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

Published April 7, 2026 | Back to State Grants

Pennsylvania defense contractors and small businesses have multiple pathways to strengthen their cybersecurity posture through grants, state programs, MEP resources, and federal resources. With CMMC Phase 2 third-party certification suspended in July 2026 pending a DoD review, and Phase 1 self-assessment obligations still fully in force, 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.

• 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.

• 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: 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.