Cherry Bekaert Teams Up with Lifeline Data Centers to Enhance CMMC Compliance Services
The landscape of government contracting is rapidly evolving, particularly with the imminent implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Recognizing this changing environment, Cherry Bekaert, a leader in assurance, tax, and advisory services, has forged a strategic alliance with Lifeline Data Centers. Together, they aim to streamline the process for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors to achieve CMMC compliance amidst a backdrop of increasing cybersecurity mandates.
As the deadline for compliance approaches—set for October 1, 2025—contractors dealing with sensitive information must adhere to stringent certification requirements. These criteria encompass both Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), necessitating a robust framework for data protection. The collaboration between Cherry Bekaert and Lifeline is designed to provide a seamless path to compliance that reduces both financial and operational burdens.
In a statement, Jim Kramer, Digital Advisory Partner at Cherry Bekaert, highlighted the strengths of this alliance, saying, "Lifeline's secure, CMMC-compliant data storage environments allow contractors to inherit a significant portion of the required infrastructure controls. This approach will significantly streamline the certification process." This integration not only simplifies compliance but also safeguards sensitive data that is paramount for contractors in maintaining eligibility for future DoD contracts.
Cherry Bekaert stands as an authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), equipped to support contractors through comprehensive certification assessments and a spectrum of managed IT services. These offerings include strategic IT planning, threat detection, and operational management to ensure clients meet compliance requirements with ease.
The partnership's impact is particularly significant for small and medium-sized businesses, which often face unique challenges in achieving compliance due to limited resources. Lifeline’s "CMMC Fasttrack Implementation" model allows these businesses to quickly achieve Levels 2 and 3 compliance by leveraging Lifeline's already established cybersecurity framework. Cherry Bekaert complements this with essential readiness assessments, gap analyses, and formal certification services, ensuring that contractors are thoroughly prepared for DoD audits.
As Kurt Manske, Partner and Information Cybersecurity Leader at Cherry Bekaert, noted, "Pairing the Firm's experience as a CMMC C3PAO with a compliant data center elevates our comprehensive cybersecurity compliance advisory services and managed IT offerings, helping our client organizations maintain a secure position over time—not just pass the initial CMMC assessment." This holistic approach is crucial not just for compliance, but also for fostering a culture of cybersecurity resilience that will protect sensitive government and defense data.
With readiness assessments often spanning six months, DoD contractors are urged to prioritize preparation efforts now to meet audit readiness by contractual deadlines. As the rollout of compliance phases continues, those who delay may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in a rapidly changing federal contracting landscape.
For further insights into CMMC compliance, prospective contractors can visit the CMMC consulting page on Cherry Bekaert's website for more detailed information and resources. Lifeline Data Centers, a recognized leader in data center compliance, offers the robust technical foundation necessary for organizations aiming for seamless compliance.
In a time where cybersecurity is paramount, the partnership between Cherry Bekaert and Lifeline Data Centers exemplifies a proactive approach to safeguarding national security interests and supports the critical mission of DoD contractors across the United States.
As the deadline for compliance approaches—set for October 1, 2025—contractors dealing with sensitive information must adhere to stringent certification requirements. These criteria encompass both Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), necessitating a robust framework for data protection. The collaboration between Cherry Bekaert and Lifeline is designed to provide a seamless path to compliance that reduces both financial and operational burdens.
In a statement, Jim Kramer, Digital Advisory Partner at Cherry Bekaert, highlighted the strengths of this alliance, saying, "Lifeline's secure, CMMC-compliant data storage environments allow contractors to inherit a significant portion of the required infrastructure controls. This approach will significantly streamline the certification process." This integration not only simplifies compliance but also safeguards sensitive data that is paramount for contractors in maintaining eligibility for future DoD contracts.
Cherry Bekaert stands as an authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), equipped to support contractors through comprehensive certification assessments and a spectrum of managed IT services. These offerings include strategic IT planning, threat detection, and operational management to ensure clients meet compliance requirements with ease.
The partnership's impact is particularly significant for small and medium-sized businesses, which often face unique challenges in achieving compliance due to limited resources. Lifeline’s "CMMC Fasttrack Implementation" model allows these businesses to quickly achieve Levels 2 and 3 compliance by leveraging Lifeline's already established cybersecurity framework. Cherry Bekaert complements this with essential readiness assessments, gap analyses, and formal certification services, ensuring that contractors are thoroughly prepared for DoD audits.
As Kurt Manske, Partner and Information Cybersecurity Leader at Cherry Bekaert, noted, "Pairing the Firm's experience as a CMMC C3PAO with a compliant data center elevates our comprehensive cybersecurity compliance advisory services and managed IT offerings, helping our client organizations maintain a secure position over time—not just pass the initial CMMC assessment." This holistic approach is crucial not just for compliance, but also for fostering a culture of cybersecurity resilience that will protect sensitive government and defense data.
With readiness assessments often spanning six months, DoD contractors are urged to prioritize preparation efforts now to meet audit readiness by contractual deadlines. As the rollout of compliance phases continues, those who delay may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in a rapidly changing federal contracting landscape.
For further insights into CMMC compliance, prospective contractors can visit the CMMC consulting page on Cherry Bekaert's website for more detailed information and resources. Lifeline Data Centers, a recognized leader in data center compliance, offers the robust technical foundation necessary for organizations aiming for seamless compliance.
In a time where cybersecurity is paramount, the partnership between Cherry Bekaert and Lifeline Data Centers exemplifies a proactive approach to safeguarding national security interests and supports the critical mission of DoD contractors across the United States.
Topics Business Technology）
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