Federal Cloud Security
FedRAMP
Authorization
Achieve Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) compliance for cloud service providers. Gain authorization to serve US federal agencies with Low, Moderate, or High impact levels.
- Complete NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 control implementation
- 3PAO assessment coordination and authorization support
- Continuous monitoring (ConMon) and ongoing compliance
FedRAMP Authorized · NIST 800-53 · Federal Cloud Security
FIPS 199 Categorization
FedRAMP Impact Levels
FedRAMP defines four impact levels based on FIPS 199 categorization. Each level determines the number of NIST 800-53 controls required, timeline, and authorization rigor.
LI-SaaS
Limited Adverse Effect
Tailored for low-risk SaaS with no PII beyond login credentials. 66 controls tested + 90 attested.
Timeline
6-9 months
Effort
Low
Common Use Cases
Collaboration tools, productivity apps, basic cloud services
Low
Limited Adverse Effect
For systems where loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability would have limited adverse effects.
Timeline
9-12 months
Effort
Medium
Common Use Cases
Public-facing websites, non-sensitive data processing
Moderate
Serious Adverse Effect
For systems where loss would result in significant harm/damage to agency operations, assets, or individuals. Covers 80% of FedRAMP authorizations.
Timeline
12-18 months
Effort
High
Common Use Cases
CRM systems, email services, identity management, most cloud services
High
Severe/Catastrophic
For systems where loss would result in severe or catastrophic adverse effects including loss of life, major financial loss, or catastrophic harm.
Timeline
18-24+ months
Effort
Very High
Common Use Cases
National security systems, emergency services, critical infrastructure
Impact Level Selection
Impact level is determined by FIPS 199 categorization: assess the potential impact of loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability across three categories (low, moderate, high). The highest category determines your overall impact level. Moderate impact covers ~80% of FedRAMP authorizations.
Paths to Authorization
FedRAMP Authorization Paths
Three pathways to FedRAMP authorization, each with different timelines, costs, and strategic benefits.
JAB P-ATO
Joint Authorization Board Provisional Authority to Operate
Highest level of authorization. JAB (DoD, DHS, GSA) grants provisional ATO that agencies can leverage. Requires demonstrated multi-agency demand.
Benefits:
- Broadest federal acceptance
- Marketability to all agencies
- FedRAMP Marketplace listing
Requirements:
- 3PAO assessment
- JAB Technical Review
- Multi-agency demand
- Continuous monitoring
Agency ATO
Agency Authority to Operate
Individual federal agency authorizes CSP for their specific use. Faster path for targeted deployments. Other agencies can leverage after initial authorization.
Benefits:
- Faster than JAB
- Targeted to specific agency needs
- Other agencies can reuse
Requirements:
- 3PAO assessment
- Agency sponsorship
- Continuous monitoring
- ConMon reporting
FedRAMP Ready
FedRAMP Ready Designation
Demonstrates readiness for authorization. 3PAO conducts Readiness Assessment. Shows commitment but not full authorization.
Benefits:
- Market signal of readiness
- Foundation for full authorization
- Competitive advantage
Requirements:
- 3PAO Readiness Assessment
- SSP review
- Readiness Assessment Report (RAR)
What's Included
Comprehensive FedRAMP Services
End-to-end FedRAMP authorization from readiness assessment to continuous monitoring and reauthorization.
Readiness Assessment
FIPS 199 categorization, impact level determination, gap analysis against NIST 800-53, readiness roadmap, 3PAO selection support.
SSP Development
System Security Plan (SSP) creation, control implementation narratives, system architecture diagrams, data flow diagrams, policy documentation.
Control Implementation
NIST 800-53 control deployment (156-410 controls), configuration hardening, access control (MFA, RBAC), encryption at rest/transit, logging/monitoring.
3PAO Assessment Support
Coordinate with FedRAMP-accredited Third Party Assessment Organizations, evidence collection, vulnerability remediation, SAR review, POA&M management.
Boundary & Architecture
Authorization boundary definition, network diagrams, interconnection security agreements, cloud architecture review, FIPS 140-2 validation.
Continuous Monitoring
ConMon program setup, monthly/quarterly reporting, vulnerability scanning (weekly), configuration management, incident response, POA&M tracking.
Inventory Management
Hardware/software inventory, CMDB integration, asset tracking, configuration baselines, change management procedures.
JAB/Agency Coordination
JAB Technical Review support, agency sponsorship liaison, FedRAMP PMO coordination, kickoff meetings, final authorization package.
Annual Assessment
Annual 3PAO assessment, control testing, SAR updates, POA&M remediation, reauthorization support, ConMon compliance verification.
Implementation Roadmap
FedRAMP Authorization Timeline
TYPICAL 12-18 MONTH TIMELINE
FedRAMP Moderate Authorization Roadmap
At Tranquility, compliance is fast, flexible, and achievable in under 2 months or sometimes even under 2 weeks!
Readiness & Planning
FIPS 199 categorization, impact level determination, gap analysis against NIST 800-53, authorization path selection, 3PAO engagement, project kickoff.
SSP Development
System Security Plan creation, control implementation narratives, architecture diagrams, data flows, boundary definition, policy documentation.
Control Implementation
NIST 800-53 control deployment, configuration hardening, MFA/RBAC implementation, encryption setup, SIEM/logging, vulnerability remediation.
3PAO Assessment
3PAO kicks off Security Assessment, control testing, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, interviews, evidence review.
Remediation & SAR
Address 3PAO findings, POA&M development, Security Assessment Report (SAR) review, final evidence submission.
Authorization & ConMon
JAB/Agency review, final authorization package, P-ATO/ATO issuance, continuous monitoring program launch, ConMon reporting.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Strengthen Your Compliance Posture
Explore complementary certifications that work together to provide comprehensive security and compliance coverage.
ISO 27001
International ISMS standard. Strong foundation for FedRAMP—many controls overlap with NIST 800-53.
SOC 2
Trust service criteria for US cloud providers. Often pursued alongside FedRAMP for commercial customers.
CMMC
DoD contractor cybersecurity. CMMC Level 2 aligns closely with FedRAMP Moderate baseline.
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