What Does it Take to Create a New FedRAMP Revision?

As the digital landscape evolves, robust security protocols are crucial for protecting data and system integrity. The U.S. FedRAMP program plays a key role. Periodic FedRAMP revisions ensure ongoing relevance, adapting to emerging security needs.

Kenny Scott
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53
min read

In This Article

Tune in to hear Kenny Scott and Christian Hansen of Moss Adams talk all things Rev 5: 

The Dynamics of Decision-Making

Guidance and regulation, especially in the realm of cybersecurity, can often come across as complex. Behind each rule or suggestion lies a plethora of discussions, disagreements, and the pursuit of consensus.

It's a collaborative effort where experts, although well-intentioned, sometimes offer varying insights. This variation isn't necessarily due to inconsistency but because of the intricacies of the issues they're handling. In essence, the guidance provided today might evolve or shift depending on the latest data, technological trends, or security threats.

The Quest for Consensus

Achieving agreement is no easy task. Consider the process for updates or changes to FedRAMP guidelines. Government agencies like the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and Homeland Security all have stakes in the game. Within these entities, various levels of decision-makers, from the CISOs to the CIOs, bring their perspectives, leading to a myriad of viewpoints.

At times, external events or pressing concerns (like national security threats) can redirect focus, causing a delay in consensus for other issues. Balancing these multifaceted interests and concerns is a testament to the complexity of the process.

Looking Ahead: The Implications of Change

As revisions to regulatory guidance, such as FedRAMP, take shape, organizations must remain proactive and agile. For instance, potential changes in directives, like the hypothetical 'red team' scenarios, can bring about significant operational shifts. It's crucial to evaluate organizational readiness – whether there are internal capabilities for new mandates or if external expertise is needed.

Conclusion

Creating a new FedRAMP revision is a monumental task, blending collaboration, consensus-seeking, and a keen understanding of the evolving digital landscape. While organizations await clear directives, they must also remain adaptive, ensuring they're well-positioned to act decisively once new guidance is rolled out. The dance between regulatory bodies and the entities they guide is intricate, emphasizing the need for patience, understanding, and proactive preparation.

Kenny Scott
Kenny is an accomplished leader with a two decade tenure in Information Security and IT Audit. He's widely acknowledged in the industry and has a profound dedication to it. In addition to his technical expertise, Kenny's portfolio includes substantial experience in business strategy, investment, and programming. On the personal side, Kenny is a devoted husband to Angie Scott and a proud father of five. A music enthusiast, he relishes playing the guitar and enjoys surfing when a beach is within reach.
Feb 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.