FedRAMP 20x Authorization in Under 30 Days

We recommend finding a tool that does these 5 things: 

1. Puts an emphasis on information assurance
2. Has automated evidence collection and validation
3. Uses a transparent process
4. Balances automation and manual attestations
5. Includes flexible validation scheduling

→ Get more tips to find the best tool for your 20x process.

POA&M templates often fail and lead to bad security practices. VDR shifts compliance from point-in-time snapshots to continuous readiness. The goal is to bring agencies and vendors closer to true continuous ATO.

But, you can't manually sift through vulnerabilities and hit required timelines. You’ll need processes that detect, assess, and patch automatically where possible.

Paramify will alert you to LEVs and IRVs instantly. From there you can prioritize the N5s and automate the fixes for lower ones. 

Find out how VDR works and watch below to learn how Paramify helps:

20x requires continuous assessment of your tool so agencies can get a more real-time understanding of your security posture.

With Paramify you can automatically retrieve, store, and validate the evidence required for continuous assessment of your FedRAMP 20x KSIs.

Trust Centers are a requirement for FedRAMP 20x authorization. Paramify will help you build out your own trust center that will include details on your compliance programs. 

Check out Paramify’s trust center as an example.

FedRAMP Authorization is different from an Authority to Operate (ATO). In the past, you could only get FedRAMP Authorized with an ATO — and to get an ATO you’d have to have an agency sponsor. 

You can get FedRAMP Authorized without a sponsor, but your ATO comes once an agency begins using you. Having the authorization in advance will speed up the process and provide agencies with more options that have necessary security controls already in place.

Yes, when you’ve completed FedRAMP 20x your company will be added to the FedRAMP Marketplace. From there federal agencies can choose your product.

They very much do.

Find out if your AI tool qualifies or learn more about the AI fast-track to 20x.

We’re still finding out the details on 20x Moderate. We’ve heard suggestions that pen tests and red teams are not being included for moderate-level 20x assessments, though agencies may still request them independently.

We’ll update as we learn more.

Paramify automatically creates and updates any required reporting as you implement your KSIs and update their statuses. 

Machine-readable or not, documentation sucks. So we’re taking care of it.

The 20x program is still being developed — it’s a little like building the airplane in flight. 

The fine folks at FedRAMP are testing, receiving feedback and iterating as they go. To do this they’re piloting the different impact levels individually. 

• The pilot for FedRAMP 20x low is complete and open for new submissions. 
• Moderate and High-level 20x are expected to be available by early 2026

Psst: Federal agencies are looking to fast-track fedRAMP Authorization for AI tools. If you're looking for authorization for your AI tool, you can get started now.

Expect to move much faster with 20x. Paramify and the other companies we helped through the process were able to submit in less than 30 days.

Get more info here:

FedRAMP 20x is significantly less expensive than traditional FedRAMP. Expect to spend between $145k to $180k initially and $235k to $360k annually to maintain authorization. 

Find a full breakdown of the cost of FedRAMP and FedRAMP 20x to know what to expect and how to reduce your spend.

A KSI is a Key Security Indicator. This is a measurable metric or control used to assess the security posture of cloud services in FedRAMP. 

KSIs provide a standardized, machine-readable way to evaluate and monitor the security of a CSPs by focusing on critical security controls or outcomes.

‍Learn about KSIs or read here to see how they compare to traditional controls.

You’re eligible for 20x if: 

• Your tool is cloud-native on an authorized platform (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Can create a machine-readable file to show evidence of 20x KSIs. 
• Have a FedRAMP-savvy 3PAO to audit your submission

If you’ve done a SOC 2 type 2 audit (or something similar) in the last year, it can also speed up your process. 

→ Find 20x eligibility requirements to see if it’s right for you

FedRAMP 20x is designed to be as secure as Rev 5, if not more so. 

20x emphasizes flexible, risk-based mitigations and automation over rigid manual processes — aligning better with modern RMF principles for adaptive threat handling. 

This shift reduces outdated implementations while maintaining or enhancing overall security standards.

We believe risk-based security beats checklist compliance every time:

Traditional FedRAMP relies on detailed NIST-based controls, manual reviews, agency sponsorships, and lengthy authorization processes that can take months or years. 

FedRAMP 20x, introduced by the GSA in March 2025, accelerates the process for cloud-native services. 20x emphasizes automation, machine-readable documentation, real-time monitoring, and doesn’t require an agency sponsorship.  Authorizations are possible much faster without reducing security. 

→ Find out if 20x is a good fit for your organization.

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

→ Compare KSIs to Rev 5 controls

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

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

→ Find the best assessor for your CSP with these tips

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

→ Find a recommended 3PAO