Aprio Expands Government Contracting Services with CAVU Advisors Acquisition

Top 25 accounting firm Aprio combines with Maryland-based CAVU to bolster expertise in aerospace, defense, and federal contracting

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of government contracting documents, a pen, and a small American flag, arranged elegantly on a clean white background to symbolize the precision and importance of Aprio's work in the federal contracting sector.A refined, minimalist still life captures the essence of Aprio's expanded government contracting services through its acquisition of CAVU Advisors.Columbia Today

Top 25 accounting firm Aprio is expanding its services for government contractors by combining with Columbia, Maryland-based CAVU Advisors. The deal is expected to strengthen Aprio's presence in the Washington, D.C. region and provide its clients with deeper expertise in the government contracting space.

Why it matters

The acquisition of CAVU Advisors allows Aprio to better serve its clients in the aerospace, defense, and government contracting industries by combining CAVU's specialized expertise with Aprio's integrated service platform. This move positions Aprio to capitalize on growth opportunities in the D.C. metro area, a key hub for federal contractors.

The details

CAVU Advisors was founded in 2005 by owners of government contracting businesses and delivers accounting, financial, and technology services to federal contractors, with specialized expertise in software systems like Unanet and Deltek. Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman said the combination will allow the firm to provide clients 'more of what they need in one place.' CAVU's team, including CEO Susan Beall and other key leaders, will be joining Aprio as part of the deal.

  • Aprio announced the acquisition of CAVU Advisors on April 3, 2026.
  • CAVU Advisors was founded in 2005.

The players

Aprio

A Top 25 accounting firm that is expanding its government contracting services through the acquisition of CAVU Advisors.

CAVU Advisors

A Maryland-based firm that provides accounting, financial, and technology services to federal government contractors, with specialized expertise in relevant software systems.

Richard Kopelman

CEO of Aprio.

Susan Beall

CEO of CAVU Advisors.

Nicole Trimble

President of CAVU Advisors, who will become a partner at Aprio.

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What they’re saying

“Our clients in aerospace, defense, and government need more than an accounting firm; they need a partner who knows their world and can grow with them.”

— Richard Kopelman, CEO, Aprio

“CAVU Advisors has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner to government contractors by staying deeply focused on their needs and delivering consistently high-quality service.”

— Susan Beall, CEO, CAVU Advisors

“Joining Aprio allows us to build on that foundation, bringing our clients more resources, broader capabilities, and new opportunities, while continuing to deliver the hands-on service they rely on.”

— Nicole Trimble, President, CAVU Advisors

What’s next

Aprio plans to integrate CAVU Advisors' team and capabilities into its existing government contracting practice, further strengthening its position in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

The takeaway

This acquisition demonstrates Aprio's strategic focus on expanding its industry-specific expertise and geographic reach, particularly in high-growth markets like government contracting. The combination of Aprio's integrated platform and CAVU's specialized knowledge positions the firm to better serve the evolving needs of its clients in the aerospace, defense, and federal contracting sectors.