Before your first enterprise security call, prepare five things on the supply chain side: a current dependency inventory, recent scan evidence, a named owner for each answer, a short list of known gaps with dates, and one person who can speak to the build pipeline. A week is enough if you start with the inventory.
Why the call goes better when you prepare
The first call is usually a screening. The buyer's reviewer wants to learn whether you have thought about this. They are rarely trying to catch you out, but vague answers lead to a long questionnaire, and specific answers often shorten it.
A common mistake is sending the founder alone. The founder knows the product but not always how the build runs or what the scan shows. Bring an engineer for the technical part.
Seven day checklist
| Day | Task | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | List every repository that ships to production | Repository list with owners |
| 2 | Generate a dependency inventory or SBOM per product | Dated files |
| 3 | Run a vulnerability scan and triage criticals | Scan export plus notes |
| 4 | Write exceptions for what stays open | Exception register |
| 5 | Describe the build and deploy path in one diagram | One page diagram |
| 6 | Draft answers to the ten likeliest questions | Answer sheet |
| 7 | Rehearse with someone who has not seen it | Edits |
The ten likeliest supply chain questions
- Do you keep an inventory of third party and open source components?
- Do you scan them for vulnerabilities, and how often?
- How fast do you fix critical findings?
- Can you provide an SBOM?
- Who can change production, and how is that controlled?
- How do you control what goes into your builds?
- Do you review new dependencies before adding them?
- What happens if a dependency is compromised?
- Which sub-processors and vendors touch customer data?
- Do you follow a secure development framework?
For the last one, NIST SP 800-218 is the usual reference, and it describes practices rather than a certification, so say "aligned with" only if you can show the control.
Know your honest gaps
Pick the two weakest areas and plan how to say so. A short statement such as "we do not yet generate provenance for builds, planned for next quarter" is safer than hoping nobody asks. See how to word a gap statement.
During the call
Answer the question asked, then stop. Offer evidence instead of describing it at length. If you do not know, say you will confirm in writing and then do so within a day. Take notes on every follow-up so the written answers match what was said.
After the call
Send a short recap with the evidence you offered. Put the same files into a standing folder, so the next buyer gets the same pack. If you want more on reviews in general, read what an enterprise security review actually asks for.
Safeguard can generate the dependency inventory and SBOM, and its free scan is a fast way to complete day two and three.
Quick check
Should I send the SBOM before the call?
Only if the buyer asks, and ideally under an NDA. Have it ready, and offer it during the call.
Who should attend from our side?
A founder or product lead, plus an engineer who knows the pipeline and the scan results.
Sources
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
