Connecticut Cybersecurity Adoption Program (CAP)

Connecticut Cybersecurity Adoption Program (CAP) is sponsored by Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) with funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund. This program supports Connecticut manufacturing companies in seeking cybersecurity assessments and CMMC Certification, with up to $10,000 for assessments and the balance for remediation.

Connecticut Launches Grant Program to Help Manufacturers Tackle Federal Cybersecurity Compliance 350 Church St. , Hartford, CT 06103 350 Church St.

, Hartford, CT 06103 Connecticut Launches Grant Program to Help Manufacturers Tackle Federal Cybersecurity Compliance The increasing cyber threats facing manufacturers in today’s digital world underscore the critical, yet often costly and complex task of achieving cybersecurity compliance. This is particularly true for defense industry suppliers required to obtain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Recognizing this, the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing created the Cybersecurity Adoption Program (CAP), a grant program designed to assist manufacturers seeking CMMC compliance. CAP is funded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund and administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.

“The Connecticut Office of Manufacturing is leaning in and listening to our manufacturing customers,” said Paul S. Lavoie, CT Chief Manufacturing Officer. Eligible companies can apply for a grant up to $35,000 to assist with cybersecurity assessments and CMMC adoption and will be required to pay half the cost.

Up to $10,000 can be used for assessments with the balance allocated to remediation such as training programs and CMMC Level 1 & 2 compliance implementation, performed by a qualified business consultant. Proposed projects must have a minimum value of $5,000.

“We see a need for this funding especially in small and medium-sized organizations that struggle with becoming compliant,” said Anna Mumford, CONNSTEP Cybersecurity Consultant. With a focus on accessibility and impactful results, CAP is designed to support manufacturers that currently participate in the Department of Defense supply chain, or those who wish to do so in the future.

“It is expensive and timely as defense industry suppliers are required to achieve CMMC,” said Lavoie. Without CMMC compliance, companies cannot obtain DoD contracts at any tier of the DoD supply chain. Applications for the Cybersecurity Adoption Program are now open.

Interested manufacturers can learn more about eligibility criteria and the application process by visiting the official program page: https://grants. ccat. us/s/funding-program/a1uDn000000G2hGIAS/cybersecurity-adoption-progrFam-cap In March 2026, CONNSTEP is hosting a CMMC Bootcamp designed to give participants the knowledge and tools to prepare for CMMC full compliance and certification readiness.

The $5,000 project minimum allows CAP funds to cover CMMC Bootcamp attendance and additional one-on-one support from CONNSTEP. “This grant is a tremendous help in achieving compliance with those who need to meet the DoD’s cybersecurity requirements,” said Mumford.

From In-Person Training to Global Reach: Eljen Transforms Installer Certification with CONNSTEP Eljen Corporation is a Windsor, Connecticut-based manufacturer and global leader in innovative onsite wastewater treatment solutions. Founded in 1970 and operating from a 66,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, Eljen is best known for pioneering its Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF) technology.

The company develops sustainable products that protect public health and the environment through reliable wastewater treatment solutions for residential and commercial applications. Behind Eljen's innovation is a culture deeply rooted in military service. Led by a team of military veterans, the company emphasizes leadership, integrity, and service—values that extend throughout its 60-person workforce and its customer relationships.

Eljen's commitment to recruiting, employing, and supporting veterans has earned national recognition through the U.S. Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Medallion Program. Beyond product innovation, Eljen is committed to educating and supporting the thousands of installers around the world who use its systems.

Through technical expertise and a commitment to customer support, the company helps ensure its products are installed correctly and perform as intended. Small Company, Big Impact: AS9100 Certification Fuels Growth at U. T.

R. Engineering Works Founded in 2019, U. T.

R. Engineering Works is a Norfolk, Connecticut-based precision engineering and manufacturing company specializing in custom design, precision machining, fabrication, and industrial equipment support.

With a hands-on, collaborative approach, the company serves organizations ranging from local family-owned businesses to some of the world's largest corporations, helping manufacturers improve performance, extend equipment life, and maintain operational efficiency. Despite its small size, U. T.

R. delivers engineering expertise across industries including marine, defense, aerospace, offshore oil and gas, subsea robotics, and medical devices.

Operating from a 1,100-square-foot facility with a team of four employees, the company partners with manufacturers to solve complex engineering challenges, improve production processes, and develop innovative solutions through capabilities that include reverse engineering, equipment modifications, process equipment design, and on-site machinery repair and maintenance. Committed to customer satisfaction, U. T.

R. maintains an on-time delivery rate of more than 98% while emphasizing continuous improvement, exceptional quality, and innovative, cost-effective solutions. The company's focus on quality has translated into exceptional customer performance, with no customer complaints, product returns, or customer-initiated corrective actions, supported by consistently positive customer feedback.

Lean Training Improves Setup Efficiency and Drives Growth at Phoenix Manufacturing Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc., founded in 1989, is a privately held family-operated small business in Enfield, Connecticut, specializing in precision machining for the aerospace industry.

What began as a two-person operation in a 2,000-square-foot building has grown into a company with over 100 employees operating out of a 114,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. As a contract manufacturer, Phoenix specializes in complex, tight-tolerance components, supported by more than 40 CNC machines and a multi-axis mill/turn line.

The company provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions—from engineering consultation through full-scale production—serving commercial aviation, spaceflight, and defense markets for both domestic and global customers, including leading aerospace and defense OEMs. A defining element of Phoenix’s growth has been its strategic investment in advanced manufacturing technology, particularly palletized machining centers.

Since 2017, the company has added 11 machining centers integrated with palletized systems, enabling unattended, automated production and significantly expanding machining capacity. This automation journey has positioned Phoenix to better meet increasing customer demand while maximizing machine utilization. Phoenix’s commitment to quality is central to its operations and customer relationships.

Managing more than 600 active part numbers, the company strives for 0 parts per million (PPM) defects and 99% on-time delivery (OTD) for major OEM customers. Its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 and AS9100 Rev D standards, and Phoenix also holds NADCAP certifications in Nonconventional Machining and Nondestructive Testing, reflecting a rigorous, inspection-driven approach to delivering consistent, high-quality results.

Guided by a mission to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products through advanced technology and an uncompromising commitment to quality, Phoenix continues to invest in innovation, automation, and the next generation of manufacturing leadership.

Improving Flow, Reducing Lead Time, and Increasing Output: A Lean Transformation at Projects Inc. Founded in 1959, Projects Inc. is a Glastonbury, Connecticut-based manufacturer specializing in precision-machined components for aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications.

With 102 employees, the company operates out of 66,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space and supports customers across a range of industries, including aerospace and power generation. Projects Inc. has deep roots in the aerospace industry, where it has provided high-quality machining services for decades. Since 1996, the company has supplied FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) components to the aviation sector.

Projects Inc. received FAA Repair Station Certification in 1984. As a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, Projects supports customers with repair solutions that help keep critical aerospace equipment operating safely and efficiently. Its customer base includes major aerospace companies such as Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aerospace, along with airlines including United, Delta, American, and Lufthansa.

Projects Inc. is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – approved. The company is also AS9100D and ISO 9001: 2015-certified, reflecting its commitment to quality, consistency, and industry standards.

With capabilities that include prototyping, CNC machining, EDM, laser cutting, and grinding, Projects Inc. offers a broad range of precision manufacturing services supported by advanced in-house equipment and technical expertise. Today, Projects Inc. is recognized as an experienced supplier of high-quality components, with a long-standing focus on quality, reliability, and customer service.

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A team member will contact you within two business days. Together, we’ll identify how CONNSTEP can best support your manufacturing goals. 350 Church St.

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