USDA ISO9001 & AS9100 CERTIFICATION ASSISTANCE GRANTS

NEW YORK STATE RURAL
MANUFACTURING FUND OPPORTUNITY

TDO has been awarded funding from the USDA to aid rural-based, New York State companies with grants to get ISO9001 or AS9100 certification. Participants can receive $3,000 in grant funding toward offsetting the costs associated with certification.

What Are ISO 9001 / AS9100 Certifications?

ISO 9001 and AS9100 are internationally recognized quality management system (QMS) certifications that help organizations ensure consistent quality and performance.

ISO 9001 is a global standard applicable to any industry. It focuses on creating structured processes for quality control, continuous improvement, risk management, and customer satisfaction.

AS9100 builds on ISO 9001 but is tailored specifically for the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries. It includes additional requirements for safety, reliability, traceability, and regulatory compliance.

Both certifications are earned through audits by accredited third parties and signal that a company meets rigorous quality standards. Organizations pursue them to improve operations, meet customer or regulatory requirements, and enhance credibility.

Programs like this TDO initiative may provide qualified companies with partial funding to assist with their ISO 9001 or AS9100 certifications to strengthen quality systems and competitiveness.

The Benefits of ISO9001 vS AS9100 Certification

Benefits - ISO9001

ISO 9001: Quality Management for Any Industry

Best for:
Manufacturers and service providers across all industries

What it does:
ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely recognized quality management standard. It helps businesses create consistent processes, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.

Key Benefits:

✔ Improve operational efficiency and reduce waste
✔ Build a repeatable, scalable quality system
✔ Increase customer trust and satisfaction
✔ Strengthen internal processes and accountability
✔ Qualify for new contracts that require quality standards
✔ Applicable to any industry, including manufacturing, software, and services

When it’s the right choice:

You want to formalize and improve your internal processes
Your customers are starting to ask about quality systems
You’re preparing for growth or entering new markets
You’re not in aerospace/defense but want a strong quality foundation

Benefits - AS9100

AS9100: Aerospace & Defense Quality Standard

Best for:
Companies working in or entering the aerospace, aviation, or defense supply chain

What it does:
AS9100 builds on ISO 9001 but adds strict requirements specific to aerospace manufacturing, including risk management, traceability, and regulatory compliance.

Key Benefits:

✔ Required for many aerospace and defense contracts
✔ Demonstrates compliance with strict industry regulations
✔ Improves product safety, reliability, and traceability
✔ Enhances credibility with major OEMs (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed Martin)
✔ Opens the door to high-value, long-term contracts
✔ Aligns your business with global aerospace supply chain expectations

When it’s the right choice:

You currently supply—or want to supply—aerospace or defense customers
Your customers require AS9100 certification
You need advanced quality, risk, and compliance systems
You’re targeting high-spec, regulated manufacturing opportunities

The Process

Application

In order to be considered for a USDA ISO9001 or AS9100 Certification Grant, a company or organization must meet the USDA rural eligibility criteria to ensure they are eligible as a Rural Business or Cooperative Services (RBCS). To check your eligibility, enter your address into the USDA eligibility map here.

Evaluation & Funding

Eligible companies will be awarded grants of $3,000 to offset their ISO9001 or AS9100 certification costs with DLS Quality Management.

Certification

The formal certification process with DLS Quality Management is painless and current audit lead-times are minimal, so reach out soon to learn more and get on the schedule.

Questions?

If you have any questions, reach out to Mike Metzger at [email protected].