FedRAMP Compliance
Authorize Cloud Services for U.S. Government
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is mandatory security authorization program for cloud products and services used by U.S. federal agencies. FedRAMP provides standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring ensuring cloud services meet federal security requirements. Program requires cloud service providers achieve Authority to Operate (ATO) through rigorous security assessment conducted by accredited Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs). Authorization levels include Low, Moderate, and High impact based on data sensitivity. FedRAMP authorization mandatory for cloud services processing federal data. Non-compliance prevents cloud providers from serving federal agencies. Authorization process includes security package development, 3PAO assessment, Joint Authorization Board (JAB) or agency authorization, and continuous monitoring. At Glocert International, we help cloud providers achieve FedRAMP authorization through readiness assessments, security package development, 3PAO coordination, and continuous monitoring enabling access to federal government market.
What is FedRAMP?
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is government-wide program providing standardized security assessment and authorization process for cloud products and services. Program established by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) ensuring cloud services meet federal security requirements protecting federal data.
Authorization Levels
FedRAMP includes three impact levels based on data sensitivity:
- Low Impact: For systems processing publicly available information. Minimal security requirements.
- Moderate Impact: For systems processing controlled unclassified information (CUI). Most common authorization level.
- High Impact: For systems processing sensitive data requiring enhanced security. Highest security requirements.
Authorization Paths
FedRAMP offers two authorization paths:
- JAB Provisional Authorization: Joint Authorization Board (JAB) provides provisional ATO for cloud services used by multiple agencies. JAB includes representatives from DHS, DoD, and GSA.
- Agency Authorization: Individual federal agency provides ATO for cloud service used by that agency. Agency becomes sponsor and authorizing official.
Who Needs FedRAMP?
FedRAMP authorization required for cloud service providers including SaaS providers serving federal agencies, IaaS providers hosting federal data, PaaS providers supporting federal applications, cloud infrastructure providers, and managed service providers processing federal information. Authorization mandatory for any cloud service processing federal data or supporting federal operations.
NIST 800-53 Controls
FedRAMP based on NIST 800-53 security controls with FedRAMP-specific enhancements. Low Impact requires subset of controls, Moderate Impact requires baseline controls, High Impact requires enhanced controls. Controls cover access control, audit and accountability, configuration management, identification and authentication, incident response, media protection, system and communications protection, and other security domains.
Why FedRAMP Matters
1. Mandatory Federal Requirement
FedRAMP authorization mandatory for cloud services used by federal agencies. OMB policy requires agencies use only FedRAMP-authorized cloud services. Without authorization, cloud providers cannot serve federal agencies. Authorization enables access to massive federal government market worth billions annually. Authorization requirement enforced through procurement processes and agency policies.
2. Market Access and Competitive Advantage
FedRAMP authorization provides competitive advantage in federal market. Authorized providers listed on FedRAMP Marketplace enabling agencies discover and procure services. Authorization demonstrates security maturity differentiating from competitors. Federal agencies prefer authorized services reducing procurement complexity. Authorization opens doors to federal contracts and opportunities.
3. Security Standardization
FedRAMP provides standardized security framework ensuring consistent security across federal cloud services. Standardization reduces assessment costs, enables reuse of authorizations, and ensures security baseline. Framework based on NIST 800-53 controls with FedRAMP enhancements addressing cloud-specific security requirements. Standardization benefits both providers and agencies.
4. Continuous Monitoring
FedRAMP requires continuous monitoring ensuring security maintained throughout authorization lifecycle. Continuous monitoring includes ongoing security assessments, vulnerability scanning, configuration management, incident reporting, and annual assessments. Continuous monitoring ensures security posture maintained and threats addressed promptly. Ongoing compliance required for authorization maintenance.
5. Reuse and Efficiency
FedRAMP enables authorization reuse across federal agencies reducing redundant assessments. Once authorized, cloud service can be used by multiple agencies without additional assessments. Reuse reduces costs for providers and agencies. JAB Provisional Authorization specifically designed for multi-agency use maximizing reuse and efficiency.
Our FedRAMP Services
Glocert International provides comprehensive FedRAMP authorization services for cloud providers.
FedRAMP Readiness Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of current security practices against FedRAMP requirements for target impact level. Assessment reviews NIST 800-53 controls, evaluates control implementation, identifies gaps and deficiencies, assesses documentation readiness, and provides prioritized remediation roadmap. Readiness assessment determines authorization readiness and identifies areas requiring improvement before formal assessment.
Security Package Development
Development of comprehensive FedRAMP security package including System Security Plan (SSP), Control Implementation Summary, Risk Assessment, Continuous Monitoring Strategy, Incident Response Plan, Contingency Plan, Privacy Impact Assessment, and supporting documentation. Security package required for authorization demonstrating how controls implemented and managed.
NIST 800-53 Control Implementation
Implementation support for NIST 800-53 controls required for FedRAMP authorization including control design and implementation, policy and procedure development, technical control configuration, security tool implementation, training and awareness, and control testing. Ensures controls implemented correctly meeting FedRAMP requirements for target impact level.
3PAO Assessment Coordination
Coordination with accredited Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs) for security assessment including 3PAO selection and engagement, assessment preparation, evidence organization, assessment coordination, finding remediation, and assessment report review. 3PAO assessment required for authorization validating security controls implementation.
JAB or Agency Authorization Support
Support for JAB Provisional Authorization or Agency Authorization including authorization package submission, JAB or agency coordination, authorization review support, finding remediation, ATO negotiation, and authorization maintenance. Ensures smooth authorization process and successful ATO achievement.
Continuous Monitoring Program
Development and operation of continuous monitoring program required for authorization maintenance including ongoing security assessments, vulnerability scanning and management, configuration management, security event monitoring, incident reporting, annual assessments, and monthly reporting. Continuous monitoring ensures authorization maintained throughout lifecycle.
Authorization Level Determination
Assessment to determine appropriate FedRAMP impact level based on data types processed, system functionality, and federal agency requirements. Evaluates data sensitivity, system criticality, and potential impact of security breach. Determines whether Low, Moderate, or High impact level appropriate ensuring providers pursue correct authorization level.
FedRAMP Authorization Levels
FedRAMP includes three impact levels:
Low Impact
For systems processing publicly available information with minimal security requirements. Requires subset of NIST 800-53 controls. Suitable for public-facing websites and non-sensitive applications. Fastest authorization path with reduced security requirements.
Moderate Impact
For systems processing controlled unclassified information (CUI). Most common authorization level. Requires baseline NIST 800-53 controls. Suitable for most federal cloud services. Standard authorization path with comprehensive security requirements.
High Impact
For systems processing sensitive data requiring enhanced security. Highest security requirements. Requires enhanced NIST 800-53 controls. Suitable for systems handling classified or highly sensitive information. Most rigorous authorization path with extensive security requirements.
Benefits of FedRAMP Authorization:
Federal Market Access
Enables access to federal government market worth billions annually.
Competitive Advantage
Differentiates providers demonstrating security maturity and compliance.
Authorization Reuse
Enables authorization reuse across multiple federal agencies.
Security Excellence
Demonstrates commitment to federal security standards and best practices.
FedRAMP Services Pricing
Our FedRAMP services pricing is transparent and based on authorization level, organization size, and current compliance state.
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Get a personalized estimate based on your FedRAMP authorization needs.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included:
- FedRAMP readiness assessment
- Security package development
- NIST 800-53 control implementation
- 3PAO assessment coordination
- JAB or agency authorization support
- Continuous monitoring program
- Authorization level determination
- Ongoing authorization maintenance
Note: Pricing varies based on authorization level (Low, Moderate, High), organization size, cloud environment complexity, current compliance state, authorization path (JAB vs Agency), and authorization scope. Contact us for detailed quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about FedRAMP:
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is mandatory security authorization program for cloud products and services used by U.S. federal agencies. Program provides standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring. FedRAMP authorization mandatory for cloud services processing federal data. Required for SaaS, IaaS, PaaS providers, cloud infrastructure providers, and managed service providers serving federal agencies. Authorization enables access to federal government market. Without authorization, cloud providers cannot serve federal agencies. OMB policy requires agencies use only FedRAMP-authorized cloud services.
FedRAMP includes three impact levels: Low Impact - For systems processing publicly available information with minimal security requirements. Requires subset of NIST 800-53 controls. Moderate Impact - For systems processing controlled unclassified information (CUI). Most common authorization level. Requires baseline NIST 800-53 controls. High Impact - For systems processing sensitive data requiring enhanced security. Highest security requirements. Requires enhanced NIST 800-53 controls. Authorization level determined by data sensitivity, system functionality, and potential impact of security breach. Most federal cloud services require Moderate Impact authorization.
FedRAMP offers two authorization paths: JAB Provisional Authorization - Joint Authorization Board (JAB) provides provisional ATO for cloud services used by multiple agencies. JAB includes representatives from DHS, DoD, and GSA. JAB authorization enables reuse across multiple agencies maximizing efficiency. More competitive process with limited slots. Agency Authorization - Individual federal agency provides ATO for cloud service used by that agency. Agency becomes sponsor and authorizing official. Agency authorization specific to that agency but can be reused by other agencies through FedRAMP reuse process. Less competitive than JAB but requires agency sponsor. Most providers pursue Agency Authorization first, then seek JAB authorization for broader reuse.
3PAO (Third-Party Assessment Organization) is accredited organization authorized to conduct FedRAMP security assessments. 3PAOs accredited by American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) or ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). 3PAOs employ assessors with required qualifications and experience. 3PAO assessment required for FedRAMP authorization validating security controls implementation. 3PAO conducts independent security assessment, tests controls, reviews documentation, identifies findings, and produces Security Assessment Report (SAR). SAR submitted to JAB or agency for authorization decision. 3PAO assessment provides objective validation of security posture. Cloud providers cannot self-assess for FedRAMP authorization.
Authorization timeline varies: Readiness assessment (2-4 weeks), Control implementation (6-18 months depending on gaps), Security package development (3-6 months), 3PAO assessment (2-4 months), JAB or agency review (3-6 months), Authorization (typically 1-2 months after review). Total timeline typically 12-24 months from start to authorization. Factors affecting timeline: current compliance state, authorization level (Low faster than High), organization size, cloud environment complexity, 3PAO availability, JAB or agency review capacity, finding remediation time. Organizations with existing security controls and documentation can achieve authorization faster.
Glocert provides: FedRAMP readiness assessment evaluating current state against requirements; Security package development creating required documentation; NIST 800-53 control implementation implementing required controls; 3PAO assessment coordination managing assessment process; JAB or agency authorization support facilitating authorization; Continuous monitoring program maintaining authorization; Authorization level determination identifying appropriate level; Ongoing authorization maintenance. Expertise in FedRAMP program, NIST 800-53 controls, federal security requirements, and cloud provider environments. Experience helping cloud providers achieve FedRAMP authorization. Proven track record of successful authorizations and federal market access.
Why Choose Glocert for FedRAMP?
Federal Cloud Security Expertise
Glocert specializes in FedRAMP authorization with deep expertise in FedRAMP program and requirements, NIST 800-53 controls and implementation, federal security standards, cloud provider environments, and authorization processes. We understand federal expectations helping providers achieve practical authorization meeting requirements while supporting business operations.
Proven FedRAMP Experience
We've successfully helped cloud providers achieve FedRAMP authorization including SaaS providers, IaaS providers, PaaS providers, and cloud infrastructure providers. Experience demonstrates ability to deliver comprehensive FedRAMP compliance meeting authorization requirements and enabling federal market access.
Related Services
Cloud providers requiring FedRAMP often need complementary services. Glocert also provides NIST 800-53 compliance (foundation for FedRAMP), FISMA compliance, ISO 27001 certification, penetration testing and security assessments, and continuous monitoring services. We coordinate multiple engagements providing integrated federal security governance addressing FedRAMP alongside other requirements.
Achieve FedRAMP Authorization
Contact us to learn about our FedRAMP authorization services and access the federal government market.
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