CONNSTEP has launched an innovative new tool to help defense manufacturers better understand the scope and cost of achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 compliance. The CMMC 2.0 Compliance Estimator enables manufacturers to assess their defense contract readiness and receive a preliminary project cost estimate in less than five minutes.
As CMMC requirements become increasingly critical across the defense industrial base, manufacturers are seeking practical ways to understand the time, resources, and investment needed to achieve compliance. The Compliance Estimator helps organizations begin that process with greater confidence while connecting them with CONNSTEP's cybersecurity experts to develop a customized path toward certification.
"Manufacturers shouldn't have to guess what it will take to achieve CMMC compliance."
Beatriz N. Gutierrez, CONNSTEP President & CEO
How the Compliance Estimator Works
CONNSTEP’s CMMC 2.0 Compliance Estimator is a quick, easy tool designed to give manufacturers a fast cost estimate for their CMMC 2.0 compliance journey.
Using an online intake portal through connstep.org/cmmc-help-now, the Compliance Estimator chatbot guides users through a series of questions to gauge where an organization is in its CMMC process, including:
- Defense supply chain scope
- Handling of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- CMMC implementation goals and timeline
- IT and System Security Plan status
Depending on each answer provided, the system’s AI technology determines each organization’s needs and potential level of engagement required to reach its CMMC goals.
At any point during the questionnaire, the system allows the user to exit the tool and instead reach out to a CONNSTEP advisor for assistance in assessing their CMMC compliance needs.
Once the questionnaire is completed, the system processes the user's responses and immediately provides a preliminary cost estimate for a future CONNSTEP CMMC engagement.
The cost estimate is for informational purposes and intended to provide manufacturers with a preliminary understanding of the potential scope and costs associated with their CMMC journey. It is an estimate only and should not be considered a contract, binding quote, or formal proposal.
Next Steps
Once the estimate is provided, a CONNSTEP representative will be in contact within two business days to discuss the results of the Compliance Estimator.
Final compliance requirements and project costs will be refined into a comprehensive CMMC readiness plan tailored to the organization's specific needs.
Innovation That Supports Connecticut Manufacturers
As manufacturers continue adopting advanced technologies to improve their operations, CONNSTEP is also embracing new technologies to enhance the support and expertise it provides.
“This tool goes beyond assessing CMMC readiness—it represents our first step in leveraging AI within our operations to better deliver on our mission of supporting and strengthening Connecticut’s manufacturing community,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP President & CEO.
The CMMC 2.0 Compliance Estimator provides Connecticut manufacturers with a fast, accessible way to better understand the scope of their CMMC journey while reinforcing CONNSTEP's commitment to delivering practical solutions that help manufacturers succeed.
"Manufacturers shouldn't have to guess what it will take to achieve CMMC compliance," said Gutierrez. "The Compliance Estimator gives manufacturers a practical starting point for understanding their readiness and potential investment while connecting them with the experts who can help them develop a clear path toward certification."
"This tool goes beyond assessing CMMC readiness—it represents our first step in leveraging AI within our operations to better deliver on our mission of supporting and strengthening Connecticut’s manufacturing community."
Gutierrez
Funding Opportunities
Eligible Connecticut defense manufacturers may be able to offset the cost of CMMC readiness through the Cybersecurity Adoption Program (CAP). The program provides up to $35,000 in matching grant funding to support cybersecurity improvements and CMMC compliance efforts. Manufacturers interested in learning more can discuss potential funding opportunities with a CONNSTEP advisor.
Get Started with CONNSTEP
Preparing for CMMC certification can be a complex process, but manufacturers don't have to navigate it alone. CONNSTEP's cybersecurity experts provide the guidance, technical expertise, and hands-on support manufacturers need to assess their readiness, develop a compliance strategy, and prepare for certification.
The CMMC 2.0 Compliance Estimator is a fast, easy way for organizations to better understand their potential compliance needs and project scope.
Visit connstep.org/cmmc-help-now to use the CMMC 2.0 Compliance Estimator and explore connstep.org to learn more about CONNSTEP's cybersecurity solutions, CMMC resources, and the latest updates on Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements.
More information on the U.S. Department of Defense CMMC 2.0 program can be found through the following links:
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