Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Grants for Defense Contractors

Pennsylvania CMMC Grants for Manufacturers: Army Depots, Defense Logistics, and DVIRC Support

Published April 7, 2026 | Back to State Grants

Letterkenny Army Depot
Joint Munitions Cmd
Tobyhanna Army Depot
Electronics & Comm
Defense Logistics
Agency Region
Pittsburgh Tech
Innovation Corridor

Pennsylvania MEP Center

DVIRC — Visit dvirc.org for manufacturing support and defense contracting resources.

Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania's Defense and Manufacturing Landscape

Pennsylvania supports a significant defense manufacturing ecosystem through two major Army depots, the Defense Logistics Agency, and a thriving technology corridor in Pittsburgh. The state plays a critical role in defense logistics, electronics maintenance, and precision manufacturing.

Defense Installations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's defense infrastructure is anchored by Letterkenny Army Depot and Tobyhanna Army Depot, which handle electronics maintenance and repair for the entire DoD. This creates extensive contracting opportunities in supply chain management and precision manufacturing.

  • Letterkenny Army Depot (Chambersburg): DoD's east coast depot for missile and munitions maintenance. The depot generates contracting in logistics, precision manufacturing, and specialized equipment.
  • Tobyhanna Army Depot (Tobyhanna): The DoD's largest electronics maintenance facility. Tobyhanna handles communications, radar, and electronic warfare systems for all military branches.
  • Defense Logistics Agency: DLA operations throughout Pennsylvania support supply chain management for fuel, food, medical supplies, and industrial equipment for the entire DoD.

Pennsylvania's MEP Center: DVIRC

The Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC) serves as Pennsylvania's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, providing specialized assistance to manufacturers in the Philadelphia region and throughout the state. Through dvirc.org, DVIRC connects Pennsylvania manufacturers with cybersecurity resources and defense contracting support.

DVIRC Resources for Defense Manufacturers

DVIRC helps Pennsylvania manufacturers understand CMMC requirements, identify cybersecurity gaps, and access available grant programs. The organization works closely with defense contractors to navigate compliance requirements.

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

State and Regional Cybersecurity Resources

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

Pittsburgh Tech Corridor and Lehigh Valley Manufacturing

Pittsburgh's technology corridor and the Lehigh Valley manufacturing cluster provide a strong foundation for defense contractors in Pennsylvania. These regions have established supply chains and workforce development programs supporting defense manufacturing.

  • Pittsburgh Tech Corridor: The Pittsburgh region has strong capabilities in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing, with applications in defense production and supply chain management.
  • Lehigh Valley Manufacturing: The Lehigh Valley is one of the largest manufacturing clusters in the Northeast, with capabilities in metals, chemicals, and precision manufacturing for defense applications.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: State programs supporting workforce training, technology adoption, and international trade for Pennsylvania manufacturers.

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). Pennsylvania manufacturers working with Army depots or DLA will need CMMC certification.

CMMC Phase 2 Deadline: November 10, 2026

Beginning November 10, 2026, DoD will begin enforcing CMMC Level 2 certification on contracts involving CUI. Manufacturers without a current gap assessment may find themselves ineligible for new awards.

  • 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.

Who Is Eligible?

Defense contractors, subcontractors, and manufacturers who do business with the DoD or handle CUI on behalf of federal agencies. Small and mid-sized businesses are especially encouraged to apply.

  • 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.

Ready to Start Your CMMC Journey?

Apply for the CGA National CMMC Gap Assessment Grant. 100 in-kind grants valued at $5,000 each.

Apply for the Grant

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.