Connecticut Manufacturing SIRI and CYBER Assistance Program (SAC)

Program and Application Information

Program Purpose

The SIRI and CYBER Assistance Program (SAC) was created for the purpose of providing financial assistance to Connecticut manufacturing companies seeking Smart Industry Readiness Index assessments (SIRI) and/or Cyber Security assessments and certification (CMMC). The goal is to help companies striving to meet federal cybersecurity requirements and to also assist those interested in pursuing their smart factory transformation journey.

Program Highlights

• The program is being administered on a first-come first-served basis.
• Financial assistance will be provided in the form of a matching grant.
• Grant amounts from $2,500 to a maximum of $10,000 will be awarded.
• Applicants must match grant awards dollar for dollar.
• The maximum amount awarded to any one company under this program will be $10K.
• A third-party vendor or service provider must be used to execute the proposed project.
• Proposed funding uses should be in accordance with the program's goal of making Connecticut manufacturers more efficient, productive, profitable and generally more competitive in nature.
• Only projects that have not been committed to and don't start until after submission of your application will be considered for funding.
• Appropriate due diligence will be performed which may include a site visit to your manufacturing facility.
• Companies that receive a grant under this program will be required to complete an impact report 6 months following their award date.

Program Eligibility

• Must be a manufacturing company or allied service provider. An allied service provider is a company that physically interacts with a manufactured good to alter its characteristics and add value.
• Must be located in Connecticut or relocating operations to the state, in whole or in part.
• With the exception of companies relocating into Connecticut, eligible applicants must be registered with the Secretary-of-the-State for at least 3-years and must be generating sales revenue.
• At least 51% of an applicant’s revenue must be generated from the sale of goods they manufacture or from allied services provided to manufacturers.
• Must have at least 3 full-time employees and no more than 200 employees in its Connecticut facilities. (For purposes of the SAC program, a person must consistently work 35 hours or more per week to be considered a full-time employee).
• Must not have been previously awarded a total of $10,000 under the program.
• Must be in Good Standing with both the CT Department of Revenue Services and CT Department of Labor at time of application submission.

Funding Uses

All applications requesting funding are reviewed to determine if the proposed use of the funds is consistent with the program’s goals. Proposed projects must have a minimum value of $5,000.

Typical uses of this funding include, but are not limited to the following:

• SIRI Assessment
  • Performed by a Certified SIRI Assessor - CSA
• Technical Assessment of Industry 4.0 Readiness
  • The assessment must be an industry recognized tool that allows companies to create a strategic roadmap of Industry 4.0 investment
  • The assessment must be performed by a qualified business consultant as determined by the plan administrator.
• Cybersecurity Assessment
  • The cybersecurity assessment must perform a gap analysis against a National Institute of Standards and Technology framework
  • The assessment should address risk management practices such as awareness, implementing System Security Plans, Plans of Action, Incident Response, and enhanced business policies and practices
  • The assessment must be performed by a qualified business consultant as determined by the plan administrator.

Application Submission & Process Considerations

• Applications will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.
• Only fully completed applications with the required attachments will be considered for funding.
• A recent project quote or proposal from a qualified vendor or service provider must accompany your application.
• A copy of your selected vendor’s CSA, C3PAO or other applicable certificate must accompany your application.
• A completed project budget form must be submitted with your application.
• Letters of Good Standing from the CT Department of Revenue Service and the CT Department of Labor must accompany your application submission.
• Companies not in "good standing" with the Department of Revenue Services or Department of Labor are not eligible to apply.
• The online application "submission button" will be automatically deactivated based on availability of state funds.
• The "Save Draft Application" button on the application form allows you to save a partially completed application and return at a later date and time to complete and submit your funding request.
• Applications must be submitted online using the program's online form.

Monitoring and Compliance

• We will contact you approximately 6 months after your award date to confirm project execution.
• We will ask you to complete and submit a one page impact report.
• We will ask you to complete a one page Statement of Program Cost.
• We will ask you to provide proof of project execution and payment.
• There will be a claw back of grant funds if you have not implemented the project scope as agreed in the contract.

Administrative Process

Click here to download the SAC Administrative Process flowchart.