FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is the mandatory security framework for cloud service providers (CSPs) serving US federal agencies. Authorization demonstrates your cloud service meets rigorous security standards and opens access to the $50+ billion federal cloud market. This guide covers the complete authorization journey—from understanding impact levels to maintaining continuous monitoring.
Understanding FedRAMP
FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment based on NIST SP 800-53 controls, enabling federal agencies to adopt cloud services confidently while avoiding duplicative security assessments.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ FedRAMP Program Structure │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ FedRAMP PMO (GSA) │ │
│ │ Program Management Office - Governance │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ┌───────────────────┼───────────────────┐ │
│ ▼ ▼ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ JAB (Joint │ │ Federal │ │ Third Party │ │
│ │Authorization│ │ Agencies │ │ Assessment Orgs │ │
│ │ Board) │ │ │ │ (3PAOs) │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ DOD + DHS │ │ Sponsor and │ │ Conduct security │ │
│ │ + GSA CIOs │ │ authorize │ │ assessments │ │
│ └─────────────┘ │ CSPs │ └─────────────────────┘ │
│ │ └─────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ └───────────────────┼────────────────────┘ │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ IaaS │ PaaS │ SaaS │ Any cloud service for federal use │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ FedRAMP Marketplace │ │
│ │ Catalog of authorized cloud services │ │
│ │ https://marketplace.fedramp.gov │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Impact Level Selection
FedRAMP impact levels determine security requirements based on data sensitivity.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ FedRAMP Impact Levels │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ HIGH IMPACT │ │
│ │ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │ │
│ │ ~421 Controls │ Severe/Catastrophic Effects │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Data Types: │ │
│ │ • Law enforcement sensitive │ │
│ │ • Emergency services │ │
│ │ • Financial systems │ │
│ │ • Health systems (beyond HIPAA) │ │
│ │ • Controlled Unclassified Info (CUI) - high sensitivity │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Examples: DoD contractor systems, critical infrastructure │ │
│ │ Timeline: 12-24 months │ Cost: $2M-$3M+ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ MODERATE IMPACT │ │
│ │ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │ │
│ │ ~325 Controls │ Serious Adverse Effects │ │
│ │ [MOST COMMON - ~80% of authorizations] │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Data Types: │ │
│ │ • Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) │ │
│ │ • Personally Identifiable Information (PII) │ │
│ │ • For Official Use Only (FOUO) │ │
│ │ • Proprietary business information │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Examples: SaaS productivity, CRM, project management │ │
│ │ Timeline: 9-18 months │ Cost: $1M-$2M │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ LOW IMPACT │ │
│ │ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │ │
│ │ ~125 Controls │ Limited Adverse Effects │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Data Types: │ │
│ │ • Publicly available information │ │
│ │ • Non-sensitive operational data │ │
│ │ • Public websites │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Examples: Public-facing websites, collaboration tools │ │
│ │ Timeline: 6-12 months │ Cost: $500K-$1M │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ LI-SaaS (Tailored) │ │
│ │ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │ │
│ │ ~38 Controls │ Low risk SaaS applications │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Criteria: Must be SaaS, no CUI/PII, uses FedRAMP │ │
│ │ authorized IaaS/PaaS, limited system functionality │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Examples: Simple web apps on authorized infrastructure │ │
│ │ Timeline: 3-6 months │ Cost: $200K-$500K │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Authorization Paths
Two primary paths exist for FedRAMP authorization, each with distinct advantages.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Authorization Path Comparison │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ JAB AUTHORIZATION (Provisional ATO) │
│ ════════════════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ │
│ │ FedRAMP │──▶│ Prioriti- │──▶│ 3PAO │──▶│ P-ATO │ │
│ │ Ready │ │ zation │ │Assessment │ │ Granted │ │
│ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ │
│ (Required) (Competitive) (6-12 mo) (JAB approval) │
│ │
│ Pros: Cons: │
│ • Highest prestige • Competitive selection │
│ • P-ATO recognized by all • Longer timeline │
│ • JAB oversight/support • FedRAMP Ready required │
│ • Greater reuse confidence • Limited slots per year │
│ │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ AGENCY AUTHORIZATION (ATO) │
│ ══════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ │
│ │ Agency │──▶│ 3PAO │──▶│ Agency │──▶│ ATO │ │
│ │ Sponsor │ │Assessment │ │ Review │ │ Granted │ │
│ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ └───────────┘ │
│ (Find sponsor) (Your timeline) (1-3 mo) (Agency grants) │
│ │
│ Pros: Cons: │
│ • Faster timeline • Need agency sponsor │
│ • More control over process • Agency-specific initially │
│ • No competitive selection • Reuse requires FedRAMP listing │
│ • FedRAMP Ready optional • Variable agency rigor │
│ │
│ Both paths result in FedRAMP Marketplace listing for reuse │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Agency Authorization Process
Most CSPs pursue Agency Authorization due to faster timelines and existing customer relationships.
// FedRAMP Agency Authorization Phases
interface AuthorizationPhase {
name: string;
duration: string;
activities: string[];
deliverables: string[];
stakeholders: string[];
}
const agencyAuthorizationPhases: AuthorizationPhase[] = [
{
name: 'Preparation',
duration: '3-6 months',
activities: [
'Determine impact level (FIPS 199 categorization)',
'Define authorization boundary',
'Perform gap assessment against FedRAMP baseline',
'Develop remediation roadmap',
'Select 3PAO',
'Identify agency sponsor',
'Begin SSP development'
],
deliverables: [
'FIPS 199 Categorization',
'Authorization Boundary Diagram',
'Gap Assessment Report',
'Project Plan',
'3PAO Contract'
],
stakeholders: ['CSP Security Team', 'Executive Sponsor', '3PAO', 'Agency POC']
},
{
name: 'Documentation',
duration: '3-6 months',
activities: [
'Complete System Security Plan (SSP)',
'Develop supporting policies and procedures',
'Document control implementations',
'Create network and data flow diagrams',
'Prepare contingency and incident response plans',
'Implement remaining controls',
'Conduct internal testing'
],
deliverables: [
'System Security Plan (SSP)',
'Information Security Policies',
'Control Implementation Details',
'Network Diagrams',
'Data Flow Diagrams',
'Contingency Plan (CP)',
'Incident Response Plan (IRP)'
],
stakeholders: ['CSP Security Team', 'Engineering', 'Operations']
},
{
name: 'Assessment',
duration: '2-4 months',
activities: [
'3PAO kickoff and planning',
'Documentation review',
'Security control testing',
'Vulnerability scanning',
'Penetration testing',
'Interview key personnel',
'Develop Security Assessment Report'
],
deliverables: [
'Security Assessment Plan (SAP)',
'Vulnerability Scan Reports',
'Penetration Test Report',
'Security Assessment Report (SAR)',
'Risk Exposure Table (RET)'
],
stakeholders: ['3PAO', 'CSP Security Team', 'Engineering']
},
{
name: 'Remediation',
duration: '1-3 months',
activities: [
'Review 3PAO findings',
'Develop Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)',
'Remediate critical/high findings',
'Re-test remediated controls',
'Update documentation',
'Prepare authorization package'
],
deliverables: [
'Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)',
'Updated SSP',
'Remediation Evidence',
'Authorization Package'
],
stakeholders: ['CSP Security Team', 'Engineering', '3PAO']
},
{
name: 'Authorization',
duration: '1-3 months',
activities: [
'Submit package to agency',
'Agency review and questions',
'Address agency feedback',
'Agency risk acceptance decision',
'ATO letter issuance',
'FedRAMP PMO review (for Marketplace listing)'
],
deliverables: [
'Agency ATO Letter',
'FedRAMP Marketplace Listing',
'Authorization Package (final)'
],
stakeholders: ['Agency AO', 'Agency ISSO', 'FedRAMP PMO', 'CSP']
}
];
// Authorization package contents
const authorizationPackage = {
core: [
{
document: 'System Security Plan (SSP)',
description: 'Comprehensive system description and control implementations',
template: 'FedRAMP SSP Template',
pages: '300-500+'
},
{
document: 'Security Assessment Report (SAR)',
description: '3PAO assessment findings and risk analysis',
template: 'FedRAMP SAR Template',
pages: '100-200'
},
{
document: 'Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)',
description: 'Tracking document for vulnerabilities and remediation',
template: 'FedRAMP POA&M Template',
pages: 'Varies'
}
],
attachments: [
'FIPS 199 Categorization',
'E-Authentication Determination',
'Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA)',
'Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) - if applicable',
'Rules of Behavior',
'Information System Contingency Plan (ISCP)',
'Incident Response Plan (IRP)',
'Configuration Management Plan',
'Separation of Duties Matrix',
'Network Diagrams (Boundary, Architecture, Data Flow)',
'Policies and Procedures (AC, AU, CM, CP, IA, IR, etc.)',
'User Guide',
'Inventory Workbook',
'Continuous Monitoring Strategy',
'Control Implementation Summary (CIS)',
'Digital Identity Worksheet'
]
};
NIST 800-53 Control Implementation
FedRAMP uses NIST SP 800-53 controls with additional FedRAMP-specific requirements.
// Control Family Overview
interface ControlFamily {
id: string;
name: string;
lowControls: number;
moderateControls: number;
highControls: number;
keyFocus: string[];
}
const controlFamilies: ControlFamily[] = [
{
id: 'AC',
name: 'Access Control',
lowControls: 17,
moderateControls: 33,
highControls: 41,
keyFocus: [
'Account management',
'Least privilege',
'Remote access',
'Session controls',
'Information flow enforcement'
]
},
{
id: 'AU',
name: 'Audit and Accountability',
lowControls: 10,
moderateControls: 16,
highControls: 19,
keyFocus: [
'Audit logging',
'Log retention (90 days online, 1 year total)',
'Audit review and analysis',
'Tamper protection',
'Timestamps'
]
},
{
id: 'CA',
name: 'Assessment, Authorization, and Monitoring',
lowControls: 6,
moderateControls: 10,
highControls: 12,
keyFocus: [
'Security assessments',
'Continuous monitoring',
'Penetration testing',
'Internal connections'
]
},
{
id: 'CM',
name: 'Configuration Management',
lowControls: 8,
moderateControls: 16,
highControls: 19,
keyFocus: [
'Baseline configurations',
'Change control',
'Least functionality',
'Software restrictions',
'Configuration settings'
]
},
{
id: 'CP',
name: 'Contingency Planning',
lowControls: 6,
moderateControls: 13,
highControls: 17,
keyFocus: [
'Contingency plan',
'Backup procedures',
'Recovery testing',
'Alternate sites',
'System reconstitution'
]
},
{
id: 'IA',
name: 'Identification and Authentication',
lowControls: 8,
moderateControls: 17,
highControls: 22,
keyFocus: [
'User identification',
'Authenticator management',
'Multi-factor authentication',
'Credential protection',
'Device authentication'
]
},
{
id: 'IR',
name: 'Incident Response',
lowControls: 6,
moderateControls: 10,
highControls: 13,
keyFocus: [
'Incident handling',
'Incident reporting (US-CERT)',
'Response testing',
'Information sharing'
]
},
{
id: 'RA',
name: 'Risk Assessment',
lowControls: 5,
moderateControls: 7,
highControls: 8,
keyFocus: [
'Risk categorization',
'Risk assessment',
'Vulnerability scanning',
'Threat assessment'
]
},
{
id: 'SC',
name: 'System and Communications Protection',
lowControls: 15,
moderateControls: 26,
highControls: 39,
keyFocus: [
'Boundary protection',
'Encryption (FIPS 140-2/3)',
'Network separation',
'Cryptographic key management',
'Transmission confidentiality'
]
},
{
id: 'SI',
name: 'System and Information Integrity',
lowControls: 7,
moderateControls: 13,
highControls: 18,
keyFocus: [
'Flaw remediation',
'Malware protection',
'Security alerts',
'Software integrity',
'Spam protection'
]
}
];
// FedRAMP-specific requirements
const fedRampSpecificRequirements = {
encryption: {
requirement: 'FIPS 140-2 Level 1 (or FIPS 140-3) validated cryptography',
applies: ['Data at rest', 'Data in transit', 'Key management'],
validation: 'NIST CMVP validated module',
exception: 'None - must use FIPS-validated modules'
},
scanning: {
vulnerability: {
frequency: 'Monthly (operating systems), per release (web apps)',
scope: 'All system components within boundary',
remediation: {
critical: '30 days',
high: '30 days',
moderate: '90 days',
low: '180 days'
}
},
penetration: {
frequency: 'Annual',
scope: 'External and internal',
provider: '3PAO or independent tester'
}
},
incidentReporting: {
usCirc: 'US-CERT reporting within 1 hour for suspected incidents',
agency: 'Report to authorizing agency within 24 hours',
fedRamp: 'Significant incidents reported to FedRAMP PMO'
},
dataLocation: {
requirement: 'All data must reside in United States',
applies: ['Primary data', 'Backups', 'Logs', 'Replicas'],
exception: 'Specific agency approval required for non-US locations'
},
personnel: {
backgroundChecks: 'Required for all personnel with system access',
citizenship: 'US persons for access to federal data (some contracts)',
training: 'Annual security awareness training required'
}
};
SSP Development
The System Security Plan is your primary authorization document.
// SSP Structure
interface SSPSection {
section: string;
title: string;
content: string[];
templates: string[];
tips: string[];
}
const sspStructure: SSPSection[] = [
{
section: '1',
title: 'Information System Name/Identification',
content: [
'System name and unique identifier',
'System categorization (FIPS 199)',
'E-authentication level',
'System owner information'
],
templates: ['FedRAMP FIPS 199 Template'],
tips: [
'Name should be consistent across all documents',
'Include version number and date'
]
},
{
section: '2',
title: 'Information System Owner',
content: [
'Organization name and contact',
'System owner name, title, contact',
'Authorizing official',
'Other designated contacts (ISSO, etc.)'
],
templates: [],
tips: [
'Ensure contacts are current and responsive',
'Include backup contacts'
]
},
{
section: '9',
title: 'System Environment and Inventory',
content: [
'Authorization boundary description',
'Network architecture diagram',
'Data flow diagram',
'Hardware inventory',
'Software inventory',
'Ports, protocols, and services',
'Interconnections'
],
templates: ['FedRAMP Inventory Workbook'],
tips: [
'Boundary must be clearly defined',
'Include all components (including inherited)',
'Diagrams must match inventory'
]
},
{
section: '13',
title: 'Control Implementations',
content: [
'Implementation status for each control',
'Responsible roles',
'Implementation description',
'Customer responsibilities (if any)'
],
templates: ['FedRAMP Control Implementation Summary (CIS)'],
tips: [
'Be specific about HOW controls are implemented',
'Reference evidence documents',
'Clearly identify shared responsibilities'
]
}
];
// Control implementation example
const controlImplementationExample = `
## AC-2 Account Management
**Control Statement:** The organization manages information system accounts...
**Implementation Status:** Implemented
**Responsible Role:** System Administrator, Security Team
**Implementation Description:**
The [System Name] implements account management as follows:
a) **Account Types:** The system supports the following account types:
- System Administrator (privileged)
- Application Administrator (privileged)
- End User (non-privileged)
- Service Accounts (non-interactive)
b) **Account Management Process:**
- All account requests submitted via ServiceNow ticketing system
- Manager approval required for all new accounts
- Security team reviews privileged account requests
- Accounts provisioned within 2 business days of approval
c) **Account Monitoring:**
- Inactive accounts disabled after 90 days
- Quarterly access reviews conducted by system owners
- Privileged accounts reviewed monthly
- Audit logs retained for 90 days online, 1 year archived
**Evidence:**
- Account Management Procedure (PRO-AC-001)
- ServiceNow ticket examples
- Quarterly access review reports
- Active Directory configuration screenshots
**Customer Responsibilities:**
Customers are responsible for:
- Requesting accounts through designated channels
- Notifying CSP of role changes or terminations
- Conducting user access reviews within their tenant
`;
3PAO Assessment Process
The Third Party Assessment Organization conducts your security assessment.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 3PAO Assessment Process │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ Phase 1: Planning (2-4 weeks) │
│ ═══════════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ • Kickoff meeting with CSP │ │
│ │ • Document review (SSP, policies, procedures) │ │
│ │ • Develop Security Assessment Plan (SAP) │ │
│ │ • Define testing scope and methodology │ │
│ │ • Schedule interviews and testing windows │ │
│ │ • Obtain system access credentials │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Phase 2: Documentation Review (2-4 weeks) │
│ ═════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ • SSP completeness and accuracy review │ │
│ │ • Policy and procedure review │ │
│ │ • Network diagram validation │ │
│ │ • Inventory verification │ │
│ │ • Gap identification │ │
│ │ • Documentation findings reported │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Phase 3: Testing (4-8 weeks) │
│ ════════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ • Automated vulnerability scanning │ │
│ │ - Network scans (Nessus, Qualys, etc.) │ │
│ │ - Web application scans (OWASP ZAP, Burp, etc.) │ │
│ │ - Database scans │ │
│ │ - Container scans (if applicable) │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ • Penetration testing │ │
│ │ - External testing │ │
│ │ - Internal testing │ │
│ │ - Web application testing │ │
│ │ - Social engineering (if in scope) │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ • Control testing │ │
│ │ - Technical control verification │ │
│ │ - Configuration review │ │
│ │ - Log analysis │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ • Interviews │ │
│ │ - Security team │ │
│ │ - System administrators │ │
│ │ - Development team │ │
│ │ - Operations team │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Phase 4: Reporting (2-4 weeks) │
│ ══════════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ • Compile findings │ │
│ │ • Risk rating assignment │ │
│ │ • Draft Security Assessment Report (SAR) │ │
│ │ • CSP review and comment period │ │
│ │ • Finalize SAR │ │
│ │ • Develop Risk Exposure Table │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Finding Classification
3PAO findings are classified by risk level, driving remediation priorities.
// Finding Risk Classification
interface FindingClassification {
severity: 'critical' | 'high' | 'moderate' | 'low';
cvssRange: string;
remediation: string;
examples: string[];
authorizationImpact: string;
}
const findingClassifications: FindingClassification[] = [
{
severity: 'critical',
cvssRange: '9.0 - 10.0',
remediation: 'Must remediate before authorization',
examples: [
'Unauthenticated remote code execution',
'Critical data exposure without encryption',
'Complete authentication bypass',
'Default credentials on production systems'
],
authorizationImpact: 'Authorization cannot proceed with open critical findings'
},
{
severity: 'high',
cvssRange: '7.0 - 8.9',
remediation: '30 days (or must be in POA&M with mitigation)',
examples: [
'SQL injection vulnerabilities',
'Missing multi-factor authentication',
'Unpatched critical CVEs',
'Weak encryption algorithms',
'Excessive privileges'
],
authorizationImpact: 'Must be remediated or have approved deviation/false positive'
},
{
severity: 'moderate',
cvssRange: '4.0 - 6.9',
remediation: '90 days',
examples: [
'Missing security headers',
'Verbose error messages',
'Session timeout issues',
'Minor misconfigurations',
'Outdated but not critical software'
],
authorizationImpact: 'Can proceed with POA&M entry and remediation plan'
},
{
severity: 'low',
cvssRange: '0.1 - 3.9',
remediation: '180 days (or risk acceptance)',
examples: [
'Informational disclosures',
'Minor hardening gaps',
'Documentation deficiencies',
'Best practice recommendations'
],
authorizationImpact: 'Can proceed, tracked in POA&M'
}
];
// POA&M Entry Structure
interface POAMEntry {
id: string;
weakness: {
controlId: string;
title: string;
description: string;
source: 'assessment' | 'vulnerability_scan' | 'penetration_test' | 'audit' | 'other';
};
risk: {
severity: 'critical' | 'high' | 'moderate' | 'low';
cvssScore?: number;
likelihood: 'high' | 'moderate' | 'low';
impact: 'high' | 'moderate' | 'low';
};
remediation: {
plannedAction: string;
milestones: Milestone[];
scheduledCompletionDate: Date;
actualCompletionDate?: Date;
resources: string;
vendorDependency: boolean;
};
status: 'open' | 'in_progress' | 'completed' | 'risk_accepted' | 'false_positive';
responsibleParty: string;
lastUpdated: Date;
}
interface Milestone {
description: string;
targetDate: Date;
completedDate?: Date;
status: 'pending' | 'in_progress' | 'completed';
}
Continuous Monitoring
After authorization, continuous monitoring (ConMon) maintains your security posture.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Continuous Monitoring Requirements │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ MONTHLY DELIVERABLES │
│ ════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Vulnerability Scans │ │
│ │ • OS/infrastructure scans (all components) │ │
│ │ • Web application scans │ │
│ │ • Database scans │ │
│ │ • Container scans (if applicable) │ │
│ │ Deliverable: Scan reports + deviation requests │ │
│ │ Due: By 15th of following month │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ POA&M Updates │ │
│ │ • Update status of all open items │ │
│ │ • Add new findings from scans │ │
│ │ • Close completed items with evidence │ │
│ │ • Document false positives/risk acceptances │ │
│ │ Deliverable: Updated POA&M workbook │ │
│ │ Due: By 15th of following month │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Inventory Updates │ │
│ │ • Update hardware/software inventory │ │
│ │ • Report changes to system components │ │
│ │ Deliverable: Updated inventory workbook │ │
│ │ Due: With monthly submission │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS │
│ ════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Annual Assessment │ │
│ │ • Full 3PAO security assessment │ │
│ │ • Updated SAR │ │
│ │ • SSP review and updates │ │
│ │ Timeline: Complete before authorization anniversary │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Annual Penetration Test │ │
│ │ • External penetration testing │ │
│ │ • Internal penetration testing │ │
│ │ • Web application testing │ │
│ │ Deliverable: Penetration test report │ │
│ │ Timeline: Within 12 months of previous test │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Contingency Plan Test │ │
│ │ • Test disaster recovery procedures │ │
│ │ • Document results and lessons learned │ │
│ │ Deliverable: Test report │ │
│ │ Timeline: Within 12 months of previous test │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ AS-NEEDED REQUIREMENTS │
│ ═══════════════════════ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Significant Change Requests │ │
│ │ • Major architecture changes │ │
│ │ • New interconnections │ │
│ │ • Boundary changes │ │
│ │ • New technologies │ │
│ │ Process: Submit SCR before implementation │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Incident Reporting │ │
│ │ • US-CERT: Within 1 hour of suspected incident │ │
│ │ • Agency: Within 24 hours │ │
│ │ • FedRAMP PMO: Significant incidents │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Automation for ConMon
Automate continuous monitoring to maintain compliance efficiently.
// ConMon Automation Framework
interface ConMonAutomation {
scanning: {
tool: string;
frequency: string;
scope: string[];
integration: string;
alerting: AlertConfig;
};
reporting: {
generation: 'automated' | 'semi-automated' | 'manual';
templates: string[];
delivery: string;
retention: string;
};
tracking: {
poamTool: string;
workflow: string[];
notifications: NotificationConfig;
};
}
const conMonAutomation: ConMonAutomation = {
scanning: {
tool: 'Tenable.io / Qualys / Rapid7',
frequency: 'Daily scans, monthly compliance reports',
scope: [
'All servers and endpoints',
'All web applications',
'All databases',
'All containers and images',
'All network devices'
],
integration: 'API integration with ticketing and POA&M',
alerting: {
critical: 'Immediate PagerDuty alert',
high: 'Slack notification + ticket creation',
moderate: 'Daily digest email',
low: 'Weekly summary report'
}
},
reporting: {
generation: 'semi-automated',
templates: [
'Monthly ConMon Report',
'POA&M Status Report',
'Vulnerability Summary',
'Inventory Change Report'
],
delivery: 'Secure portal upload by 15th monthly',
retention: '6 years minimum'
},
tracking: {
poamTool: 'ServiceNow / JIRA / ZenGRC',
workflow: [
'Scan findings auto-create tickets',
'Tickets mapped to POA&M entries',
'SLA tracking based on severity',
'Escalation for overdue items',
'Evidence attachment on closure',
'Monthly POA&M export'
],
notifications: {
newFinding: 'Security team + asset owner',
slaBreach: 'Manager + security leadership',
closure: 'Security team for verification'
}
}
};
// Significant Change Request Process
interface SignificantChangeRequest {
changeId: string;
submissionDate: Date;
changeDescription: {
summary: string;
detailedDescription: string;
justification: string;
affectedComponents: string[];
};
securityImpact: {
boundaryChange: boolean;
newTechnology: boolean;
newInterconnection: boolean;
architectureChange: boolean;
dataFlowChange: boolean;
controlsAffected: string[];
};
assessment: {
riskAssessment: string;
controlUpdates: ControlUpdate[];
documentationUpdates: string[];
testingRequired: string[];
};
approval: {
cspApprover: string;
agencyApprover?: string;
fedRampApproval: boolean;
approvalDate?: Date;
conditions?: string[];
};
}
// Changes that typically require SCR
const significantChangeExamples = {
requires_scr: [
'Adding new cloud service provider (AWS → Azure)',
'New data center or region',
'New interconnection with external system',
'Major version upgrade of core platform',
'Architecture change (monolith to microservices)',
'New authentication mechanism',
'Adding new data types to scope',
'Significant boundary expansion'
],
typically_not_scr: [
'Minor patch updates',
'Configuration changes within approved baselines',
'Adding users within existing roles',
'Hardware refresh with equivalent specs',
'Scaling existing infrastructure (more of same)',
'Security tool updates'
]
};
Cost and Resource Planning
Realistic budgeting for FedRAMP authorization.
// FedRAMP Cost Estimator
interface FedRAMPCostEstimate {
impactLevel: 'low' | 'moderate' | 'high';
preparation: {
gapAssessment: CostRange;
consultingSupport: CostRange;
tooling: CostRange;
remediation: CostRange;
documentation: CostRange;
};
assessment: {
threepaoCost: CostRange;
penetrationTest: CostRange;
};
ongoing: {
annualAssessment: CostRange;
vulnerabilityManagement: CostRange;
complianceStaff: CostRange;
tools: CostRange;
};
totalInitial: CostRange;
totalAnnual: CostRange;
}
interface CostRange {
low: number;
high: number;
notes: string;
}
const moderateCostEstimate: FedRAMPCostEstimate = {
impactLevel: 'moderate',
preparation: {
gapAssessment: {
low: 25000,
high: 75000,
notes: 'Can be done internally or with consultant'
},
consultingSupport: {
low: 100000,
high: 400000,
notes: 'Varies by internal expertise level'
},
tooling: {
low: 30000,
high: 100000,
notes: 'GRC platform, scanning tools, SIEM'
},
remediation: {
low: 150000,
high: 500000,
notes: 'Highly dependent on current maturity'
},
documentation: {
low: 50000,
high: 150000,
notes: 'SSP development, policies, procedures'
}
},
assessment: {
threepaoCost: {
low: 175000,
high: 400000,
notes: 'Full assessment including SAR'
},
penetrationTest: {
low: 25000,
high: 75000,
notes: 'Often included in 3PAO cost'
}
},
ongoing: {
annualAssessment: {
low: 100000,
high: 250000,
notes: '3PAO annual assessment'
},
vulnerabilityManagement: {
low: 30000,
high: 80000,
notes: 'Scanning tools and remediation'
},
complianceStaff: {
low: 150000,
high: 300000,
notes: '1-2 dedicated FTE for ConMon'
},
tools: {
low: 30000,
high: 100000,
notes: 'GRC, scanning, monitoring tools'
}
},
totalInitial: {
low: 555000,
high: 1700000,
notes: 'First year through authorization'
},
totalAnnual: {
low: 310000,
high: 730000,
notes: 'Ongoing annual costs'
}
};
// Resource requirements
const resourceRequirements = {
roles: [
{
role: 'FedRAMP Program Manager',
allocation: '100%',
duration: 'Full authorization + ongoing',
skills: ['Project management', 'FedRAMP expertise', 'Stakeholder management']
},
{
role: 'Security Engineer',
allocation: '50-100%',
duration: 'Full authorization + ongoing',
skills: ['Control implementation', 'Vulnerability management', 'Security architecture']
},
{
role: 'Documentation Specialist',
allocation: '50-100%',
duration: 'Preparation and assessment phases',
skills: ['Technical writing', 'Policy development', 'FedRAMP templates']
},
{
role: 'DevOps/Infrastructure',
allocation: '25-50%',
duration: 'Remediation and ongoing',
skills: ['Infrastructure as code', 'Configuration management', 'Monitoring']
},
{
role: 'Executive Sponsor',
allocation: '10%',
duration: 'Full authorization + ongoing',
skills: ['Resource allocation', 'Organizational commitment', 'Risk decisions']
}
],
tools: [
{
category: 'GRC Platform',
examples: ['ZenGRC', 'ServiceNow GRC', 'LogicGate', 'Hyperproof'],
purpose: 'Control mapping, evidence management, POA&M tracking'
},
{
category: 'Vulnerability Scanner',
examples: ['Tenable.io', 'Qualys', 'Rapid7 InsightVM', 'AWS Inspector'],
purpose: 'Monthly vulnerability scanning and reporting'
},
{
category: 'SIEM/Logging',
examples: ['Splunk', 'Elastic', 'Sumo Logic', 'Azure Sentinel'],
purpose: 'Audit logging, monitoring, incident detection'
},
{
category: 'Endpoint Protection',
examples: ['CrowdStrike', 'Carbon Black', 'SentinelOne'],
purpose: 'Malware protection, EDR'
}
]
};
Common Challenges and Solutions
Navigate typical FedRAMP obstacles effectively.
| Challenge | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Scope creep | Budget/timeline overruns | Define tight boundary early, resist expansion |
| Agency sponsor difficulty | Project stall | Build relationships early, demonstrate value |
| 3PAO findings volume | Remediation delays | Pre-assess before 3PAO, fix obvious issues |
| Documentation burden | Team burnout | Use templates, hire specialists |
| Inherited control confusion | Assessment gaps | Clearly document what's inherited vs implemented |
| Continuous monitoring overhead | Resource strain | Automate extensively from day one |
| Vendor dependency for remediation | Timeline delays | Identify vendor-dependent items early |
| Staff turnover | Knowledge loss | Document everything, cross-train team |
FedRAMP vs StateRAMP
Understanding the relationship for state/local market access.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ FedRAMP vs StateRAMP │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ FedRAMP StateRAMP │
│ ════════ ══════════ │
│ │
│ Federal government focus State/local government focus │
│ NIST 800-53 controls NIST 800-53 (derived) │
│ JAB or Agency authorization StateRAMP verification │
│ Mandatory for federal Voluntary for states │
│ ~$1-2M+ (Moderate) ~$100-500K │
│ 12-18 months typical 6-12 months typical │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ RECIPROCITY │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ FedRAMP Authorized ─────────▶ StateRAMP Verified │ │
│ │ (automatic) │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ StateRAMP Verified ─────────▶ FedRAMP Authorized │ │
│ │ (NOT automatic - full FedRAMP process required) │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Many states accept FedRAMP without StateRAMP │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ Strategy: │
│ • If federal market is priority → FedRAMP (includes state value) │
│ • If state-only focus → StateRAMP (faster, cheaper) │
│ • If both → FedRAMP covers both with one authorization │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Conclusion
FedRAMP authorization is a significant undertaking but provides substantial value through federal market access and security maturity. Key success factors include:
- Executive commitment - Resource allocation and organizational priority
- Realistic timeline - Plan for 12-18 months minimum (Moderate)
- Right partners - Experienced 3PAO and consultants
- Automation from start - Build ConMon automation during implementation
- Agency relationships - Find sponsor early for Agency path
- Continuous focus - Authorization is the beginning, not the end
Start with a thorough gap assessment, build your documentation systematically, and maintain security as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time project.
For related guidance, see our Compliance Frameworks Complete Guide and NIST Compliance Guide.