Delaware · Mid-Atlantic US
Delaware cybersecurity grants for defense contractors
Delaware's defense footprint is anchored by Dover Air Force Base, the Department of Defense's largest aerial port, plus the Delaware Air National Guard's 166th Airlift Wing. If you hold or pursue DoD work, a CMMC gap assessment shows exactly where you stand, and the Cyber Grants Alliance grant can cover it.
CMMC Phase 2 status: under DoD review. DoD suspended the CMMC Phase 2 third-party certification requirement in July 2026 pending a program review. Phase 1 self-assessment against NIST SP 800-171 remains mandatory now, and self-certified compliance carries more liability with third-party verification on hold.
Why it matters here
Where does Delaware's defense work come from?
Delaware's defense economy is concentrated around airlift and air mobility operations at Dover Air Force Base, with additional Air National Guard activity at New Castle, creating meaningful contracting opportunities, and CMMC obligations, for local businesses.
Dover
Dover Air Force Base
Home of the 436th Airlift Wing and the associate 512th Airlift Wing, operating the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III. The base runs the DoD's largest air freight terminal (370,000 sq ft) and provides roughly 25% of the nation's inter-theater airlift capacity. It is also the primary port of entry for fallen U.S. service members.
New Castle
166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard
Headquartered at New Castle Air National Guard Base on the grounds of New Castle Airport, this wing operates C-130H2 Hercules transport aircraft for tactical airlift, airdrop, and aeromedical evacuation missions.
Your local partner
Who is Delaware's CMMC and manufacturing partner?
The Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP) is Delaware's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, operating on behalf of Delaware Technical Community College and based at the college's Stanton Campus in Newark. DEMEP has served Delaware manufacturers since 1994.
Cybersecurity readiness
DEMEP offers CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance services, along with quality management system support relevant to defense supply chain requirements.
Federal contracting support
DEMEP works alongside partners including the Delaware Division of Small Business and Delaware APEX Accelerators to help manufacturers pursue and perform on government contracts.
More resources
What other cybersecurity support can Delaware businesses use?
Beyond the grant, Delaware businesses can tap additional support through state programs and federal resources.
Delaware APEX Accelerators
Formerly Delaware's PTAC, established in 1999 and funded through the Department of Defense's Office of Small Business Programs, this program provides free counseling to help Delaware businesses compete for federal, state, and local contracts, including guidance on frameworks like CMMC.
CISA Region 3
Serves Delaware through CISA's Philadelphia-based Mid-Atlantic regional office, providing no-cost cybersecurity advisories and incident-response support.
Delaware Division of Small Business
Partners with DEMEP and the MEP National Network to support manufacturers and small businesses navigating state and federal contracting requirements.
The grant
How much does a CMMC gap assessment cost in Delaware?
Through the CMMC gap assessment grant, it is a $5,000 in-kind award, no cash changes hands. You receive the assessment itself, delivered by a certified partner. 100 grants are available.
Confirm you qualify
Open to U.S. defense contractors and manufacturers in the supply chain that hold or pursue DoD contracts and have not yet completed a CMMC assessment.
Get assessed against NIST 800-171
A certified partner reviews your current controls and produces a scored gap report showing what stands between you and CMMC Level 2.
Leave with a remediation plan
You receive a prioritized action list and the resources that can fund the fixes, so compliance becomes a budget line, not a guess.
Questions
Frequently asked questions — Delaware CMMC grants
Who qualifies for the CMMC gap assessment grant in Delaware?
The grant is open to U.S. defense contractors and manufacturers in the DoD supply chain that hold or are pursuing DoD contracts and have not yet completed a CMMC assessment. Delaware businesses supporting Dover Air Force Base or the 166th Airlift Wing at New Castle Air National Guard Base are typical candidates.
How much does a CMMC gap assessment cost in Delaware?
Through the Cyber Grants Alliance program, the assessment is delivered as a $5,000 in-kind grant, no cash award. You receive the assessment itself from a certified partner. 100 grants are available.
What is Delaware's MEP center?
The Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP), based at Delaware Technical Community College's Stanton Campus in Newark, is Delaware's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center. It helps Delaware manufacturers with technology adoption, quality management, and cybersecurity services including CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance.
Is CMMC Level 2 enforcement still happening on November 10, 2026?
No. DoD suspended the CMMC Phase 2 third-party (C3PAO) certification requirement on July 13, 2026, pending a program review, so there is no confirmed enforcement date at this time. Phase 1 self-assessment against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls remains mandatory now, and self-certified SPRS scores carry more liability while third-party verification is paused. A gap assessment is still the essential first step.
Do subcontractors in Delaware need CMMC?
If your contract or a prime's contract involves Controlled Unclassified Information, CMMC requirements generally flow down to subcontractors that handle that information. A gap assessment is the fastest way to confirm what applies to you.
Ready when you are
Apply for your CMMC gap assessment grant
100 in-kind awards, $5,000 each. Confirm eligibility and submit in minutes.