CMMC Grant Summit 2026 | Virtual Event | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 12:00–2:00 PM EST

CMMC Grant Summit 2026

A free, focused virtual summit helping Defense Industrial Base (DIB) manufacturers and subcontractors navigate CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 requirements and leverage grants to fund the process.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 12:00–2:00 PM EST Free to Attend
--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs

Reserve Your Free Seat

The CMMC Grant Summit 2026 is a focused, free virtual event for DIB manufacturers and subcontractors. Every attendee is there for the same reason: to understand what CMMC compliance requires and take the next step.

  • Free for all DIB manufacturers, subcontractors, and defense supply chain companies
  • Live, interactive virtual sessions
  • Information, links, and instructions on how to apply for specific grant funding
  • Practical CMMC readiness insights from real practitioners and MEP representatives
  • Small group format: focused conversations, not a mass webinar
  • Leave with clear next steps for your compliance journey

Register Now. It's Free.

Attendance is free. Space is limited. A calendar invite is sent immediately after you register.

Reserve My Seat

No cost. No obligation.

What You Will Take Away From This Summit

Whether you are just starting your CMMC journey or working through a gap assessment, this summit is designed to give you clarity and confidence.

Takeaway 01

A clear understanding of the difference between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 and which applies to your contracts.

Takeaway 02

A practical breakdown of the steps, documentation, and controls required to achieve compliance, in plain language, not government jargon.

Takeaway 03

Insight into the real-world compliance timelines that other DIB manufacturers have experienced, and what slowed them down.

Takeaway 04

A full breakdown of available CMMC grants for DIB manufacturers, presented directly by MEP Centers who administer these programs, including eligibility and how to apply.

Takeaway 05

A list of concrete next steps you can take the week after this summit to move your compliance forward.

Takeaway 06

A streamlined resource guide with direct links and clear, step-by-step instructions on how to secure specific cybersecurity grant funding for your organization.

This Summit Is Built for You If…

New to CMMC

You hold a DoD contract (or plan to) and have heard the term CMMC but are not sure what it means for your business.

Compliance in Progress

You know CMMC applies to you and you have started the process, but gaps, documentation, or timeline questions are slowing you down.

Defense Subcontractor

You are a subcontractor in the defense supply chain and your prime contractor has told you CMMC compliance is required.

Business Owner or Operations Lead

You are a business owner or operations lead at a manufacturer and compliance sits on your desk, but your team is small and you need a clear path forward.

This event is an educational summit for manufacturers. C3PAOs and Defense & Government Contractor Security Stack Manufacturers are welcome as sponsors. See Sponsorship below.

What to Expect: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

12:00 – 12:15 PM EST

Welcome & Opening

Welcome and introductions. Rick Dassler, Executive Director of Cyber Grants Alliance, sets the stage: why CMMC matters now and what is at stake for small manufacturers in the defense supply chain.

12:15 – 12:45 PM EST

CMMC Level 1 vs. Level 2 Explained

What is required, who each level applies to, and what the assessment process actually looks like from a manufacturer's perspective. Plain language, no jargon.

12:45 – 1:15 PM EST

CMMC Grants for DIB Manufacturers

MEP Center representatives present on available grant programs for CMMC compliance: what funding exists, who qualifies, how to apply, and real-world results from manufacturers who have completed the process.

1:15 – 1:45 PM EST

Live Q&A with Speakers

Open, live Q&A with speakers. Attendees submit questions. This is the most interactive part of the summit. If CMMC compliance feels overwhelming, this is where you get direct answers.

1:45 – 2:00 PM EST

Your Next Steps

Closing: your top 5 action items after today. Where to learn more. How to apply for a CMMC grant through your regional MEP center.

Agenda is subject to minor adjustment. Register now to receive the final schedule and event details by email before August 19.

Speakers

Speaker lineup to be announced.

We are finalizing confirmed speakers who will share practical, practitioner-level guidance on CMMC compliance for manufacturers. Speakers are selected based on their direct, hands-on experience helping manufacturers understand and achieve CMMC compliance.

This is an education-first event. We are not looking for product demonstrations or vendor pitches.

Apply to Speak →

For Organizations Serving the DIB

Support the Summit. Become a Sponsor.

The CMMC Grant Summit 2026 is funded through sponsorships from organizations serving the defense industrial base community. Sponsors gain visibility with DIB manufacturers and subcontractors who are actively navigating CMMC compliance.

Presenting Sponsors do not pitch or sell during the summit. This event is to educate and inform and provide resources to the attendees. Presenting Sponsorship is an opportunity to build brand awareness, credibility, and thought leadership.

C3PAOs (Certified Third Party Assessment Organizations) and FedRAMP CSPs, CMMC Compliance Platforms & GRC Vendors, Physical Security Vendors, IAM Specialists, DLP Vendors, and Cyber Security Training & Awareness Providers serving the DIB community are invited to sponsor.

Interested in Sponsoring?

Visit the sponsorship page for full details on tiers, pricing, and how to apply.

View Sponsorship Details →

What sponsors receive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the summit free to attend?

Yes. Attendance is completely free for DIB manufacturers, subcontractors, and defense supply chain companies. The event is supported by sponsors.

When is the event?

Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 12:00–2:00 PM EST. Register to secure your seat and receive all event details and your calendar invite by email.

Do I need prior CMMC knowledge to attend?

No. This summit is designed to be accessible for manufacturers at any stage, whether you are just learning about CMMC or already working toward compliance. If you are not sure where to start, this event is built for that moment.

Who should attend?

DIB manufacturers and subcontractors navigating CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 compliance, at any stage of the process. If CMMC applies to your contracts, this event is for you.

What platform will the event be on?

The summit is hosted on a live virtual platform. Details are shared with registered attendees ahead of the event. No special software or download is required.

Will the event be recorded?

A summary and key takeaways will be shared with all registered attendees after the event. Live attendance is encouraged. Interactive sessions are not pre-recorded replays.

Is this event related to CGA's grant programs?

This summit is an educational event. Cyber Grants Alliance grant programs are separate. Visit our Grant Programs page to learn more about available funding for your business.

How do I contact someone with questions?

For event questions, reach Rick directly. Book a call on his calendar or email info@cybergrantsalliance.org. Rick responds within 5–7 business days.

Your CMMC Compliance Journey Starts Here

Hundreds of DIB manufacturers are navigating the same questions you have right now. The CMMC Grant Summit is a free, focused, no-pressure environment to get educated, ask questions, and walk away with a clear picture of your next step.

Reserve your seat today. Space is limited.

Have questions before registering? All conversations are by scheduled appointment.