Connecticut Launches Grant Program to Help Manufacturers Tackle Federal Cybersecurity Compliance

The increasing cyber threats facing manufacturers in today’s digital world underscore the critical, yet often costly and complex task of achieving cybersecurity compliance. This is particularly true for defense industry suppliers required to obtain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Recognizing this, the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing created the Cybersecurity Adoption Program (CAP), a grant program designed to assist manufacturers seeking CMMC compliance.  

CAP is funded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund and administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.

“The Connecticut Office of Manufacturing is leaning in and listening to our manufacturing customers,” said Paul S. Lavoie, CT Chief Manufacturing Officer.

Eligible companies can apply for a grant up to $35,000 to assist with cybersecurity assessments and CMMC adoption and will be required to pay half the cost.

Up to $10,000 can be used for assessments with the balance allocated to remediation such as training programs and CMMC Level 1 & 2 compliance implementation, performed by a qualified business consultant.

Proposed projects must have a minimum value of $5,000.

“We see a need for this funding especially in small and medium-sized organizations that struggle with becoming compliant,” said Anna Mumford, CONNSTEP Cybersecurity Consultant.

With a focus on accessibility and impactful results, CAP is designed to support manufacturers that currently participate in the Department of Defense supply chain, or those who wish to do so in the future.

“It is expensive and timely as defense industry suppliers are required to achieve CMMC,” said Lavoie.

Without CMMC compliance, companies cannot obtain DoD contracts at any tier of the DoD supply chain.

Applications for the Cybersecurity Adoption Program are now open. Interested manufacturers can learn more about eligibility criteria and the application process by visiting the official program page: https://grants.ccat.us/s/funding-program/a1uDn000000G2hGIAS/cybersecurity-adoption-progrFam-cap

In May 2025, CONNSTEP is hosting a CMMC Bootcamp designed to give participants the knowledge and tools to prepare for CMMC full compliance and certification readiness.

The $5,000 project minimum allows CAP funds to cover Bootcamp attendance and additional one-on-one support from CONNSTEP.

“This grant is a tremendous help in achieving compliance with those who need to meet the DoD’s cybersecurity requirements,” said Mumford.