CONNSTEP Introduces New Tool to Help Manufacturers Estimate CMMC 2.0 Compliance Costs

Amanda Beaulieu • August 6, 2026
Screen shot of CONNSTEP C

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:

Recent Posts

August 6, 2026
Founded in 2019, U.T.R. Engineering Works is a Norfolk, Connecticut-based precision engineering and manufacturing company specializing in custom design, precision machining, fabrication, and industrial equipment support. With a hands-on, collaborative approach, the company serves organizations ranging from local family-owned businesses to some of the world's largest corporations, helping manufacturers improve performance, extend equipment life, and maintain operational efficiency. Despite its small size, U.T.R. delivers engineering expertise across industries including marine, defense, aerospace, offshore oil and gas, subsea robotics, and medical devices. Operating from a 1,100-square-foot facility with a team of four employees, the company partners with manufacturers to solve complex engineering challenges, improve production processes, and develop innovative solutions through capabilities that include reverse engineering, equipment modifications, process equipment design, and on-site machinery repair and maintenance.  Committed to customer satisfaction, U.T.R. maintains an on-time delivery rate of more than 98% while emphasizing continuous improvement, exceptional quality, and innovative, cost-effective solutions. The company's focus on quality has translated into exceptional customer performance, with no customer complaints, product returns, or customer-initiated corrective actions, supported by consistently positive customer feedback.
April 29, 2026
Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc., founded in 1989, is a privately held family-operated small business in Enfield, Connecticut, specializing in precision machining for the aerospace industry. What began as a two-person operation in a 2,000-square-foot building has grown into a company with over 100 employees operating out of a 114,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. As a contract manufacturer, Phoenix specializes in complex, tight-tolerance components, supported by more than 40 CNC machines and a multi-axis mill/turn line. The company provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions—from engineering consultation through full-scale production—serving commercial aviation, spaceflight, and defense markets for both domestic and global customers, including leading aerospace and defense OEMs. A defining element of Phoenix’s growth has been its strategic investment in advanced manufacturing technology, particularly palletized machining centers. Since 2017, the company has added 11 machining centers integrated with palletized systems, enabling unattended, automated production and significantly expanding machining capacity. This automation journey has positioned Phoenix to better meet increasing customer demand while maximizing machine utilization. Phoenix’s commitment to quality is central to its operations and customer relationships. Managing more than 600 active part numbers, the company strives for 0 parts per million (PPM) defects and 99% on-time delivery (OTD) for major OEM customers. Its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 and AS9100 Rev D standards, and Phoenix also holds NADCAP certifications in Nonconventional Machining and Nondestructive Testing, reflecting a rigorous, inspection-driven approach to delivering consistent, high-quality results.  Guided by a mission to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products through advanced technology and an uncompromising commitment to quality, Phoenix continues to invest in innovation, automation, and the next generation of manufacturing leadership.
April 28, 2026
Founded in 1959, Projects Inc. is a Glastonbury, Connecticut-based manufacturer specializing in precision-machined components for aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications. With 102 employees, the company operates out of 66,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space and supports customers across a range of industries, including aerospace and power generation. Projects Inc. has deep roots in the aerospace industry, where it has provided high-quality machining services for decades. Since 1996, the company has supplied FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) components to the aviation sector. Projects Inc. received FAA Repair Station Certification in 1984. As a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, Projects supports customers with repair solutions that help keep critical aerospace equipment operating safely and efficiently. Its customer base includes major aerospace companies such as Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aerospace, along with airlines including United, Delta, American, and Lufthansa. Projects Inc. is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – approved. The company is also AS9100D and ISO 9001: 2015-certified, reflecting its commitment to quality, consistency, and industry standards. With capabilities that include prototyping, CNC machining, EDM, laser cutting, and grinding, Projects Inc. offers a broad range of precision manufacturing services supported by advanced in-house equipment and technical expertise. Today, Projects Inc. is recognized as an experienced supplier of high-quality components, with a long-standing focus on quality, reliability, and customer service.
Penn Globe logo over a room with people, possibly a conference.
February 11, 2026
Learn how Penn Globe partnered with CONNSTEP to invest in employee training, strengthen skills, and support business growth and competitiveness.
Logo of Specialty Cable Corporation (SCC) in a warehouse setting.
February 10, 2026
See how Specialty Cable Manufacturers partnered with CONNSTEP to strengthen quality systems and successfully achieve AS9100 recertification.
People in a factory setting, with the Forum Contract Manufacturing logo in the foreground.
February 9, 2026
Learn how Forum Plastics partnered with CONNSTEP to invest in supervisory training, strengthen leadership skills, and support long-term growth.
Logo of the letter
February 8, 2026
See how a Connecticut printing company partnered with CONNSTEP to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and advance environmental sustainability.
Beekley Medical logo with text
February 7, 2026
Learn how a medical products manufacturer partnered with CONNSTEP to strengthen quality systems and achieve successful recertification.
Pursuit Aerospace logo over a blurred medical equipment background. The logo is white text on a black rectangular box.
February 6, 2026
See how an aerospace manufacturer partnered with CONNSTEP to conduct an internal quality audit and get back on track to compliance.
Woman in lab setting, logo overlay of Syn-Mar Products Inc., blue and white color scheme.
February 5, 2026
Learn how a home bathroom remodeling manufacturer partnered with CONNSTEP to use lean training to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Show More