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CMMC Phase II Suspension and Reform Task Force

Posted by Elizabeth on July 14, 2026

The Department of War (DoW) is pausing the rollout of the Phase 2 implementation of CMMC while allowing Level 1 or Level 2 self-assessments to continue to be included in procurement requests. The cybersecurity NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2* requirements outlined in DFARS 252.204-7012 remain in effect. Cybersecurity compliance will continue to be enforced through self-assessments and select government-led assessments. See the press release here: https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4542329/forging-the-arsenal-of-freedom-department-of-war-suspends-cmmc-phase-ii-require/ and news coverage: https://defensescoop.com/2026/07/13/dod-halts-cmmc-cybersecurity-requirements-phase-2/

DoW is seeking feedback from industry by establishing a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Reform Task Force to gather feedback about reducing compliance costs and administrative burdens while protecting federal data and strengthening operational resilience. A Request for Information (RFI), distributed on July 13^th, seeks responses before August 14^th to help shape the future of cybersecurity and the operational resilience of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). To see more about how to respond to the RFI, view the announcement on SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/89ef9bfb0834473791e991c712698d94/view

For more information on how to comply with CMMC and upload your SPRS Score (which still matters), leverage Project Spectrum training at https://www.projectspectrum.io/ and check out the DoW Chief Information Officer website for additional resources: https://dowcio.war.gov/

Footnote:

*NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 will eventually be adopted into DFARS – learn more here: https://www.governmentcontractslaw.com/2025/04/the-prestige-dod-unveils-nist-sp-800-171-revision-3-organizationally-defined-parameters/

Tags: CMMC, CyberSecurity, DOD, DoW

Posted in: News Feed, Uncategorized

Boosting Small Manufacturers

Posted by Elizabeth on May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026 update from our friends at the DoW OSBP:

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SBA Launches Enhanced Loan Guarantee Program for Eligible Manufacturers

Small business manufacturers have a new opportunity to access capital and scale their operations through the U.S. Small Business Association’s (SBA) “Made in America Loan Guarantee” program. This initiative is designed to help small businesses expand facilities, hire workers, and increase production—key steps in strengthening both domestic manufacturing and national security. Starting May 1, 2026, eligible manufacturers across NAICS Sectors 31–33 may use the funds to:

Upgrade or replace equipment to improve productivity and reduce unit costs.
Modernize facilities and production lines to meet customer and national security requirements.
Diversify supply chains away from foreign adversaries and bring critical production back to the United States.
Build more resilient inventory positions.
Expand operations and capacity through strategic acquisitions.

By reducing lender risk, the loan guarantee can improve access to financing for small manufacturers looking to modernize operations, invest in equipment, or meet increasing demand tied to government and defense needs. When paired with efforts like the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network, this loan guarantee creates real pathways for small manufacturers to scale, compete, and deliver for the warfighter.

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Note from your local APEX Accelerator: We recommend working with your local SBDC counselor to answer your small business loan and finance questions as APEX Accelerators do not handle loan questions but we thought this was relevant to our manufacturer clients. If you don’t have an SBDC counselor you can find yours here: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc

Tags: DOD, DoW, Manufacturers, SBA

Posted in: News Feed, Uncategorized

Share Your Story: DoW Industry Insights Series Invitation (deadline 3/31/2026)

Posted by Elizabeth on February 27, 2026

A message from the U.S. Department of War:

Greetings,

The Department of War Office of Industrial Base Growth is inviting small businesses, new entrants, and nontraditional suppliers to share how they are supporting mission success.

If your company provides innovative technology, strengthens supply chains, or delivers specialized services that support Department or national security priorities, we encourage you to participate in the DoW Industry Insights Series: Seeking Small Businesses and Nontraditional Supplier Stories.

This is an opportunity to share the real-world impact of your work and ensure decision-makers understand the vital role small and emerging businesses play in supporting the warfighter.

The form requests basic company information along with a brief description of how your product or service supports the Department. Responses should be clear and concise.

You can access the form here:
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/Z07nrmRsEX

Deadline to participate: March 31, 2026

Please note: This is an unclassified data call. Do not include Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), proprietary data, export-controlled information, or any other sensitive or restricted content in your response.

We look forward to learning more about the important work you’re doing.

Respectfully,

Office of Industrial Base Growth
U.S. Department of War
https://business.defense.gov
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About:

The Office of Industrial Base Growth serves as the Department’s umbrella organization for efforts focused on expanding and strengthening the defense industrial base through vendor growth and supplier maturity. Its work increases competition, builds capacity, and creates clearer pathways for businesses to enter and succeed in the defense marketplace.

Many of you know the Office of Small Business Programs, or OSBP, which remains a vital and unchanged part of the broader organization. Its mission and services continue to grow. The name “Industrial Base Growth” reflects the full scope and strategic importance of the work already underway to expand the industrial base for companies of all sizes, while dedicated small business-specific support and programs remain firmly in place.

Tags: DOD, DoW, Industrial Base

Posted in: Press Releases, Uncategorized