FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program — Cloud Service Security Authorization
Standard Introduction
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a U.S. government-wide program managed by GSA that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. Established in 2011, it ensures that cloud solutions used by federal agencies meet consistent security requirements based on NIST standards.
FedRAMP follows a “do once, use many” model where a cloud provider’s security authorization can be reused across federal agencies, saving time and costs. With the 2025 launch of FedRAMP 20x, the program is modernizing its approach to accelerate authorization timelines while maintaining rigorous security standards for the growing federal cloud marketplace.
Do Once, Use Many
Cloud providers achieve authorization once and the resulting security package can be reused by any federal agency — eliminating redundant assessments and accelerating cloud adoption.
Three Impact Levels
Authorizations are granted at Low, Moderate, or High impact levels based on FIPS 199 categorization — each with increasing security control requirements from NIST SP 800-53.
Continuous Monitoring
Authorized providers must implement ongoing security monitoring including monthly vulnerability scans, annual penetration testing, and real-time incident reporting.
list_alt Authorization Requirements
- System Security Plan (SSP) documenting all controls
- Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) audit
- Security Assessment Report (SAR)
- Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
- Continuous monitoring and monthly reporting
- Incident response within defined timeframes
- Annual assessment and re-authorization
- FedRAMP 20x pilot for accelerated Low authorization
Who Needs to Comply?
Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) seeking to sell cloud products or services to U.S. federal government agencies. Also required for cloud services used by government contractors handling federal data.
Key Requirements
Security Control Implementation
Implement NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 security controls appropriate to the impact level: Low (~156 controls), Moderate (~325 controls), or High (~421 controls). Document each control in the System Security Plan.
3PAO Assessment
Engage a FedRAMP-recognized Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) to independently evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of security controls.
Authorization Path
Pursue authorization through an Agency ATO (sponsored by a specific federal agency) or Joint Authorization Board (JAB) provisional ATO, or the new FedRAMP 20x pilot path.
Continuous Monitoring
After authorization, maintain ongoing compliance through monthly vulnerability scanning, annual penetration testing, plan of action & milestones management, and significant change reporting.
Penalties & Enforcement
No statutory fines — FedRAMP is a prerequisite for government procurement, not a punitive regulation. Cloud providers without FedRAMP authorization are ineligible for federal contracts. Authorized providers that fail to maintain continuous monitoring requirements risk revocation of their Authority to Operate (ATO).