Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance enhances business valuation and marketability by showing buyers and investors a disciplined security posture that supports stronger deal outcomes.
- CMMC certification unlocks revenue opportunities and contract eligibility by positioning businesses to compete for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and partner with prime contractors requiring secure partners.
- CMMC compliance builds trust and competitive advantage by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding sensitive data, strengthening credibility with customers, investors and government stakeholders.
In today’s defense environment, cybersecurity has unquestionably become and will remain imperative to your business – and a key strategic differentiator. For businesses that operate in or support the defense industrial base (DIB), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance is more than simply meeting regulatory expectations, it is the demonstrable commitment to building long-term value, strengthening credibility and unlocking access to growth opportunities. Well-positioned businesses embrace it as a value creator, not a cost detractor.
The CMMC framework was created by the Department of Defense (DoD) for the purposes of safeguarding controlled unclassified information (CUI) and federal contract information (FCI). As implementation for the final rule progresses, CMMC certification will become the bar by which prime contractors, their subcontractors and suppliers will be measured. CMMC compliance is no longer operational, it is foundational.
Organizations evaluating acquisitions, preparing for investment or planning a transition event should view CMMC compliance as a critical lever for value creation by way of the following key outcomes.
It Enhances Valuation and Marketability
Buyers and investors are paying close attention to cybersecurity as they fully understand the value proposition of a functioning cybersecurity program. A well-documented, certifiable security posture instills confidence, streamlines due diligence and positions companies for stronger outcomes during a sale or capital raise.
Taking this approach to the M&A process has the following tangible benefits:
- Promotes early detection and management of concealed risks.
- Minimizes unexpected costs which arise from post-acquisition remediation efforts.
- Supports higher valuation multiples through demonstrated operational maturity and risk management.
CMMC should be viewed as a value-building asset instead of a bottom line cost.
It Unlocks Revenue Opportunities and Contract Eligibility
CMMC took a long time to finalize and for many, it seemed unlikely to come to fruition. Starting in 2026, many DoD contracts will begin to require CMMC certification. If CMMC has not been a priority and your business isn’t on track for certification, it could miss out on significant revenue streams or be forced into lower-tier subcontracting roles. The following key opportunities are yours to miss:
- Previously inaccessible defense contracts become possible. Especially as the potential pool of those able to bid is reduced.
- Makes the entity more appealing in the request for proposal (RFP) process as it reduces key logistical hurdles and further facilitates teaming with primes and integrators that require secure, compliant partners.
It Builds Trust and Competitive Advantage
Trust is everything, especially in the defense space where the stakes can be high. CMMC compliance demonstrates that safeguarding sensitive data and operating responsibly are core tenants of your business mission and philosophy. It demonstrates integrity, signals discipline to customers and investors, and for family-owned businesses, it helps protect and preserve long-standing government relationships you have nurtured over the years.
It De-Risks the Investment Lifecycle
From early-stage diligence through post-close integration, unmanaged cybersecurity risk can erode deal value. Conversely, a well-defined program establishes a narrative and drives value through reduced likelihood of ransomware, non-compliance fines and contract loss. Further, it cuts future costs by minimizing post-close cyber remediation or integration concerns.
It Creates Posture for Growth and Exit
CMMC isn’t a point-in-time hurdle — it’s a model designed to scale with your business. Companies that embrace it early gain more than certification; they build foundations for digital resilience. These are the kinds of attributes that matter during exit planning or strategic sale.
A Call to Action for Strategic Stakeholders
If you’re a family-run contractor, think of this as future-proofing. Strong cyber posture will make your company more attractive and more resilient for succession or exit.
If you’re a sponsor or investor, now’s the time to de-risk and enhance the long-term value of your assets.
If you’re advising clients in the DIB, CMMC readiness should be a standard part of transaction preparation, just like audited financials.
CMMC compliance isn’t a differentiator anymore, it’s the cost of entry.
How PKF O’Connor Davies Can Help
As a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) and authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) with a full team of lead assessors, PKF O’Connor Davies is uniquely positioned to assist clients across the CMMC lifecycle. Whether your goal is certification, investment or exit, our integrated approach ensures you’re not only secure, but strategically prepared.
- We guide DIB-connected organizations through the technical and procedural steps necessary for CMMC readiness.
- We support private equity and family-owned businesses with buy-side and sell-side diligence focused on cyber risk, compliance posture and IT maturity.
- We combine security expertise with transactional insight to help clients mitigate risk and unlock deal value.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact your PKF O’Connor Davies client service team or:
Thomas J. DeMayo, CISSP, CISA, CIPP/US, CRISC, CEH, CHFI, CCFE
Partner
Cybersecurity and Privacy Advisory
tdemayo@pkfod.com | 646.449.6353
Nick DeLena, CISSP, CISA, CRISC, CDPSE, CMMC-CCP
Partner
Cybersecurity and Privacy Advisory
ndelena@pkfod.com | 781.937.5191
Noam Hirschberger, CFA, CVA
Partner
Forensic, Litigation & Valuation
nhirschberger@pkfod.com | 646.449.6363