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What is FedRAMP?

Get the background on what FedRAMP authorization is, where the ATO process came from and how to get your org authorized. 

Kenny Scott
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53
min read

In This Article

FedRAMP 20x Process

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FedRAMP, or the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a U.S. government program that standardizes security for cloud services. 

It's the best way to make sure cloud providers meet strict security rules so federal agencies can use them without worrying about data risks. It’s basically a security stamp of approval for the cloud.

What’s a FedRAMP ATO?

ATO stands for Authority to Operate. An ATO is required for agencies to sell cloud services to the government. 

“When it comes to ATOs, fun is mandatory! You need to complete the ATO process before you use, buy, or build software for the government.” - digital.gov

An ATO authorizes you to operate on government networks

Government agencies have their own private networks. They use their own closed, safe networks to keep federal data private rather than using the everyday internet most of us are used to.

Government networks like the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) and the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) are used to keep federal data private. 

government networks like NIPRnet or SIPRnet require software solutions with a FedRAMP ATO

Origins of FedRAMP 

A couple decades ago government agencies started to notice all the new software they wanted to use. But, they couldn’t use the fancy new software because it hadn’t been approved to operate within these closed government networks. 

And so, in 2011, FedRAMP was born to allow cloud services to get an ATO once they prove they have implemented NIST 800-53 controls (low, medium or high depending on the impact level of their data). 

With an ATO, CSPs can sell services to agencies using these secure networks.

“Federal agencies know a cloud-based service is safe to use once it’s awarded the FedRAMP stamp of approval, and unlike FISMA, FedRAMP ATO qualifies a cloud service provider to do business with any federal agency.” - Palo Alto Networks

How to Get a FedRAMP ATO

  1. Find an agency that wants to use their software – this is called a sponsor.
  2. Create a system security plan (SSP) to plan out and document how you’re going to protect federal data and the controls you have around it. 
  3. Have a 3rd party assessor (3PAO) come in to assess whether or not you’re doing everything you say you’re doing.
  4. Submit your mountain of documentation to the Program Management Office (PMO). The PMO reviews it, checks it, asks for changes, and gives final ATO approval.
 → How much it costs to write an SSP 

How Long Does it Take to Get a FedRAMP ATO? 

Getting FedRAMP authorization can take anywhere from 6 months to 2+ years. 

How long it takes you will depend on

  1. Whether or not you already have an agency sponsor
  2. Whether you pursue FedRAMP Low, Moderate or High
  3. If you manually produce your compliance documentation or use software like Paramify to automatically create it as you implement your controls. 

We recently went from 0 to audit ready for FedRAMP High in 6 weeks for under $300k using Paramify’s software to generate a security roadmap and documentation.

→ More about the FedRAMP authorization process and how long it could take

Once you have an ATO, you’ll need to prove you’re still FedRAMP compliant every month until you die with ConMon and POA&Ms. Paramify also streamlines and simplifies these processes. 

POA&M automation can save 40+ hours of work a month

Start the FedRAMP ATO Process

Ready to get started with FedRAMP? 

You can simplify your process, get authorized faster, and cut costs when you use Paramify.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out for more info on FedRAMP, check out our pricing, or sign up for a free demo to see how you can make FedRAMP easier, faster and less expensive for your org. 

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Learn More:

→ Is FedRAMP Authorization worth the hassle?

→ Find out if Paramify is the right fit for your org

→ How automated documentation can improve your audit

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.
Mar 2025
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Once authorized, can I sell to any federal agency?

Yes — authorization can be reused by multiple agencies via the FedRAMP Marketplace, but some agencies may request additional requirements.

How is FedRAMP 20x different from traditional FedRAMP?

20x introduces automation, key security indicators (KSIs), continuous monitoring validation, and streamlined authorization (sometimes without sponsor requirements).

→ Compare KSIs to Rev 5 controls

What are the most common reasons for delays or failures in FedRAMP authorization?

Incomplete documentation, insufficient evidence, failing initial gap assessments, lack of executive support, and underestimating resource requirements.

→ How to create the most accurate documentation for audit success

What's the difference between FedRAMP and other frameworks (SOC 2, CMMC, ISO 27001)?

FedRAMP is U.S. government-specific and NIST-based, more prescriptive and granular than commercial standards.

How do inherited controls from my cloud infrastructure provider (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) work?

FedRAMP allows CSPs to “inherit” controls from IaaS providers; you must document and verify this inheritance with shared responsibility models.

What kind of technical controls are required under FedRAMP?

Controls follow NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 (with additional FedRAMP overlays) — covering access control, incident response, risk assessment, configuration management, etc.

→ Get your custom accelerated FedRAMP implementation roadmap

How often do I need to update and submit security documentation?

At minimum: 

  • Monthly POAMs and vulnerability scans
  • Annual security assessments
  • Ad hoc submissions for significant changes.

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What is a POA&M?

Plan of Action and Milestones: a document tracking remediation plans for open vulnerabilities, findings, and compliance issues.

→ Learn more about POAMs

What is continuous monitoring (ConMon) and why is it important?

ConMon involves ongoing assessments, vulnerability scanning, reporting POAMs, and keeping security posture current post-authorization.

What documentation is required for FedRAMP?

Major deliverables include a System Security Plan (SSP), Security Assessment Plan (SAP), Security Assessment Report (SAR), Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M), Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) documentation, policies/procedures, and more.

Do I need an agency sponsor?

Yes, for now. But, agency sponsorship requirements are evolving — FedRAMP 20x does not require a sponsor.

How do I pick the best 3PAO for my project?

Consider experience with similar environments, references, price, and knowledge of specific cloud implementations.

→ Find the best assessor for your CSP with these tips

What is a 3PAO?

A Third Party Assessment Organization is an accredited independent assessor that conducts key security testing and assessment for FedRAMP. 

→ Find a recommended 3PAO

How much does FedRAMP Authorization cost?
  • Initial costs range from ~$150k to $3M+ for gap assessments, remediation, 3PAO audits, and documentation/reporting. 
  • Annual costs can range from $50k to $1m to maintain documentation, do continuous monitoring, and resource allocation. 

→ Learn more about what FedRAMP could cost your organization and whether or not it’s worth the effort

How long does it take to achieve FedRAMP Authorization?

Typical processes take 6–24 months. Paramify accelerates the process to take between 1-10 months with a fully prepared package in less than a month. 

Your timeline will vary depending on your impact level, whether you take a manual or automated approach to implementation & documentation, and PMO wait times.

→ Learn about the FedRAMP Authorization process and what it costs.

What’s the difference between FedRAMP Ready, FedRAMP In Process, and FedRAMP Authorized?
  • Ready: Preliminary review for capability and documentation.
  • In Process: CSP is actively working toward authorization, usually with an agency sponsor or as part of the JAB program.‍
  • Authorized: Successfully completed security assessment and continuous monitoring.
What are the different impact levels for FedRAMP?

Low, Moderate, and High — based on the type and sensitivity of federal data hosted (FIPS 199 categories: confidentiality, integrity, availability).

→ Get the details on impact level to know which impact level is right for you.

Do You Need FedRAMP?

Any cloud service provider (CSP) that wants to sell cloud products or services to U.S. federal agencies must be FedRAMP authorized.

→ Learn more to find out if FedRAMP is a good choice for your cloud-based business.

What is FedRAMP

FedRAMP stands for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program; it standardizes the security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by U.S. federal agencies.

How long will it take to generate my SSP?

If you’re new to FedRAMP: The time required depends on how long it takes to implement your security controls. With Paramify’s living gap assessment dashboard, you can build your compliance roadmap and generate documents instantly with one click.

If you’re already FedRAMP authorized: It can take as little as 3.5 hours or up to a week.

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Can you help me transition from NIST 800-53 Rev 4 to Rev 5?

Yes! No one will help you transition to FedRAMP Rev 5 as affordably and painlessly as Paramify. Learn how you can make a seamless, inexpensive transition to Rev 5.

Can I use my existing SSP?

Yes, we offer this service and have provided it for many clients. Most of our customers, including those for whom we’ve ingested their SSP, have found that starting from scratch and adopting the full power of Risk Solutions was the better option.

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