We Paid for Your Pen Test: How the CGA Pen Testing Grant Works

Penetration testing is one of the most important steps a small defense contractor can take before their CMMC assessment. The CGA Pen Testing Grant funds professional penetration testing for qualifying DIB manufacturers at no cost. It simulates a real-world cyberattack against your systems, validates whether your security controls are actually working (not just documented), and gives you independent evidence you can present in your C3PAO assessment.

The problem is that pen testing typically costs $5,000 to $15,000. For a small manufacturer without a dedicated IT security budget, that cost keeps getting pushed to next quarter. Cyber Grants Alliance removes that barrier entirely.

What Is Penetration Testing and Why Does CMMC Require It?

Penetration testing (also called a pen test or ethical hacking) is an authorized, simulated cyberattack on your systems. A qualified security professional attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in your network, applications, and controls exactly the way a real attacker would. The result is a detailed report covering what they found, what they were able to access, and what needs to be fixed.

For CMMC purposes, pen testing is directly relevant to several NIST SP 800-171A assessment procedures, including controls in the Risk Assessment (CA), System and Communications Protection (SC), and Audit and Accountability (AU) domains. Control CA.2.157 specifically requires organizations to periodically assess the risk to organizational operations from unauthorized access, and penetration testing is one of the most direct ways to satisfy and evidence that requirement.

The DoD CMMC program requires that companies demonstrate, not just document, their security posture. A pen test provides the independent validation that a self-assessment cannot.

When Should You Get a Pen Test?

Timing matters. Getting a pen test too early (before remediation is complete) produces a report full of gaps you already know about. Getting it too late (after scheduling your C3PAO assessment) leaves no time to fix what you find.

The right time for a pen test is after your remediation work is substantially complete but before your formal C3PAO assessment. Specifically:

• After your CMMC gap assessment is complete and you know your control gaps
• After the major remediation items from your POA&M are addressed
• At least 6 to 8 weeks before your scheduled C3PAO assessment date, so you have time to remediate any findings

If you are not sure where you stand on remediation, a funded gap assessment is the right first step before applying for the pen testing grant.

What Does the CGA Pen Testing Grant Cover?

The CGA Pen Testing Grant is an in-kind grant: the service is provided directly to your organization by a qualified security firm at no cost to you. The grant covers:

• External penetration testing: your internet-facing systems and perimeter defenses
• Internal network testing: what an attacker could access after breaching your perimeter
• Vulnerability assessment: known weaknesses across your systems
• Detailed findings report with severity ratings and recommended remediation steps
• Remediation guidance: a prioritized list of what to fix and how

What Happens During the Engagement?

A CGA-funded pen test follows a structured process. First, the scope is defined: which systems, networks, and applications are in scope, and which are excluded. This scoping step is important because it keeps the engagement focused and ensures the testing covers your CUI environment.

During the active testing phase, the security firm will attempt to identify and exploit vulnerabilities using the same techniques real attackers use. This includes network reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, exploitation of weaknesses in configurations and software, and attempts to escalate privileges or move laterally within your environment.

After testing is complete, you receive a detailed findings report organized by severity (critical, high, medium, low). Each finding includes a description of the vulnerability, evidence of exploitation, the potential business impact, and specific remediation steps. You also receive a summary you can share with your C3PAO as evidence of your ongoing risk assessment program.

For context on what assessors look for across the full 110-control framework, see the NIST SP 800-171A assessment guide.

Who Qualifies?

The pen testing grant is designed for small and mid-size businesses that hold or expect to hold DoD contracts, handle FCI or CUI, have existing security controls that need independent validation, and have completed or are preparing for a CMMC gap assessment. If you have not yet completed a gap assessment, we recommend starting there first. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Apply

Visit the pen testing grant page, complete the application, and submit. Cyber Grants Alliance reviews all applications personally and will follow up within 5 to 7 business days. The entire process is straightforward: no lengthy forms, no federal paperwork, no cost to you.

If you are working through the full CMMC compliance process, the pen testing grant fits alongside CGA’s other programs covering gap assessments, employee training, and cybersecurity certifications. Most qualifying organizations can stack multiple grants to cover the majority of their compliance costs before reaching the C3PAO assessment stage.