Connecticut CMMC Grants for Manufacturers: Submarine Supply Chain, Aerospace, and CONNSTEP Support

Published April 7, 2026 | Back to State Grants

Connecticut defense contractors and small businesses have multiple pathways to strengthen their cybersecurity posture through grants, state programs, MEP resources, and federal resources. With the CMMC Phase 2 deadline approaching in November 2026, now is the time to understand what support is available and how to access it.

Connecticut's Defense and Manufacturing Landscape

Connecticut, known as Aerospace Alley, hosts some of the nation's most critical defense manufacturing. From nuclear submarines to military helicopters to aircraft engines, the state's defense industrial base is concentrated in precision manufacturing and advanced technology.

• Naval Submarine Base New London (Groton): The Navy's primary submarine training and operational base on the east coast. Electric Boat builds nuclear submarines here, creating one of the most security-sensitive manufacturing environments in the country.
• Coast Guard Academy (New London): The nation's only service academy for the U.S. Coast Guard. The academy generates contracting in maritime security, communications, and training systems.
• Pratt & Whitney / Raytheon (East Hartford): Pratt & Whitney produces military and commercial aircraft engines. The company's extensive supplier network requires cybersecurity compliance from all participants.
• General Dynamics Electric Boat (Groton): The sole builder of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Electric Boat's supply chain of hundreds of manufacturers must meet the highest cybersecurity standards for CUI protection.

Connecticut's MEP Center: CONNSTEP

CONNSTEP serves as Connecticut's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, providing specialized assistance to manufacturers seeking cybersecurity improvements and defense contracting opportunities. Through connstep.org, CONNSTEP connects Connecticut manufacturers with the resources they need to compete in the defense supply chain.

• Cybersecurity Readiness: CONNSTEP offers technology assessments and CMMC gap evaluation tools that can help manufacturers identify their current compliance status against NIST SP 800-171.
• Defense Contracting Support: CONNSTEP assists small businesses with SAM.gov registration, proposal development, and subcontracting opportunities in the Connecticut defense supply chain.
• Website: connstep.org

State and Federal Cybersecurity Resources

Connecticut manufacturers can access additional cybersecurity support through state programs and federal partnerships designed to protect the submarine and aerospace supply chains.

• CISA Region 1: CISA's Boston region covers Connecticut and provides no-cost cybersecurity advisories, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning for eligible organizations.
• Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT): CCAT administers the Cybersecurity Adoption Program and provides technology adoption support to Connecticut manufacturers.
• Connecticut Department of Economic Development: State programs supporting workforce training, international trade, and technology adoption for Connecticut manufacturers in the defense supply chain.

CMMC Compliance: What Manufacturers Need to Know

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program requires defense manufacturers to meet specific cybersecurity standards before winning contracts that involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Connecticut manufacturers working with Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney, or Sikorsky will need CMMC certification.

• NIST SP 800-171: The foundation of CMMC Level 2. Covers 110 security controls across 14 domains including Access Control, Audit and Accountability, Risk Assessment, and Incident Response.
• Gap Assessment: A professional gap assessment identifies exactly which controls your organization does not yet meet and creates a roadmap to compliance. This is the critical first step before remediation.
• CGA Grant: The CGA CMMC Gap Assessment Grant provides a $5,000 in-kind professional assessment at no cost to eligible contractors. Apply now.

CGA National CMMC Gap Assessment Grant

Cyber Grants Alliance (CGA) is offering 100 in-kind grants valued at $5,000 each to help defense manufacturers complete a professional CMMC gap assessment. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

• What You Get: A professional gap assessment against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls, conducted by certified CMMC assessors. You receive a written report and remediation roadmap.
• What It Costs: Nothing. The $5,000 assessment is provided at no cost through the CGA grant program, funded by CMMC Ready Now.
• How to Apply: Complete the online application. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis until all 100 are distributed.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step toward CMMC compliance starts with understanding where your organization stands.

• Step 1: Complete the CGA Grant Application at cybergrantsalliance.org/cmmc-gap-assessment-grant. Applications take under 10 minutes.
• Step 2: If approved, you will be matched with a certified assessor who will conduct your gap assessment within 2 to 4 weeks.
• Step 3: Review your assessment report and begin remediation planning. CGA and CMMC Ready Now can connect you with implementation support if needed.
• Step 4: Once remediation is complete, schedule your official CMMC certification assessment with an accredited C3PAO.

This post is for informational purposes only. Cyber Grants Alliance is a nonprofit providing grant access. CMMC Ready Now provides in-kind grants and professional assessment services.