5 Things to Look for in a FedRAMP 20x GRC Tool

FedRAMP 20x is here to simplify the FedRAMP process in a major way so that more software solutions can implement excellent security practices and get FedRAMP Authorized faster, with fewer resources. 

FedRAMP 20x can provide access to a new, hungry market. But, before you start, you’re going to need to carefully pick the right tools to get you there.

We’ve helped many software organizations, of all different sizes, achieve FedRAMP Authorization. Finding the right tool is essential and these are the 5 features we recommend prioritizing when choosing a GRC tool for FedRAMP 20x.

Why FedRAMP 20x?

There’s oodles of software solutions to every organization problem you can think of — and the federal government doesn’t have access to most of them. Agencies are regularly forced to rely on crusty, outdated software solutions that don’t improve because they don’t face competition on the FedRAMP Marketplace.

But, your software is not crusty. It’s out there thriving in a competitive environment, and by golly, Paul over at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration frequently daydreams about having access to it. 

20x is meant to remove the unnecessary blockers that may have kept you from seeking FedRAMP Authorization in the past. With the right tools and the benefits of 20x, FedRAMP Authorization is more accessible than ever before, even for small startups. 

→ How Paramify achieved FedRAMP Authorization through 20x

Features to Look for in Your 20x GRC Tool

1. An Emphasis on Information Assurance

Look for tools that support information assurance, which involves verifying that you're actually doing what you say you do. 

The tool(s) you use should distinguish between information security implementation (planning data flows, people, processes, and technology) and assurance (verifying that documented practices are actually followed).

Your tool should also provide you with the ability to report on your system — the ability to attach detailed narratives to controls or requirements, explaining "how we do it," which auditors can then validate against evidence.

2. Automated Evidence Collection and Validation

Many controls can now be automated, so prioritize tools with automated validations where possible. 

Check that your tool provides a complete population of evidence at the beginning for comfort of agencies, FedRAMP PMO, and auditors. 

Your tool should also tie validations directly to capabilities without requiring full data exports (e.g., extracting only relevant details from config files like NGINX for access roles, logging levels, or integrations with tools like Splunk, using artifacts or summaries to avoid unnecessary metadata transfer).

3. Transparency and Clear Processes

Avoid black-box systems. The tool you use should provide visibility into how evidence is collected, processed, and validated to prevent friction and ensure reliability. Basically, if something is misconfigured, it should be detectable.

This should include clear plans for assessors: knowing the requirement, how to assess it, seeing the validation, and how evidence flows.

4. Balance Between Automation and Manual Attestations

Not everything is automate-able. Make sure you have support for human attestations on tasks like policy reviews or access reviews, with automated reminders to ensure timely completion.

Your tool should transparently demonstrate how people, process, and technology all work together in your system.

5. Flexible Validation Scheduling and Resource Efficiency

Look for an option that allows validations to run as needed — multiple times a day, weekly, monthly — based on importance and computational demands (e.g., avoiding overuse for less critical or resource-intensive tasks).

→ Demo Paramify’s 20x GRC Tool

Learn More About FedRAMP 20x

• Why FedRAMP 20x may not be right for you
• How long does FedRAMP 20x take?
• Flock Safety case study: 20x with Paramify and Moss Adams/Baker Tilly

Get Started With FedRAMP 20x

If you choose a GRC tool with these 5 features in mind you should be well on your way to streamlining your FedRAMP compliance process. 

Paramify is built with these 5 features to make FedRAMP as streamlined as possible. 

If you’re considering FedRAMP or have questions about the process, we’d love to talk. Feel free to reach out to our team, schedule a demo, or request a demo video below to watch at your own convenience.