Ohio CMMC Grants for Manufacturers: Wright-Patterson, Defense Manufacturing, and MAGNET Support

Published April 7, 2026 | Back to State Grants

Ohio 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.

Ohio's Defense and Manufacturing Landscape

Ohio supports a significant defense manufacturing ecosystem through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and specialized manufacturing facilities throughout the state. The state's central location and logistics infrastructure make it a key hub for defense supply chains.

• Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton): The Air Force's premier research and development installation. Wright-Patterson generates contracting in aerospace research, IT systems, logistics, and engineering services.
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): DFAS headquarters in Columbus manages pay and financial services for the entire DoD. The agency requires contractors for financial systems, IT, and administrative support.
• Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (Lima): The DoD's only tank manufacturing facility. The Lima plant produces the Abrams tank and generates contracting in precision manufacturing, metals, and supply chain management.

Ohio's MEP Center: MAGNET

MAGNET (Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network) serves as Ohio's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, providing specialized assistance to manufacturers seeking cybersecurity improvements and defense contracting opportunities. Through manufacturingsuccess.org, MAGNET connects Ohio manufacturers with the resources they need to compete.

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

State and Federal Cybersecurity Resources

Ohio businesses can access additional cybersecurity support through state programs and federal partnerships designed to protect the defense manufacturing supply chain.

• CISA Region 5: CISA's Chicago region covers Ohio and provides threat intelligence, vulnerability scanning, and incident response support for eligible organizations.
• Ohio Manufacturing Advisory Council: State-supported council connecting manufacturers with workforce training, technology adoption, and cybersecurity resources.
• Third Frontier Program: Ohio's technology investment program sometimes supports cybersecurity research partnerships with Ohio universities and research institutions.

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). Ohio manufacturers working with Wright-Patterson, DFAS, or the Lima tank plant 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.