How to Create the Most Accurate SSP for Faster FedRAMP Authorizations

The errors in a manually built SSP can slow down your 3PAO audit and approval. Learn how to get an accurate SSP from the start.

Becki Johnson
|
53
min read

In This Article

Has your 3PAO caught a bunch of inaccuracies in your SSP? 

Does the thought of one more round of corrections make your skin crawl?

There is a way off the audit, correction, audit, correction merry go round – and you deserve your life back.

Here we’ll share how you can get the most accurate ATO package that you, your 3PAO, and the PMO will all love so you can stop fixing details and start focusing on your security. 

The Problem with Manually Written SSPs

If you manually write your SSP you’ll find:

  1. It's expensive to create and maintain
  2. It takes many miserable months, or years, to complete
  3. The final product is full of errors, even with the help of the best GRC pros

And, psssst, your 3PAO is going to catch these inconsistencies in your SSP. 

Then they’re going to make you fix them. 
Over and over again, until you get it right.

Did you know that most companies’ SSPs are even out of date by the time they make it through review? 

Ouch. 

Errors are the natural consequence of having a group of humans copying and pasting information throughout hundreds or thousands of pages of documents. 

Tracking which controls are where is a mammoth task that wastes time and your org’s resources – all for an inferior result. 

Advantages of an Automated SSP & ATO Package 

It’s now possible to build an SSP and ATO package that you and your auditor will love. 

You can do it using Paramify's Risk Solutions platform. 

A Risk Solution is a security capability that maps to many requirements. We keep a library of vetted Risk Solutions that are audited and certified many times over. 

You can use these solutions as-is, customize them, or write your own. 

Your automatically generated SSP by Paramify is:

1- More accurate and consistent. 

2- Easier to create

3- Likely to pass audit quickly 

→ Sign up for a free demo to see a preview of what your automated compliance documentation will look like 

Updating Your ATO – Do it Once, Apply it Everywhere

Your automated SSP will also be easy to manage and update. With Risk Solutions, you can automatically update every requirement and the document that it maps to.

Our favorite part of Risk Solutions? Trading endless copying/pasting for time to spend actually improving security. 

→ Learn more details about how Risk solutions work to decide if they are the right way to bring freedom and joy back to your GRC team’s lives.  

How Long Does Paramify Take to Generate My SSP? 

Depending on the size of your SSP you can expect to spend months, even years, creating your ATO package manually. 

With Paramify’s automated SSP you can generate your SSP in hours to days. 

Especially if you’re nice. 

But also hours to days if you’re not that nice. That’s really just how long it takes. 

→ See how one company completed their ATO package in 3 ½ hours with Paramify. 

Human Readable & Digital ATO Packages

There are pros and cons to both human-readable and OSCAL-based compliance documentation

You can enjoy the benefits of both types with Paramify. We provide you a human readable SSP and a digital ATO package at no extra cost. 

How Much Does Paramify Cost?  

How much your new, automated SSP will cost depends on the impact level of your data and whether or not you need to self-host the application. 

If you have low impact data Paramify will cost between $8,500 - $15,500 per year. If your data is moderate to high level impact it will cost from $23,000 - $60,000 per year. 

→ Learn more about Paramify’s pricing or request a free assessment for a customized quote for your ATO package. 

Get Your Automated, Accurate SSP Documents

An automated ATO package is the easy way to get accurate documentation the first time. 

Now that you know how Paramify generates this documentation you can decide whether or not this is the best direction for your org or if the manual process is right for you. 

Sign up for your free demo to see a preview of your own automated SSP or request to watch a demo video below:

Learn More:

→ How Paramify’s Risk Solutions platform to learn how it simplifies the FedRAMP process. 

The FedRAMP authorization process & timeline

The most common reasons security measures fail

5 signs your company is prioritizing compliance over actual security

Becki Johnson
Sep 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can compliance advisors or consultants work in Paramify with us, and does it help with managed-service models?

Absolutely. Paramify is used by many advisory partners, RPOs, and MSPs to guide, generate, and manage documentation, perform gap assessments, facilitate policy/procedure drafting, and oversee remediation activities. Advisors can fill out templates, manage controls, and generate client-ready documents.

We have privacy or compliance concerns, can we restrict what external reviewers can access?

Yes, you can assign role-based access controls in Paramify. Advisors or auditors can be given access only to certain programs, assessment and their related evidence.

Sensitive information can be withheld or redacted as needed, and only authorized reviewers see specific items.

Can auditors or advisory partners get direct access to our Paramify environment, or do we have to export everything for them?

Yes, Paramify allows external assessors/auditors and advisors to be invited as users, with controlled permission levels. They can review specific evidence, policies, SSPs, POA&Ms, or assessment modules without accessing broader company data. 

Documentation — such as Appendix A, SSPs, procedures, and POAMs — can also be exported in multiple standard formats (Word, Excel, OSCAL, EMASS, PDF) as needed.

Can I get matched with an Advisor based on my specific needs?

Yes. You can use the Get Matched feature on our website. We will review your specific compliance goals and connect you with the partner best suited for your industry and timeline.

How do Advisors use Paramify during a FedRAMP engagement?

Advisors use Paramify to conduct Gap Assessments, map controls, Automate SSPs, and manage POA&Ms.

Instead of spending months writing Word documents, the Advisor inputs the system architecture and control implementations into Paramify, which then generates the required NIST-formatted documentation.

Does Paramify compete with its Advisors?

No. Paramify is a software company. We do not offer independent audit or long-term consulting services. Our goal is to empower Advisors with better tools so they can serve more clients effectively.

What are the different partner tiers?

We feature Premier Partners prominently on our site. These are firms that have demonstrated a high level of proficiency with the Paramify platform and have successfully helped many clients through the authorization process using our tools.

How do I become an official Paramify Advisor Partner?

We look for firms with a proven track record in federal compliance. If you are interested in joining our network and leveraging our automation products, you can reach out via our contact page or schedule a demo to see how our tools fit into your workflow.

What is the benefit of using an Advisor who uses Paramify vs. one who doesn't?

Advisors using Paramify can accelerate your implementation and typically deliver documentation in a fraction of the time it takes without Paramify. This means:

  • Faster Implementation: An accelerated implementation roadmap keeps timelines predictable.
  • Lower Costs: Reduced manual consultant hours.
  • Higher Accuracy: Automation eliminates the "copy-paste" errors common in traditional SSPs.
  • Easier Maintenance: Your Advisor can help you manage POA&Ms and continuous monitoring within the platform.
Does working with an Advisor on this list guarantee FedRAMP or CMMC authorization?

No firm can "guarantee" authorization, as the final decision rests with the government authorizing body (e.g., the FedRAMP PMO or the DoD).

However, working with a Paramify Advisor significantly reduces the risk of documentation errors and ensures your package is built on a technically sound, automated foundation.

How do I choose the right Advisor for my organization?

Our Advisor page allows you to filter partners by their specific expertise, such as FedRAMP, CMMC, FISMA, or GovRAMP.

Why does Paramify partner with Advisors?

Paramify is an “Iron Man suit” for GRC experts. We provide automation technology to generate and manage compliance documentation (like SSPs snd POA&Ms) while Advisors provide the expert human oversight and implementation expertise.

Together, we offer a "best-of-both-worlds" solution: expert consulting powered by industry-leading automation and risk management planning.

What is the Paramify Advisor Partner Network?

The Paramify Advisor Partner Network is a curated group of cybersecurity and compliance firms — including CMMC Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPOs) and accredited 3PAOs — that use Paramify’s platform to deliver faster, more accurate compliance outcomes for their clients.

I already have an advisor or very capable GRC team. Why do I need Paramify?

Use Paramify's Risk Solution platform to automate ATO packages, improving cost efficiency, speed, and accuracy. This frees your team to focus on more valuable efforts like security posture enhancement and compliance improvements.