FedRAMP Authorization Pathway
Complete guide to FedRAMP authorization for cloud service providers. Understand impact levels, authorization pathways, and achieve Authority to Operate.
325
Moderate Controls
12-24
Months to Authorize
3
Impact Levels
300+
Authorized Products
What is FedRAMP?
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is the U.S. government's standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.
Mandatory for Federal
All cloud services used by federal agencies must be FedRAMP authorized. No authorization = no federal contracts.
Authorize Once, Use Many
Once authorized, any federal agency can use your service without re-authorizing, saving time and cost.
Continuous Monitoring
Authorization requires ongoing monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and annual assessments to maintain ATO.
FedRAMP Impact Levels
Choose your impact level based on the sensitivity of data your system will process
For systems where loss would have limited adverse effect
Examples:
Public websites, collaboration tools, non-sensitive data
For systems where loss would have serious adverse effect
Examples:
Most federal data, PII, financial data, law enforcement sensitive
For systems where loss would have severe or catastrophic effect
Examples:
National security, law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare
Authorization Pathways
Two paths to FedRAMP authorization-choose based on your situation
Agency Authorization
6-18 months
Partner with a specific federal agency to sponsor your authorization
Advantages:
- Faster path for CSPs with existing agency relationships
- Agency provides direct guidance and requirements
- Lower initial investment than JAB
- Can reuse authorization across other agencies
Challenges:
- Requires finding agency sponsor
- Agency-specific requirements may apply
- Each additional agency requires review
Best for: CSPs with existing federal customers or agency relationships
Joint Authorization Board (JAB)
12-24 months
Authorization by DoD, DHS, and GSA for government-wide use
Advantages:
- Highest visibility and credibility
- Prioritized by FedRAMP PMO
- Accepted across all federal agencies
- FedRAMP Connect helps match CSPs with agencies
Challenges:
- Highly competitive selection process
- Longer timeline and higher cost
- Strict prioritization criteria
- Limited slots available
Best for: CSPs with broad government appeal and strong security posture
Our Recommendation
Most CSPs should pursue the Agency Authorization path first. It's faster, less expensive, and once authorized, you can reuse your authorization package for other agencies. The JAB path is best reserved for CSPs with broad government appeal and strong existing security programs.
Key Control Families
FedRAMP controls are based on NIST SP 800-53, organized into families
Access Control (AC)
Policies and procedures for system access
Audit & Accountability (AU)
Logging and monitoring requirements
Security Assessment (CA)
Continuous assessment and authorization
Configuration Management (CM)
System configuration and change control
Contingency Planning (CP)
Business continuity and disaster recovery
Identification & Authentication (IA)
User and device identification
Incident Response (IR)
Security incident handling
System & Communications Protection (SC)
Network and communications security
Authorization Timeline
Typical phases for achieving FedRAMP authorization (Moderate baseline)
Phase 1
Preparation
Build foundation for FedRAMP authorization
Phase 2
Documentation
Develop required security documentation
Phase 3
Assessment
3PAO conducts independent security assessment
Phase 4
Authorization
Agency or JAB reviews and grants authorization
Phase 5
Continuous Monitoring
Maintain authorization through continuous monitoring
Required Documentation
FedRAMP requires extensive security documentation
System Security Plan (SSP)
CriticalComprehensive document describing system architecture and security controls
Typical size: 300-800+ pages
Security Assessment Report (SAR)
Critical3PAO assessment findings and recommendations
Typical size: 100-300 pages
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
CriticalRemediation plan for identified vulnerabilities
Typical size: Living document
Contingency Plan
CriticalBusiness continuity and disaster recovery procedures
Typical size: 50-100 pages
Incident Response Plan
CriticalProcedures for handling security incidents
Typical size: 30-60 pages
Configuration Management Plan
System configuration and change control procedures
Typical size: 30-50 pages
FedRAMP vs. Other Frameworks
How FedRAMP compares to SOC 2 and ISO 27001
| Aspect | FedRAMP | SOC 2 | ISO 27001 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis | NIST SP 800-53 | AICPA Trust Services Criteria | ISO/IEC 27001 Annex A |
| Controls | 156-421 (by impact level) | ~60-80 criteria | 93 controls |
| Assessment | 3PAO + Government review | CPA firm audit | Accredited registrar |
| Timeline | 12-24 months | 3-6 months | 6-12 months |
| Cost | $500K-3M+ | $30K-100K | $50K-200K |
| Validity | 3 years (with ConMon) | 12 months | 3 years (annual surveillance) |
Building on Existing Compliance
If you already have SOC 2 or ISO 27001, you've done 30-50% of the work for FedRAMP. Many controls overlap, and your existing documentation can be adapted for FedRAMP requirements.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes on the FedRAMP journey
Underestimating Scope
FedRAMP authorization is a major undertaking. Companies often underestimate the time, resources, and documentation required.
Solution: Plan for 12-24 months and $500K-2M+ depending on impact level. Engage experienced FedRAMP consultants early.
Inadequate Documentation
Generic policies and incomplete SSP are common causes for delays. Every control must be specifically addressed.
Solution: Use FedRAMP templates, document control implementations in detail, and engage technical writers.
Weak Continuous Monitoring
Achieving authorization is only the beginning. Many CSPs struggle with ongoing ConMon requirements.
Solution: Build ConMon processes from day one. Automate vulnerability scanning, log collection, and reporting.
No Agency Sponsor
Starting FedRAMP without an agency sponsor or realistic path to JAB leads to stalled authorization.
Solution: Secure agency commitment before investing heavily. Consider agency path before JAB.
Insufficient Boundary Definition
Unclear or overly broad system boundaries increase scope, cost, and complexity significantly.
Solution: Clearly define authorization boundary. Use inherited controls from FedRAMP-authorized IaaS where possible.
Underestimating 3PAO Role
Choosing inexperienced 3PAO or not engaging them early enough leads to assessment delays and findings.
Solution: Select experienced FedRAMP 3PAO, engage them during documentation phase, conduct readiness assessment.
Ready to Pursue FedRAMP Authorization?
Our compliance experts have helped cloud service providers achieve FedRAMP authorization. From readiness assessment to continuous monitoring, we guide you through the entire process.
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