Cyber Grants Alliance Urges DIB Companies to Leverage Level 1 and 2 Gap Assessment Grants Before Enforcement Deadlines

Published Date: 07-28-2026

Location: DC, United States

DC, UNITED STATES, July 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Following the Department of Defense's July 13, 2026, announcement suspending Phase 2 CMMC third-party assessments, Cyber Grants Alliance reminds manufacturing DIB companies that critical cybersecurity obligations remain unchanged and immediate action is essential.

Top 3 Impacts on Manufacturing DIB Companies

1. Self-Assessment Requirements Remain Mandatory
Phase 1 self-assessments, NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 compliance, and DFARS 252.204-7012 safeguarding requirements are still legally enforceable obligations subject to the False Claims Act.

2. Contractual Uncertainty Creates Competitive Risk
While C3PAO certifications are paused, prime contractors may still require them for supplier programs, and companies without documented compliance posture risk losing contract opportunities during the 60-day review period.

3. Compliance Costs and Burdens Persist
The pause addresses bureaucratic certification requirements, not underlying cybersecurity obligations. Companies must continue protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) regardless of certification pathway changes.

Critical Clarifications to Compel Immediate Action

Cyber Grants Alliance addressed three key misconceptions that have circulated since the DoD announcement: that the pause permits delayed compliance efforts; that third-party assessments are permanently eliminated; and that in-kind grants remain valueless. Each clarification emphasizes ongoing mandatory compliance obligations, potential framework modifications, and the competitive advantage of maintaining documented compliance posture even during the review period.

Immediate In-Kind Grants Available

Cyber Grants Alliance provides two in-kind grant readiness programs available now, regardless of the Phase 2 pause:

• CMMC Level 1 Gap Assessment Grant ($5,000 In-Kind): Evaluates 17 basic cyber hygiene practices across 6 control families under FAR 52.204-21. Designed for companies with Level 1 self-assessment obligations.
• CMMC Level 2 Gap Assessment Grant ($10,000 In-Kind): Delivers a full evaluation against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls across 14 control families for companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Both programs provide documented baselines that remain valuable under any certification framework -- current or revised.

"Establishing an accurate baseline today is a crucial step to safeguard defense contracts."

Rick Dassler, Executive Director, Cyber Grants Alliance

DIB manufacturers interested in applying for a Level 1 or Level 2 Gap Assessment Grant can learn more and submit an application at cybergrantsalliance.org/cmmc-level-1-gap-assessment-grant or cybergrantsalliance.org/cmmc-level-2-gap-assessment-grant.

About Cyber Grants Alliance

Cyber Grants Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making cybersecurity accessible to small and medium-sized businesses -- including manufacturers serving the defense industrial base -- through grants, education, and resources. For more information, visit cybergrantsalliance.org.

Media Contact
Rick Dassler
Cyber Grants Alliance
+1 (888) 323-9991
info@cybergrantsalliance.org
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