upwards of 3,000-10,000 words edited per day, depending on the type of publication.
Our work involves substantive, technical, and copyediting of technical reports in progress, as well as quality assurance and proofreading of completed reports.
Interaction with authors or leaders of research groups is undertaken to ensure that technical and scientific integrity is maintained.
Our mandate also includes developing high-impact graphic design
and promotional
PROJECT TITLE:
Strategic and Technical Communication Support Services (Long Term Contract)
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) provides the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and other government departments, as well as public safety and national security communities, with the knowledge and technological advantage needed to defend and protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad.
The DRDC Centre for Security Science (CSS) manages the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP), focusing on the following key priority areas:
• First responders
• Preparedness and resilience
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives (CBRNE)
• Critical infrastructure resilience
• Surveillance, intelligence, and interdiction
• Border security
DRDC CSS was in continuous need of professional expertise to develop and manage communications in support of a wide range of the Centre’s activities and programs. NIVA was the designated sole provider of technical and strategic communication consulting, writing, design, and editorial services for over 12 years.
This work involved delivering communication planning and materials, including:
• A communication strategy to support the development of a unique market position, along with a plan for promoting CSS programs both nationally and internationally.
• Multiple issues of the CSS Newsletter.
• Community of Practice (CoP) meeting facilitation and “What Was Said” reports.
• Project Success Stories and Fact Sheets
• Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) plain language summaries
• CSSP Digest/Review of Activities
• Call for Proposals Guidebook
Many tasks performed by NIVA included creating accessible and scalable content that could be understood by a broad set of target audiences, while ensuring adherence to a defined, strategic narrative that reinforced the purpose and value of the DRDC CSS mandate and core activities.
CLIENT ORGANIZATION:
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) – Centre for Security Science
PROJECT TITLE:
Research and Development to Combat Terrorism Report
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) provides the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and other government departments, as well as public safety and national security communities, with the knowledge and technological advantage needed to defend and protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad.
Protecting Americans from terrorist threats is the primary reason the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established. Its vision is a secure and resilient nation that effectively prevents terrorism in ways that preserve freedom and prosperity.
In conjunction with DND, DRDC and DHS, NIVA was tasked with developing a review of the collaborative projects carried out in areas of concern that include Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE), Improvised Device Defeat (IDD), Investigative and Forensic Science, Personnel Protection, Physical Security, Tactical Operations Support, and Training Technology.
The NIVA team produced a comprehensive report document to communicate the results of this initiative, including:
• Document architecture, design, and layout.
• Interaction with subject-matter experts to obtain input that would be used to research, write, and edit the report’s content.
• Formatting and preparing the final report document for publication.
CLIENT ORGANIZATION:
Department of National Defence (DND) and U.S. Homeland Security (DHS)
PROJECT TITLE:
Defence and Security Science and
Technology (S&T) Strategy
Science and Technology (S&T) are essential for ensuring Canada’s defence and represent a critical element of national security. It provides a decisive advantage on the battlefield, reduces risks to the safety and well-being of Canadians, and supports policies and decisions with timely, evidence-based advice. As the primary delivery agent for the departmental S&T investment, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has worked diligently to meet the diverse needs of its DND and CAF clients and has been recognized for its lifesaving, groundbreaking contributions to operations, planning, and policy initiatives.
DRDC engaged the NIVA team to develop a Defence and Security S&T Strategy (Science and Technology in Action: Delivering Results for Defence and Security). The Strategy highlights the importance of DND’s departmental investment in S&T and outlines the activities and initiatives of DRDC’s program going forward. The Strategy builds on existing strengths, including a wide range of expertise, valued relationships, and skilled personnel across the defence and security community—federal departments and agencies, international allies, industry, and academia. It also emphasizes the need to integrate this knowledge in a way that leverages capacity to ensure that departmental S&T investment is providing maximum value to Canadians and is responding as efficiently as possible to both current and emerging threats.
The project involved in-depth interviews with stakeholders across DRDC to uncover the key elements of the strategy and reflect the needs and directions of all areas of the defence and security science and technology (S&T) program in support of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). It charted the course for how DRDC’s S&T investment will contribute to and align with the priorities of DND, the CF, and security organizations. It explained how S&T capabilities will be fully exploited for the benefit of Canada’s defence and security requirements and highlighted the unique role of DRDC in harnessing S&T capacity wherever it may exist.
The Strategy outlined what would be needed to implement a successful defence and security S&T program, focusing on key partnerships, practical approaches to knowledge access and capability development, scientific, analytical, and management excellence, improved business practices, and a dynamic workforce.
CLIENT ORGANIZATION:
Department of National Defence (DND)
Promotional Brochures for the Security and Disruptive Technologies (SDT) Portfolio
The National Research Council Canada (NRC) delivers technical and research solutions to government departments and a wide range of industry clients. Its mission is to have an impact by advancing knowledge, applying leading-edge technologies, and working with other innovators to find creative, relevant, and sustainable solutions to Canada’s current and future economic, social, and environmental challenges.
NRC’s Security and Disruptive Technologies (SDT) portfolio aimed to highlight the technical capacities of two of its programs (Quantum Photonic Security and Sensing; Security Materials Technology) through the development of two brochures. These brochures provided information to clients and stakeholders on the potential roles of the programs and the technical capacities that clients can access.
NRC hired NIVA to develop the content for these brochures, ensuring they would capture the interest of potential clients from various sectors, including industry, government, and academia. National Research Council Canada
Advanced Materials Landscape Report
The National Research Council (NRC) and its government partner, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), required assistance in developing a report that explored the research and opportunities landscape for next-generation materials in the defence and security environment. The intent of the report was, in part, to identify areas where the goals and objectives of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can be met by advanced materials research. The report covers current materials challenges and opportunities for defence and security applications, as well as advanced materials and manufacturing research.
The report consists of three main sections:
• Section 1—Current materials challenges and opportunities encountered in the defence and security space, and the current state of the art of defence and security materials technology.
• Section 2—Literature review on research in 7 key areas of advanced materials and manufacturing, and an assessment of Canadian research capabilities for each location under consideration.
• Section 3—High-impact research proposals for each materials area, cross-referencing current materials challenges and opportunities with the research proposals. Since the report was written by multiple contributors, NIVA implemented a best practices approach to all sections of the document development process, including the overall structure of the report, review for clarity, grammar, and flow, as well as editing to ensure that the entire report is presented with one voice, graphic design, and formatting style.
Consideration was also given to presenting the report’s content in plain language, making it accessible to a diverse range of technical and non-technical audiences from various backgrounds and disciplines, including policy and decision-makers, as well as leadership in CAF. Templates for contributors to provide their inputs in a standardized format were also provided. All required graphics and other visuals were developed by NIVA using a cohesive design approach.
Security Materials Technology Roadmap (SMTRM) Report
The last decade has seen an increase in the requirement for a high level of protection for both Armoured Vehicles (AVs) and personnel, resulting in a growing number of companies competing for market share. With a trend towards reducing the number of troops deployed, the market for AV and personnel protection will become increasingly competitive as both the number and size of procurements for this type of protection are also reduced. One factor that will increase a company’s competitiveness in this market is having a product that effectively incorporates advanced materials technology, such as transformational materials and structural concepts, and manufacturing technologies—that will improve the performance-to-weight ratio (mass efficiency) of AV protection systems. The Security Materials Technology (SMT) program, administered by the National Research Council (NRC) Security and Disruptive Technology (SDT) portfolio, will integrate NRC’s capabilities with its key defence sector science partners, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), and its other partners across the security materials value chain, to develop, demonstrate, and transfer such materials, concepts, and technologies to Canadian industry.
Work to be completed in the first full year of the SMT program included the development of its Security Materials Technology Roadmap (SMTRM). The technology roadmap was a highly collaborative process that defined a collective vision and identified a technology development strategy for achieving that vision. The SMTRM process will enable participating stakeholders to identify innovative technology options aligned with future security material market needs. It will allow the open exchange of information among all stakeholders in areas of defence and security capability requirements, facilitating the development of synergies between participants and other associated and interested entities.
An SMTRM workshop took place in Ottawa on November 23-24, 2015. NIVA provided support in writing and editing the resulting workshop summary report. The work included:
• Establishing flow, consistent language, and tone throughout the
• document
• Ensuring plain language communication of the content
• Identifying and correcting grammatical, spelling, and similar errors
• Revising and improving the Executive Summary
• Writing new content based on information provided by the NRC Project Manager
National Research Council (NRC)
PROJECT TITLE:
Aeronautical Information Publications
NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit corporation that operates Canada’s air traffic control and civil air navigation system under the auspices of the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act. The Company is responsible for the safe coordination and efficient movement of aircraft and plans and manages the airspace, including flight paths and airways used by airlines.
As part of its mandate, NAV CANADA produces aeronautical information products used by pilots operating in Canadian airspace. As one of their primary products, they are required to produce an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) that is compliant with the standards published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This includes critical navigation warnings and information on potential dangers and hazards that pilots need to be aware of.
For almost 20 years, NIVA has been contracted to maintain this publication on behalf of NAV CANADA on a 56-day refresh cycle. This maintenance involves a combination of editorial work, formatting, quality assurance, and file production for publication. We also assist them with content development for other important aviation-related documents.
WHAT WE DO
We help organizations communicate better and make big impacts so they can mobilize knowledge, solve problems, influence outcomes, and achieve their goals.
Whether you have content to develop, messages to deliver, stories to tell, or data to visualize, we’ll enable you to engage, inform, and motivate your target audiences — policymakers, regulators, executives, employees, investors, media, and the public.
NIVA indentifies gaps and weaknesses, makes improvements, and deploys solutions. Our team builds agile communication strategies that respond to the distinct needs of your audiences and get results. We transform complex subject matter into powerful content that’s clear, understandable, and relevant.
HOW WE DO IT
Effective communication is a force multiplier. It strengthens alliances, mobilizes knowledge, deters threats, secures reputations, and grows businesses. Let us help you build a communication or marketing solution that is as bold, informed, agile, and mission focused as you are.
NIVA offers a comprehensive suite of customized services:
Listen | Analyze | Understand Strategic approaches to scientific, technical, and risk communication.
Create | Refine | Publish Research, technical content development, writing, editing, proofreading, and formatting.
Engage | Mobilize | Enable Stakeholder engagement, consultations, facilitation, and training.
Design | Visualize | Tell a Story Graphic design, illustration, data visualization, and video.
For more information please visit us:
Plan | Promote | Share Planning, strategy, implementation, marketing, and social media.
You can reach our team at
