Kansas City, MO, February 3, 2026
BARR Advisory, based in Kansas City, MO, has partnered with Drata to launch the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Compliance Accelerator Program. This initiative aims to empower small businesses to efficiently navigate government compliance requirements, fostering regional economic growth. The program provides expert guidance and resources to streamline the certification process, ensuring that local firms can compete for lucrative Department of Defense contracts and enhance their cybersecurity posture.
Kansas City, MO – In a move set to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of businesses across the nation, Kansas City, MO-based BARR Advisory has teamed up with Drata to launch a new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Compliance Accelerator Program (CAP). This collaboration underscores the proactive spirit of Missouri MO entrepreneurs in addressing complex regulatory landscapes, offering a streamlined pathway for organizations to achieve essential government contract compliance.
The launch of CAP highlights a commitment to empowering businesses, especially Kansas City small business entities, by providing expert guidance and technological tools necessary to navigate stringent cybersecurity requirements. As the digital economy evolves, the capacity of local firms to innovate and facilitate critical compliance solutions becomes a cornerstone of regional economic growth, fostering resilience and opening new avenues for opportunity.
Understanding CMMC: A National Imperative for Security
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a mandatory framework established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Its primary purpose is to enforce the protection of sensitive unclassified information, specifically Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), shared with contractors and subcontractors across the defense industrial base. Businesses aiming to secure or maintain contracts with the DoD must achieve CMMC certification. The DoD published the CMMC interim rule in late 2024, creating the legal framework for certification, with requirements already appearing in certain contracts.
The framework is structured into three levels, each dictating progressively advanced cybersecurity standards. Level 1 addresses basic cyber hygiene for FCI, while Level 2 requires the implementation of all 110 controls from NIST Special Publication 800-171 for CUI. For organizations facing Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), Level 3 mandates enhanced protections with additional controls from NIST Special Publication 800-172. The benefits of CMMC certification are extensive, including enhanced cybersecurity, eligibility for DoD contracts, a competitive advantage, improved trust and reputation, operational efficiency, and better risk management. Reports indicate that as many as 80% of companies working with the DoD may need CMMC certification by 2025 to secure contracts.
BARR Advisory and Drata: A Strategic Partnership for Accelerated Compliance
In response to the growing need for efficient CMMC compliance, Kansas City, MO-based BARR Advisory, recognized as one of the region’s fastest-growing cybersecurity firms, has joined forces with Drata to introduce the CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program (CAP). This program is specifically designed to provide organizations with a streamlined and expert-guided pathway to achieve CMMC certification.
The CAP connects Drata customers directly with BARR Advisory’s team of federal compliance experts. This partnership offers comprehensive support, including a full gap analysis, thorough policy review, and precise control implementation, all seamlessly integrated with Drata’s powerful compliance automation platform. This integrated approach aims to simplify what can often be a complex and time-consuming process for businesses.
Key Advantages of the Compliance Accelerator Program
The CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program is engineered to deliver tangible benefits to participating organizations. A significant advantage is the potential to save teams over 60 hours of internal effort. This is achieved by rapidly defining CMMC scope and readiness, enabling proactive risk mitigation, and preventing critical errors that could otherwise impede the certification process.
The program offers three core components to guide businesses through their compliance journey:
- Initial Compliance Blueprint: BARR Advisory helps map how Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) flow through a business, assisting in outlining next steps before significant time and resources are committed to a formal audit.
- Targeted Risk Assessment: A thorough review of existing systems and processes is conducted to identify critical gaps early, helping organizations avoid contract-disrupting missteps.
- System Security Plan (SSP) with Drata: This component supports the development of a robust System Security Plan, leveraging Drata’s automation capabilities for continuous monitoring and evidence collection.
Aaron Hamlin, practice leader of cybersecurity consulting at BARR Advisory, emphasized the program’s goal to empower organizations to confidently advance in their CMMC journey. This collaborative model ensures a deep understanding of each client’s environment, providing continuity from readiness through to certification.
Bolstering Kansas City’s Innovation Landscape
The launch of programs like CAP by local firms such as BARR Advisory contributes significantly to the robust innovation ecosystem present in Kansas City, MO. The city is a hub for entrepreneurial activity, supported by initiatives like InnovateKC, the UMKC Innovation Center, and the Keystone Innovation District. These programs work to connect entrepreneurs with crucial resources, funding, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration, thereby fostering a dynamic environment for new ventures and the expansion of existing Kansas City MO business entities.
By offering specialized services that address national regulatory challenges, Kansas City firms not only secure their own position but also elevate the overall technological sophistication and competitiveness of the region’s business community. This focus on practical, market-driven solutions showcases the ingenuity of Missouri MO entrepreneurs and their ability to translate complex requirements into actionable growth strategies. Efforts to support tech districts and innovation hubs are ongoing, recognizing the value of small businesses and entrepreneurs sharing resources to drive innovation and contribute to the local economic growth.
Empowering Small Businesses and Driving Economic Success
For Kansas City small business owners and entrepreneurs, navigating federal compliance mandates can often appear daunting. However, initiatives like the CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program transform a potential hurdle into a strategic advantage. By simplifying the path to CMMC certification, the program enables smaller firms to compete for lucrative government contracts, which were previously accessible primarily to larger enterprises. This democratization of opportunity stimulates job creation and reinforces the economic fabric of the region.
The program embodies the spirit of private sector innovation in solving complex problems, demonstrating how targeted solutions can reduce bureaucratic friction and enable businesses to focus on their core strengths. This efficiency is crucial for sustained economic growth, allowing businesses to invest more in innovation and expansion rather than exhaustive compliance processes. The emphasis on readiness and proactive risk management aligns with a philosophy that champions self-reliance and intelligent preparation in the marketplace.
Looking Ahead: Securing Our Economic Future
The partnership between BARR Advisory and Drata to deliver the CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program represents a significant stride in enhancing cybersecurity readiness for the defense industrial base, with direct benefits for Kansas City MO business. By providing a clear, efficient path to CMMC certification, this program not only protects vital national information but also creates new opportunities for Missouri MO entrepreneurs and small businesses. It highlights the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in fostering a robust and secure economic environment.
Supporting local businesses that are at the forefront of such critical advancements is essential for the continued vitality and resilience of our community. Readers are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and local business innovation, as these developments are key to securing Kansas City’s economic growth for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program
What is the CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program (CAP)?
The CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program (CAP) is a new initiative launched by Kansas City, MO-based BARR Advisory in partnership with Drata. It aims to provide organizations with a streamlined and expert-guided path to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
Why is CMMC certification important?
CMMC certification is crucial because it is a mandatory framework established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to protect sensitive unclassified information, including Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Any business that works with the DoD must get CMMC certification to bid on DoD contracts.
What are the benefits of achieving CMMC certification?
Benefits of CMMC certification include enhanced cybersecurity, eligibility for DoD contracts, competitive advantage, improved trust and reputation, operational efficiency, and better risk management.
What are the core components of the CAP program?
The CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program delivers three core components: an Initial Compliance Blueprint, a Targeted Risk Assessment, and a System Security Plan (SSP) with Drata.
How does the CAP program benefit businesses in Kansas City, MO?
For Kansas City, MO businesses, the CAP program simplifies the path to CMMC certification, enabling them to compete for lucrative government contracts. It saves over 60 hours of internal effort, empowers proactive risk mitigation, and prevents critical mistakes, contributing to local economic growth and strengthening the region’s competitive edge in the national defense industrial base.
Key Features of the CMMC Compliance Accelerator Program
| Feature | Description | Benefit to Organizations |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership | Collaboration between BARR Advisory (Kansas City, MO) and Drata. | Combines expert federal compliance consulting with automated compliance technology. |
| Target Audience | Organizations pursuing CMMC certification, especially those working with the DoD. | Provides a specialized and focused path for government contractors. |
| Efficiency | Designed to save teams over 60 hours of internal effort. | Accelerates the compliance journey, reducing time and resource expenditure. |
| Initial Compliance Blueprint | Maps the flow of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through the business. | Establishes a foundational understanding and next steps before formal audit commitment. |
| Targeted Risk Assessment | Thorough review of existing systems and processes to identify critical gaps. | Enables early identification of vulnerabilities, preventing contract-disrupting missteps. |
| System Security Plan (SSP) with Drata | Assistance in developing a robust SSP integrated with Drata’s automation platform. | Supports continuous monitoring and streamlined evidence collection for compliance. |
| Expert Guidance | Direct access to BARR Advisory’s experienced CMMC consultants. | Ensures expert support for gap analysis, policy review, and control implementation. |
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