Virginia CMMC grants for defense contractors are available through the Cyber Grants Alliance national grant program. Virginia is home to the Pentagon, Naval Station Norfolk, and Marine Corps Base Quantico, making it the most defense-contractor-dense state in the country. Defense contractors and subcontractors in Virginia that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) under DFARS 252.204-7012 must maintain compliance with NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 regardless of CMMC Phase 2 status. A gap assessment is the first step.
Who qualifies for CMMC grants in Virginia?
Eligibility
- Defense contractors and subcontractors with DoD contracts
- Virginia small and mid-sized businesses handling CUI
- Manufacturers, IT suppliers, and professional services firms in the defense supply chain
- Organizations that have not yet completed a professional CMMC gap assessment
What the grant covers
- $5,000 in-kind CMMC gap assessment
- Assessment of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls
- Written report and prioritized remediation roadmap
- Conducted by certified CMMC assessors
- No cost - nothing to repay
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What CMMC support is available in Virginia?
Virginia MEP Center: GENEDGE Alliance
GENEDGE Alliance is Virginia's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, connecting manufacturers and defense contractors with CMMC readiness support, cybersecurity resources, and defense contracting guidance. Visit genedge.org.
Additional support available to Virginia defense contractors:
- CISA Region 3 - no-cost cybersecurity advisories, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning for eligible Virginia organizations
- Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) - Virginia's statewide cybersecurity research and workforce network, connecting industry with university expertise across the Commonwealth
- Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) - state technology and cybersecurity policy and standards
- Defense Innovation Unit - Virginia-based contractors have access to DIU programs connecting commercial technology with DoD requirements
How much does a CMMC gap assessment cost in Virginia?
A professional CMMC gap assessment for a small to mid-sized defense contractor typically costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on organization size and the number of systems in scope. The CGA in-kind grant provides a full assessment against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls at no cost to qualifying Virginia contractors. This is not a loan and there is nothing to repay.
After the assessment, your organization receives a written report identifying specific control gaps and a prioritized remediation roadmap. Completing a gap assessment before beginning remediation ensures budget is spent on the right gaps in the right order.
Apply for a free CMMC gap assessment in Virginia
100 in-kind grants valued at $5,000 each. Applications take under 10 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions - Virginia CMMC grants
Is CMMC Phase 2 still required for Virginia defense contractors?
On July 13, 2026, the DoD paused CMMC Phase 2 pending a 60-day policy review. The C3PAO third-party audit requirement is on hold. However, DFARS 252.204-7012 remains in every defense contract covering CUI, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 is still the standard, and SPRS scores still get posted to PIEE. Virginia contractors should continue gap assessment and remediation work now.
What is GENEDGE Alliance and how does it support CMMC compliance in Virginia?
GENEDGE Alliance is Virginia's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center. It helps Virginia manufacturers and defense contractors understand CMMC requirements, identify cybersecurity gaps, and access available support programs. GENEDGE is a strong first point of contact for Virginia-based manufacturers and defense contractors navigating CMMC. Visit genedge.org.
Can Virginia subcontractors apply for the CGA grant?
Yes. Subcontractors that handle CUI under a prime contract with the DoD are subject to the same DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST SP 800-171 requirements as prime contractors. Qualifying Virginia subcontractors are encouraged to apply for the in-kind grant.
How is the CMMC gap assessment delivered?
After your application is approved, you will be matched with a certified CMMC assessor. The assessment is conducted remotely and typically completes in two to four weeks. You receive a written report covering all 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls and a prioritized remediation roadmap you can act on immediately.
