Cybersecurity Compliance Funding
About Government Contractor Cybersecurity Compliance
Small businesses working on government contracts, especially with the Department of Defense (DoD), must comply with key cybersecurity requirements:
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC): A certification program ensuring contractors protect sensitive federal data. It includes multiple levels of cybersecurity practices and requires third-party validation.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-171: A set of guidelines outlining how to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems. It serves as the foundation for CMMC.
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS): A DoD regulation requiring contractors to implement NIST SP 800-171 standards, safeguard Covered Defense Information, and report cyber incidents.
Why It’s Important
Compliance ensures the protection of sensitive information, eligibility for contracts, and alignment with national security goals. It also builds trust with federal agencies and reduces risks of cyberattacks, legal penalties, and disqualification from government work.
AAEDC Certification Compliance Funding
AAEDC’s Next Stage Tech Fund exists to support the growth of tech-based businesses in Anne Arundel County – including small government contractor businesses that are planning to allocate money for compliance certifications including (but not limited to) CMMC, NIST, and DFARS. The Fund offers low-interest loans with flexible terms, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
Click here to learn more and request a consultation with our finance team today.
Additional Resources
In addition to AAEDC’s Next Stage Tech Fund, there are several Federal and State programs that exist to support small businesses navigating cybersecurity requirements. There are also many organizations that offer valuable information on the topic.
- Department of Defense (DoD) Programs
- Project Spectrum: Supported by DoD’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), Project Spectrum is dedicated to enhancing the cybersecurity of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Its mission is to strengthen cybersecurity readiness, resilience, and compliance for small and medium-sized businesses and the federal manufacturing supply chain. The program provides tailored resources to help businesses navigate cybersecurity challenges effectively and affordably through free tools, assessments, and resources. Their affordable guidance and tailored training will enhance competitiveness and improve business resilience.
- Maryland MEP Maryland Defense Cybersecurity Assistance Program (DCAP): Established through support from DoD’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) and the Maryland Department of Commerce, DCAP provides education and resources to help Defense Contractors comply with DFARS and NIST 800-171 Standards. The DoD has introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification as a future way to incorporate standards into acquisition programs, providing assurance that contractors are meeting DoD’s cybersecurity requirements.
- Maryland Department of Commerce Programs
- Buy Maryland Cybersecurity (BMC): Provides an income tax credit of 50% of the purchase price for Maryland companies with 50 or fewer employees that purchase cybersecurity goods, products, or services from Qualified Maryland Cybersecurity Sellers. Approved Qualified Maryland Cybersecurity Sellers in Anne Arundel County include:
- Employer Security Clearance Cost (ESCC): Provides income tax credits for expenses related to federal security clearance costs, construction of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), and first-year leasing costs for small businesses doing security-based contract work.
- Maryland APEX Accelerator Compliance Webinar Videos
- Regional Cybersecurity Organizations: