Cybersecurity Lifeline: $25K Grant Available for South Carolina Defense Manufacturers

South Carolina defense manufacturers, has the challenge of achieving DFARS 7012 and NIST SP 800-171 compliance left you feeling overwhelmed? The South Carolina Department of Commerce's Cybersecurity Assistance Program (SC-CAP) is here to throw you a cybersecurity lifeline. The SC-CAP is actively seeking three more small- and medium-sized companies within the existing defense industrial base (DIB) that are struggling to comply with these crucial regulations due to limited resources and a lack of in-house cybersecurity expertise. If that sounds like your company, this $25K grant could be your ticket to a more secure future.

SC-CAP Program Details

Funded by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) through the SC Department of Employment and Workforce and coordinated by SC Commerce and SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), a total of 31 companies will be selected to participate in the program, which includes completing an assessment and developing a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAMS) toward CMMC Level 2. The maximum funding available to each company is $25,000, including $3,000 for participation. This funding will provide assistance to small- and medium-sized companies within the existing defense supply chain, helping them become aware of and get on a path toward compliance with CMMC requirements.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be considered for the SC-CAP grant, your business must:

1. Be a manufacturer with a physical location in South Carolina for at least one year

2. Operate within the Department of Defense (DoD) Supply Chain

3. Have at least four (4) full-time employees

SC-CAP Deliverables

By taking advantage of the SC-CAP lifeline, you'll join forces with approved IT Vendor Consultants, who will help you:

1. Review your existing NIST SP 800-171 DoD self-assessment and score

2. Conduct a gap assessment to identify areas for improvement

3. Develop and implement a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) to reach compliance

4. Create and execute a System Security Plan (SSP)

5. Provide resources to develop policies, procedures, and practices per the 110 CMMC Level 2 practices

6. Document Objective Evidence to demonstrate CMMC Level 2 compliance

Note: SC-CAP grant funds CANNOT be used for the purchase, installation, setup, or commissioning of hardware or software.

Apply Today: Don't let the complexities of DFARS 7012 and NIST SP 800-171 hold your business back. Apply for the SC-CAP grant now by visiting: https://scbizdev.sccommerce.com/find-resources/cybersecurity-assistance-program

Seize this opportunity to strengthen your cybersecurity posture and give your company the competitive edge it needs. Apply for the SC-CAP grant today and let the lifeline pull you toward success!

For any questions or further information about the SC-CAP grant, please contact Dr. Cynthia Davis at cdavis@sccommerce.com.