Source & Authority Information
- •Federal Acquisition Regulation(accessed 2026-01-15)
- •SBA Federal Contracting(accessed 2026-01-15)
- •SAM.gov(accessed 2026-01-15)
Understanding FedRAMP Fundamentals and Purpose
FedRAMP Authorization Pathways Explained
- Agency Authorization: A specific federal agency sponsors and authorizes the cloud service for their use. The agency accepts risk and issues an Authority to Operate (ATO). Other agencies can then reuse this authorization through their own abbreviated assessment process. Agency authorization is often faster and less expensive but requires an identified agency sponsor.
- Joint Authorization Board (JAB) Provisional Authorization: The JAB—comprising representatives from DoD, DHS, and GSA—issues a Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) after rigorous assessment. JAB authorization carries significant market credibility and facilitates agency adoption but involves a lengthy prioritization process and more demanding review.
- FedRAMP Connect: A prioritization process for cloud providers seeking JAB authorization. Providers demonstrate demand from multiple agencies, and the FedRAMP PMO selects candidates for JAB review based on government-wide need and provider readiness.
- FedRAMP Ready: A pre-authorization designation indicating a cloud service has completed a Third Party Assessment Organization assessment and FedRAMP PMO technical review. Demonstrates security commitment and readiness for authorization while providers seek agency sponsors or JAB prioritization.
The FedRAMP Authorization Process Step by Step
- 1Preparation and documentation
Cloud providers develop comprehensive System Security Plans documenting how their service meets FedRAMP security controls. This foundational document describes system architecture, security boundaries, control implementation, and risk management processes. Quality preparation documentation significantly affects assessment efficiency and outcomes.
- 2Third Party Assessment Organization selection
Providers engage FedRAMP-accredited 3PAOs to conduct independent security assessments. 3PAO selection significantly impacts cost, timeline, and assessment quality. Evaluate 3PAO experience with similar systems, assessment approach, communication style, and fee structure before committing.
- 3Security assessment
The 3PAO conducts comprehensive security assessment including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, policy review, and control validation. Assessment findings are documented in a Security Assessment Report identifying risks and control deficiencies requiring remediation.
- 4Remediation
Providers address findings identified during assessment, implementing additional controls or improving existing implementations. Some findings may be documented in Plans of Action and Milestones for resolution after authorization, but significant issues must be remediated before proceeding.
- 5Authorization decision
For agency authorization, the sponsoring agency Authorizing Official reviews the complete authorization package and makes a risk-based decision to issue an ATO. For JAB authorization, the board reviews the package and issues a P-ATO if satisfied with security posture and residual risk.
- 6Marketplace listing
Authorized services are listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace, enabling agencies to identify approved solutions. Marketplace presence significantly enhances visibility and credibility with government buyers seeking authorized cloud services.
- 7Continuous monitoring
Authorization is not a one-time achievement but requires ongoing compliance activities. Providers must conduct regular vulnerability scanning, submit monthly security reports, undergo annual assessments, and promptly report and remediate significant security incidents or changes.
FedRAMP Security Control Baselines
Building a FedRAMP-Ready Architecture
- Define clear authorization boundaries identifying which components are in scope and how the system interfaces with external services
- Implement multi-factor authentication for privileged users and federates with government identity providers where required
- Deploy comprehensive security monitoring with real-time alerting and automated threat detection capabilities
- Encrypt all data at rest using FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules and all data in transit using TLS 1.2 or higher
- Establish formal change management processes documenting all system modifications and their security implications
- Develop incident response procedures meeting FedRAMP reporting timelines and notification requirements
- Implement vulnerability management programs including regular scanning, penetration testing, and remediation tracking
- Maintain current Plans of Action and Milestones documenting known weaknesses and remediation timelines
