What Is FedRAMP? How to Get Authorized, Certified & Stay Compliant

Secure handling of sensitive data is high stakes for government agencies, and ultimately for us as citizens of the U.S. FedRamp was created as an industry standard for cloud security, aligning with strict regulatory requirements to protect federal data. Over the years, as reliance on cloud computing increased, the need for stringent security measures to protect vital information became exceedingly important. There needed to be a standardized process for assessing and authorizing the use of cloud products, which posed compliance risks and potential vulnerabilities to sensitive governmental data. In response to this challenge, the U.S. government established the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) in 2011.

For cloud service providers, FedRAMP authorization and its compliance is of particular importance. The program was created to mitigate threats such as cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, providing a consistent approach for security assessment, authorization, and risk management of cloud services. This standardization helps agencies securely adopt modern technologies while safeguarding critical information and aligning with broader governance, risk, and compliance frameworks used across federal agencies.

What Is FedRAMP?

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the government agency that oversees FedRAMP, defines the program’s goal as providing “a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.” Although FedRAMP is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contributes to setting these security standards and guidelines, particularly those related to risk management and data protection. Overall, DHS ensures that FedRAMP-approved, secure cloud services are robust against potential security breaches, safeguarding federal information from malicious actors.

FedRAMP is designed to protect federal data while empowering governmental agencies to harness the best of modern cloud technologies. However, there’s a potential conflict when cloud service providers (CSPs) prioritize innovation over security, forcing the government to balance technological advancements with the safety of citizens.

FedRAMP compliance plays a pivotal role by enforcing strict security standards across all government agencies and their partners. This initiative aligns closely with the goals of the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), ensuring that modernization efforts don’t compromise the integrity and security of federal data.

The GSA’s FedRAMP Marketplace acts as a centralized platform to identify and procure cloud services that meet stringent FedRAMP and FISMA requirements. It supports transparency and lists compliant solutions, facilitating easier adoption of secure technology by government entities—all while emphasizing the protection of federal information.

To achieve its mission, FedRAMP is organized into several teams: the FedRAMP Board, two advisory committees, and the Program Management Office (PMO). The FedRAMP Board handles governance, decision-making, and enforcement, while the PMO helps federal agencies and CSPs gain authorization and maintain a secure list of FedRAMP-authorized cloud services.

How Is FedRAMP Different from the Risk Management Framework (RMF)?

FedRAMP and the Risk Management Framework (RMF) are closely related, but they serve different purposes within federal security and compliance.

RMF provides the overarching framework developed by NIST for managing risk across federal information systems. It outlines a flexible, system-by-system approach for selecting, implementing and assessing security controls based on risk.

FedRAMP builds on RMF but standardizes its application specifically for cloud services. Instead of each agency conducting its own full assessment from scratch, FedRAMP creates a consistent baseline for cloud security, along with predefined control sets, documentation requirements and continuous monitoring expectations.

In practice, this means:

• RMF is broader and applies to all federal systems
• FedRAMP is cloud-specific and enforces standardization across agencies
• FedRAMP reduces duplication by allowing authorized cloud services to be reused across multiple agencies

For cloud service providers, FedRAMP effectively operationalizes RMF into a repeatable, government-wide authorization process.

Key FedRAMP Acronyms Explained

Before diving any deeper into FedRAMP compliance requirements, here’s a quick breakdown of the relevant acronyms:

• 3PAO (Third-party assessment organization): A non-governmental entity that provides an independent report on your readiness for FedRAMP authorization.
• ATO (Authorization to Operate): The formal verification of FedRAMP compliance that is usually in a letter from the PMO.
• CSP (Cloud service provider): A business whose primary product includes cloud storage or services.
• FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program): The government program responsible for maintaining cloud computing security standards across federal agencies.
• FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard): The framework developed by NIST categorizing data stored by cloud services as low, moderate, or high impact.
• GSA (General Services Administration): The larger federal body that oversees FedRAMP.
• NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology): The governmental body responsible for building the security and privacy controls (SP 800-53) FedRAMP uses for assessing, monitoring and authorizing cloud systems.
• PMO (Program Management Office): The FedRAMP team tasked with furthering the mission and goals of the FedRAMP program.
• RAR (Readiness Assessment Report): The document provided by a 3PAO detailing how close your organization is to meeting FedRAMP requirements.
• SAR (Security Assessment Report): The report from a 3PAO outlining the risk posture based on the assessment and review of the System Security Plan (SSP).
• SSP (System Security Plan): A blueprint outlining the security controls and implementation by the Cloud Service Provider.

Photographer: Michael | Source: Unsplash

Why Is FedRAMP Compliance Important for Governance, Risk, and Compliance?

The FedRAMP compliance process involves ensuring cloud services meet strict compliance requirements to protect sensitive governmental data. It’s not just bureaucratic red tape; it’s about safeguarding information that affects all citizens. It also reduces compliance risks and ensures agencies can identify and mitigate potential risks before they escalate into serious data breaches.

Benefits of FedRAMP Compliance

Compliance helps:

1. Protect Data: Ensures data, including federal data, is securely handled across cloud services.
2. Enable Innovation: By meeting these standards, agencies and service providers can use modern, cloud-based solutions to improve efficiency.
3. Build Trust: Implements unified, rigorous security controls to accelerate secure cloud adoption across government agencies and mitigate risks of cyberattacks on cloud systems.

For business owners and compliance officers, achieving FedRAMP authorization may seem complex, but it is mission-critical for securing government contracts and enhancing overall data security. By adopting automated workflows instead of manual processes, agencies can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure compliance aligns with long-term business goals. Many agencies also leverage GRC tools to centralize reporting and strengthen oversight across cloud environments.

When Is FedRAMP Authorization Required?

Depending on your business model, FedRAMP compliance could be integral. You’ll need to secure FedRAMP authorization if you provide or maintain a cloud service that you’re hoping to sell to government agencies. Sensitive data is subject to intense security standards.

If you’re a cloud service provider looking to do business with any federal entity, you must get FedRAMP authorization before you start.  Without it, CSPs risk falling short of government regulation standards and failing crucial external audits. FedRAMP also provides a framework for third-party risk management, ensuring outside vendors meet the same level of security scrutiny as federal agencies.This applies even if a government agency initiated the partnership because agencies cannot provide authorization.

However, you won’t have to worry about FedRAMP requirements if you’re a cloud service provider working with private companies or individuals. But consider the potential government contracts you could be passing on by skipping FedRAMP authorization.

FedRAMP Authorization Requirements

FedRAMP authorization requires more than a one-time assessment. Every cloud service provider must demonstrate strong security controls, maintain detailed documentation and support ongoing oversight of their environment.

Regardless of the agency sponsor or system complexity, all authorization efforts are built on three core components: risk assessment, documentation and continuous monitoring.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the foundation of FedRAMP authorization. Before a system can be approved, it must undergo an independent evaluation to determine whether its security controls are properly designed and implemented.

This assessment is conducted by a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), which tests controls aligned to guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, including NIST SP 800-53.

The goal is to identify vulnerabilities, validate control effectiveness and clearly define the system’s risk posture before it is introduced into a federal environment.

Required Documentation

FedRAMP requires extensive documentation to demonstrate how security controls are implemented and maintained. Key artifacts include:

• System Security Plan (SSP): Defines the system architecture and how controls are applied
• Security Assessment Report (SAR): Documents findings from the independent assessment
• Readiness Assessment Report (RAR): Identifies gaps prior to a full assessment (if completed)

These documents provide transparency into the system’s security posture and give agencies the information they need to evaluate risk and make authorization decisions.

Continuous Monitoring

Authorization doesn’t end once a system is approved. FedRAMP requires continuous monitoring to ensure security controls remain effective over time. This includes:

• Ongoing vulnerability scanning
• Regular reporting to the sponsoring agency
• Incident detection and response
• Periodic reassessment of controls

Continuous monitoring ensures that risks are identified and addressed quickly, helping agencies maintain trust in authorized cloud services.

How to Get FedRAMP Authorization in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

As of 2026, FedRAMP authorization has been streamlined. Agency authorization is now the only path available for cloud service providers.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to achieve and maintain FedRAMP authorization under the current model.

Step 1: Determine Your FedRAMP Impact Level

Your impact level is the foundation of your FedRAMP journey. It determines the number and rigor of security controls your cloud service must implement.

Impact levels are defined by FIPS 199 and fall into three categories:

• Low
• Moderate
• High

These classifications are based on the potential impact of a breach on confidentiality, integrity and availability. The higher the impact level, the more stringent the control requirements.

Starting here ensures your security strategy, documentation and assessment scope are aligned from the beginning.

Step 2: Conduct a Readiness Assessment (Optional but Recommended)

Before undergoing a full security assessment, many organizations choose to complete a readiness assessment with a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO).

This results in a Readiness Assessment Report (RAR), which identifies gaps between your current environment and FedRAMP requirements.

While optional, this step provides clear benefits:

• Early visibility into control gaps
• Reduced risk of failing a full assessment
• More predictable timelines and costs

Skipping this step can accelerate timelines in the short term, but often increases risk, rework and delays later in the process.

Step 3: Secure an Agency Sponsor

With the removal of the JAB path, agency sponsorship is now required for all FedRAMP authorizations.

A federal agency must agree to sponsor your Cloud Service Offering (CSO), meaning they:

• Have a mission need for your service
• Are willing to take on the risk of authorization
• Will review and approve your security package

Early coordination with a sponsoring agency is critical. Without it, authorization cannot move forward.

Step 4: Complete the Full Security Assessment

Once aligned with an agency sponsor, your cloud service undergoes a formal security assessment conducted by a 3PAO.

This process includes:

• Validation of implemented security controls
• Review of your System Security Plan (SSP)
• Independent testing and evidence collection

The results are documented in a Security Assessment Report (SAR), which outlines your risk posture and any remaining gaps.

Step 5: Submit Your Package and Receive Authorization to Operate (ATO)

After addressing any findings from the assessment, your full authorization package is submitted for review.

This includes:

• SSP
• SAR
• Supporting documentation and artifacts

The sponsoring agency reviews the package, with support from the FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO). If approved, the agency issues an Authorization to Operate (ATO).

Once authorized, your service is listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace, making it available for use by other federal agencies.

Step 6: Maintain Continuous Monitoring

FedRAMP authorization is not a one-time event. Ongoing compliance requires continuous monitoring to ensure your security posture remains intact.

This includes:

• Regular vulnerability scanning
• Monthly and annual reporting requirements
• Incident response and remediation
• Ongoing control validation

Maintaining authorization requires consistent operational discipline and visibility into your environment. Many organizations rely on automated workflows and GRC platforms to support continuous monitoring at scale.

From JAB to FedRAMP Board

In their official announcement, the FedRAMP team clarified the new structure of the organization. Here’s the current makeup:

• FedRAMP Board: This new incarnation reviews and approves new policies.
• Federal Secure Cloud Advisory Committee: A group of both government and private-sector experts advising on potential improvements.
• FedRAMP Technical Advisory Group: The Secure Cloud Advisory Committee’s counterpart also serves to provide recommendations, but this group specializes in
  solving technological issues.

​​The PMO established two Community Working Groups focused on streamlining and modernizing the FedRAMP authorization process. Their goal is to make authorization faster and more efficient by incorporating automation, applying commercial best practices, and enhancing continuous monitoring. Since March 2025, responsibility for monitoring and authorizing Cloud Service Offerings (CSOs) has been fully transferred to the relevant agencies, with the working groups helping to ensure the transition remains consistent and effective.

Agency Authorization

In the agency path, your initial step is finding a willing federal agency to work with you. Together, you’ll align business processes with federal security requirements. Obtain a Readiness Assessment Report (RAR) from a 3PAO to identify these gaps, though this step isn’t mandatory.

You can bypass the readiness assessment but this requires a full security assessment from a 3PAO, after which a Security Assessment Report (SAR) will outline remaining tasks to align fully with FedRAMP regulations. Resolve the noted issues, submit materials, and if successful, you’ll receive an Authorization to Operate (ATO) from the PMO.

Maintaining authorization requires real-time monitoring of systems to detect vulnerabilities and ongoing risk mitigation strategies. Equally important, user adoption ensures new security measures are effectively integrated into day-to-day operations.

FedRAMP Impact Levels

When deciding which path to FedRAMP authorization to pursue, determine the impact level of data you plan to house. An impact assessment is also a good starting point for planning to meet FedRAMP authorization requirements.

The importance of your data, as defined by its impact level, determines how stringent your security needs to be before working with federal agencies.

How To Determine Your FedRAMP Impact Level

To classify if your data is low, moderate or high impact, familiarize yourself with the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 199 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This document details risk levels based on potential breaches. It balances security with the duty to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in the cloud.

Here is a simplified version of the impact levels laid out in FIPS 199, but be sure to reference the full document if you need any clarification.

Low Impact

Your cloud service could be considered low-impact if losing of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of your data causes only small adverse effects on an agency’s operations, assets or individuals.

For example, the Public Health Foundation’s TRAIN Learning Network has been authorized as low-impact since 2022. The service only holds data regarding additional training for government employees, so a security compromise would have minimal adverse effects.

If you can prove your service is low-impact, you’ll face less strict security rules to meet FedRAMP qualifications.

Moderate Impact

Most cloud service providers seeking FedRAMP authorization fall into the moderate impact category. This means any breach could cause serious adverse effects on operations or assets without physical damage or death.

(Onspring GovCloud is classified as moderate impact, covering cybersecurity and risk information.)

High Impact

High-impact cloud services safeguard data that could have downright catastrophic effects if it were ever publicly disclosed, modified or deleted. You’re handling high-impact data if you work with emergency services, financial or health systems, or law enforcement.

AWS GovCloud for U.S. businesses and agencies is a high-impact service. It handles data for the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Agriculture, needing robust cybersecurity.

If your cloud service falls into the high-impact category, you’ll have to meet the most stringent requirements for FedRAMP authorization.

Start Working Toward FedRAMP Authorization with Automated Workflows

No matter the data you handle, gaining FedRAMP authorization is a vital step for accessing new government buyers for your cloud services. An automated compliance platform—ideally supported by modern GRC software and tools —can help manage and maintain your compliance with real-time monitoring. Schedule a meeting to discuss how Onspring can help.