Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
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The FedRAMP authorization process has three phases: Preparation (document system, implement controls, achieve FedRAMP Ready), Authorization (3PAO assessment, remediate findings, submit package), and Continuous Monitoring (monthly scans, annual assessments). The process takes 12-24 months and costs $500K-$3M.
A FedRAMP 3PAO (Third Party Assessment Organization) is an independent assessor accredited by the FedRAMP PMO to conduct security assessments. Choose based on experience with your impact level, industry expertise, team availability, and pricing. Typical 3PAO fees range from $150,000 to $500,000 for the initial assessment.
The FedRAMP SSP is a comprehensive document (300-500+ pages) describing your system architecture, authorization boundary, data flows, and how each security control is implemented. It is the foundational document of your FedRAMP authorization package and must follow the FedRAMP SSP template.
FedRAMP authorization typically costs $500,000 to $3,000,000+ for initial authorization (including 3PAO assessment, consulting, tools, and remediation) and $200,000 to $500,000 per year for ongoing continuous monitoring. FedRAMP Low (Tailored) can cost as little as $150,000-$400,000.
FedRAMP authorization typically takes 12-24 months from start to ATO. Preparation takes 6-12 months, the 3PAO assessment takes 2-4 months, remediation takes 1-3 months, and package review takes 2-6 months. Agency authorization is generally faster (12-15 months) than JAB (15-24 months).
FedRAMP has three impact levels: Low (125 controls, for non-sensitive data), Moderate (325 controls, for CUI and PII — covers 80% of authorizations), and High (421 controls, for law enforcement and critical infrastructure data). The level is determined by FIPS 199 categorization of the data processed.
The FedRAMP Marketplace is the official directory of FedRAMP-authorized and in-process cloud products. Listing requires achieving FedRAMP Ready, In Process, or Authorized status. Being listed is a major sales enabler as federal agencies use it to find pre-approved cloud solutions.
FedRAMP authorizes cloud services for federal government use while StateRAMP does the same for state and local governments. FedRAMP is based on NIST 800-53 with 325 controls (Moderate); StateRAMP has similar but streamlined requirements. FedRAMP authorization is typically accepted by StateRAMP, but not vice versa.
JAB authorization is issued by the Joint Authorization Board (DoD, DHS, GSA) and carries the highest reusability but is competitive and slower (15-24 months). Agency authorization is sponsored by a single federal agency, is faster (12-15 months), and easier to obtain if you have an agency relationship. Most companies choose Agency.
