Architecture review
Get a clear technical direction before a major build, migration, or redesign.
TYPICAL DELIVERABLES- A focused review of your system
- Prioritized risks and recommendations
- A walkthrough with your team
TOUGH CENTS / HERNDON, VARUST. DATA. FIRMWARE. AI.
WORK DIRECTLY WITH ENGINEERS.
WORK DIRECTLY WITH ENGINEERS.
Software engineering and technical consulting in Herndon, Virginia. We build Rust services, embedded firmware, databases, and practical AI applications for government and industry.
GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY01 / INTRODUCTION
The Tough
Technology Stack™
- 05
TOUGH SHIELDTesting & assurance
Testing, recovery, and confidence in system behavior.
- 04
TOUGH SIGNALAI & decision support
AI applications with measurable results.
- 03
TOUGH COREServices & integration
Services and interfaces that connect your systems.
- 02
TOUGH DATAStorage & data models
Data models built for integrity and performance.
- 01
TOUGH EDGEDevices & hardware
Firmware and integration for connected devices.
CALL US
Engineering that connects the pieces.
From the device to the application.
We bring software, data, and hardware expertise to the same table. Your team gets direct access to the engineers who design, build, and deliver the work.
Meet Tough Cents
OUR OWN PRODUCT / HALO NETWORKMeet Halo Network.
Meet Halo Network.
Connect beyond cell coverage.
Built by Tough Cents, from the node firmware to the phone application. Halo carries messages, locations, and alerts for teams operating off the grid.
Explore Halo Network01 / TECHNICAL DISCIPLINES
Five disciplines.
One standard.
01
Read the capabilities brief Software & systems engineering
Reliable services and well-connected systems.02Database architecture
Clear data models with room to grow.03Mission-critical engineering
Reliability built into the design.04Embedded systems
Firmware built around your hardware.05AI engineering & consulting
Useful AI backed by practical evaluation.A CLEAR PLACE TO STARTChoose the work.
Choose the work.
We’ll define the scope.
Three starting points. We agree on deliverables, timing, and fees before work begins.
Rust engineering
Build a service, connect systems, or bring experienced Rust support into your team.
TYPICAL DELIVERABLES- An agreed implementation scope
- Working code and focused tests
- Documentation and handoff
Embedded development
Develop firmware or resolve an integration that crosses hardware and software.
TYPICAL DELIVERABLES- A review of your device requirements
- Firmware or integration work
- Verification and handoff guidance
INSIGHTS / FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
All articles Notes from the bench.
- WORKING WITH US
What You Actually Get When You Hire a Small Engineering Firm
The real tradeoffs of hiring a small engineering firm instead of a large one, including the situations where a small team is the wrong call.
Alice Milea-CiobanuCEO - AI
What I'd Check Before Putting an LLM Feature in a Government System
A practical pre-build checklist for LLM features in government applications, covering data rules, hosting, evaluation, security, and day-to-day operation.
Landon MannCTO - BUDGETING
Budgeting for Software After It Launches
What to budget for once a software system is live, from security updates and hosting to staff time, and how to plan for it before the build is approved.
Gabriel AshleyCFO
WORKING TOGETHERA small team.
A small team.
No layers between you
and the engineer.
We work with agencies, prime contractors, and industry teams that need focused engineering expertise.
Based in Herndon, Virginia. Available for project delivery, consulting, and subcontracting.
Government & teamingBring us the hard part.
Discuss your projectTell us what you want to build, where you need support, and when you need it.