Connecticut is launching a new initiative to strengthen the state\u2019s defense manufacturing competitiveness.<\/p>\n
The Department of Economic and Community Development\u2019s Office of Manufacturing announced the Connecticut Defense Cybersecure Program<\/a> Oct. 29.<\/p>\n The program will provide grants, technical support, and other assistance to strengthen manufacturers\u2019 cybersecurity capabilities.<\/p>\n The resources are designed to help protect sensitive information and improve competitiveness.<\/p>\n The state will fund the program with an initial $2 million investment.<\/p>\n Industrial Base<\/p>\n Connecticut is home to more than 900 defense manufacturers.<\/p>\n The state secured $38.4 billion in Department of Defense prime contracts in fiscal 2025, ranking fourth nationally.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re strengthening one of the nation\u2019s premier defense manufacturing ecosystems.\u201d<\/p>\n Gov. Ned Lamont<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cOur manufacturers need to be able to protect sensitive information, respond to evolving cybersecurity threats, and meet the expectations of the customers they serve,\u201d said Gov. Ned Lamont.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough DCP, we\u2019re strengthening one of the nation\u2019s premier defense manufacturing ecosystems while helping create opportunities for continued innovation, investment and job growth across our state.\u201d<\/p>\n The state created the program in response to evolving DOD cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors.<\/p>\n Cybersecurity Requirements<\/p>\n The Phase II rollout of third-party CMMC Level 2 assessments remains suspended<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, manufacturers still face cybersecurity and self-assessment requirements that can affect their eligibility for defense contracts.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to ensure our manufacturers have the tools, expertise and support they need.\u201d<\/p>\n DECD\u2019s Kirti Patel<\/p><\/blockquote>\n DCP participants will have access to tiered financial resources and technical support.<\/p>\n They will also be able to access qualified cybersecurity service providers to help navigate the requirements.<\/p>\n \u201cAs cybersecurity requirements continue to evolve, we want to ensure our manufacturers have the tools, expertise and support they need to prepare for CMMC Level 2 requirements,\u201d said DECD deputy commissioner and chief manufacturing officer Kirti Patel.<\/p>\n Helping Manufacturers<\/p>\n DCP was developed with input from the Connecticut Defense Cybersecurity Advisory Council.<\/p>\n The council includes local government representatives, national cybersecurity experts, Aerospace Components Manufacturers, and the Naval Maritime Consortium.<\/p>\n \u201cKeeping pace with today\u2019s evolving cybersecurity requirements can be a significant challenge, especially for small and midsized companies,\u201d said Aerospace Components Manufacturers executive director Jessica Taylor.<\/p>\n \u201cKeeping pace with today\u2019s evolving cybersecurity requirements can be a significant challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n ACM\u2019s Jessica Taylor<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cDCP is an important step in helping Connecticut\u2019s defense suppliers strengthen their cyber readiness and remain competitive,\u201d said Naval Maritime Consortium executive director Walker Potts.<\/p>\n The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology will administer the program. <\/p>\n Defense manufacturers can learn more about the program here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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