“BARR Advisory has partnered with Drata to unveil the CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program (CAP), a initiative that combines compliance automation with specialized federal expertise to help defense contractors achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification faster, cutting internal workloads by more than 60 hours while addressing key gaps in scope, policies, and risk management.”
The alliance between BARR Advisory, a firm specializing in cloud-based security and compliance solutions, and Drata, a provider of automated governance, risk, and compliance platforms, marks a significant step forward for organizations navigating the complexities of federal cybersecurity requirements. This collaboration introduces the Compliance Accelerator Program (CAP), tailored specifically for entities in the defense industrial base that handle sensitive information under Department of Defense contracts. By merging Drata’s technology for continuous monitoring and evidence collection with BARR’s advisory services in frameworks like NIST and DFARS, the program aims to demystify the certification process and equip contractors with tools to maintain ongoing adherence.
Understanding CMMC and Its Urgency for Contractors
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework requires defense contractors to demonstrate robust protections for Federal Contract Information and Controlled Unclassified Information. With three levels of maturity—ranging from basic safeguards at Level 1 to advanced threat defenses at Level 3—contractors must align their systems to these standards to remain eligible for awards. As enforcement phases progress, with self-assessments already mandatory for certain contracts and third-party validations on the horizon, non-compliant firms risk exclusion from billions in annual procurement opportunities. The framework’s emphasis on continuous compliance means that one-time efforts are insufficient; instead, contractors need integrated systems that automate monitoring across cloud environments, identity management, and endpoint security.
This partnership arrives amid growing pressures on the defense supply chain, where smaller subcontractors often struggle with the resource demands of certification. Estimates indicate that the defense industrial base encompasses over 220,000 entities, with the majority being small to mid-sized operations. Many of these face decisions about investing in compliance or pivoting away from federal work, potentially leading to a market contraction where larger primes consolidate control over subcontracts.
Core Components of the Compliance Accelerator Program
The CAP is structured around a phased methodology that ensures thorough preparation without overwhelming internal teams. It begins with a collaborative kickoff to outline project timelines, roles, and an initial review of the contractor’s architecture and existing policies. This sets the foundation for aligning the program with the specific scope of CMMC requirements.
Following this, a health check integrates Drata’s platform to initialize user access, automate evidence gathering, and measure current compliance against the target level. This step identifies automatable controls, such as access logging and vulnerability scanning, reducing manual documentation burdens. Policy reviews come next, where experts evaluate documentation against CMMC specifications, upload relevant materials into the platform, and flag gaps for remediation—often involving updates to incident response plans or data classification procedures.
A critical element is the mapping of information flows, pinpointing where sensitive data resides and transits within the business. This helps define the precise boundaries of compliance obligations, avoiding over-scoping that inflates costs or under-scoping that invites audit failures. Post-implementation support extends to system security plan development, where Drata serves as the central repository for maintaining an audit-ready posture.
Financial Advantages and Cost Efficiencies
For defense contractors, the financial stakes of CMMC are high, with preparation expenses varying by organizational scale and maturity. Small firms targeting Level 1 might budget between $5,000 and $15,000 for basic implementations, while mid-sized entities pursuing Level 2 could see outlays from $100,000 to $500,000, encompassing technology upgrades, training, and assessments. Level 3 pursuits often exceed $500,000 due to the need for sophisticated threat hunting and resilience measures.
The CAP addresses these burdens by streamlining processes that traditionally consume extensive internal hours. By automating evidence collection and providing expert-guided gap analyses, it can shave off more than 60 hours per team member, translating to direct payroll savings. Moreover, early identification of risks prevents costly rework during formal assessments, where failures could delay contract bids and erode revenue streams.
In a broader economic context, compliant contractors position themselves to capture redistributed opportunities as non-compliant peers exit the market. Projections suggest a 15-20% reduction in the defense industrial base, with up to 35,000 small businesses potentially withdrawing, freeing approximately $42 billion in annual contract value for absorption by prepared firms. This consolidation favors those who leverage programs like CAP to achieve certification efficiently, enhancing their appeal to prime contractors seeking reliable, vetted partners.
| CMMC Level | Typical Cost Range | Key Expenses | Potential Savings via CAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $5,000 – $15,000 | Self-assessment tools, basic training | Up to 40% reduction through automated scoping and policy templates |
| Level 2 | $100,000 – $500,000 | Gap analysis, third-party validation, system upgrades | 60+ hours saved on manual reviews, lowering consulting fees by 20-30% |
| Level 3 | $500,000+ | Advanced monitoring, resilience testing, ongoing audits | Streamlined Drata integration cuts evidence gathering time by half, aiding long-term maintenance |
These efficiencies not only lower upfront investments but also support sustained compliance, where annual maintenance costs—typically 20-30% of initial outlays—become more manageable through automated updates and proactive alerts.
Strategic Benefits for the Defense Sector
Beyond cost controls, the program fosters a culture of cybersecurity resilience that extends to commercial operations. Contractors gain insights into best practices for cloud security, such as multi-factor authentication and encryption, which bolster defenses against evolving threats like ransomware or supply chain attacks. This dual benefit enhances overall enterprise value, making firms more attractive for mergers or funding rounds in a sector where cybersecurity posture increasingly influences valuations.
For primes managing extensive subcontractor networks, the CAP offers assurance that lower-tier suppliers can meet flow-down requirements without disrupting timelines. This reduces administrative overhead and minimizes risks of contract breaches, where non-compliance could trigger penalties or loss of awards. In an industry where procurement cycles are lengthening due to scrutiny, accelerated readiness becomes a competitive edge, enabling faster bid responses and stronger negotiating positions.
Implementation Insights and Best Practices
Adopting the CAP involves selecting the appropriate Drata workspace configuration, whether for a dedicated CMMC environment or integration with broader governance programs. Contractors should prioritize inventorying their technology stack—cloud providers, collaboration tools, and endpoints—to ensure seamless connectivity for automated controls. Common pitfalls, such as misdefining the scope of Controlled Unclassified Information, are mitigated through BARR’s federal expertise, which draws from experience with similar frameworks.
Ongoing support includes guidance on engaging Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations for validations, ensuring that the transition from readiness to certification is seamless. Firms are encouraged to view compliance as an iterative process, with regular health checks to adapt to regulatory updates or business expansions.
Broader Market Dynamics
The launch of CAP aligns with shifting dynamics in defense contracting, where cybersecurity mandates are driving innovation in compliance tools. As more organizations automate their programs, the sector could see reduced overall compliance costs industry-wide, potentially offsetting some of the predicted market exits. For investors eyeing defense tech, such partnerships signal maturing ecosystems that prioritize efficiency, making compliant firms prime targets for growth capital.
In summary, this initiative equips contractors with a roadmap that not only meets immediate certification needs but also builds scalable security foundations for future challenges.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, legal advice, or endorsement of any products or services.
