The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, commonly known as FedRAMP, is an initiative across the United States government that sets standardized security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring requirements for cloud products and services. Its main goal is to ensure that cloud service providers (CSPs) comply with the federal government’s strict security standards. FedRAMP allows these companies to offer their services to federal agencies securely and efficiently.
FedRAMP certification is mandatory for CSPs who want to work with the government. It demonstrates their commitment to data security and compliance with federal standards, which can lead to government contracts and partnerships.
Get your FedRAMP certification without the expensive mistakes. Talk to a 38North cybersecurity expert today.
What is FedRAMP Ready?
FedRAMP Ready refers to a status granted to CSPs after successfully completing a Readiness Assessment with an accredited Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO). This designation indicates that the CSP’s service offering has been assessed for its capability to meet federal security requirements as outlined by FedRAMP.
CSPs need to undergo a comprehensive assessment process and submit a Readiness Assessment Report (RAR) to achieve FedRAMP Ready status. This report demonstrates their adherence to strict security criteria specified by FedRAMP. FedRAMP Ready is a step toward full FedRAMP Authorization.
What is “Provisional Authority to Operate?”
Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) refers to a temporary authorization granted to CSPs by the Joint Authorization Board (JAB) as part of the FedRAMP process. To obtain a P-ATO, CSPs must first achieve FedRAMP Ready status.
FedRAMP Ready vs. Authorized to Operate
The designation of FedRAMP Ready indicates that a CSP has completed a Readiness Assessment with an accredited 3PAO but has yet to undergo the full authorization process. However, FedRAMP Authorized or Authorized to Operate (ATO) signifies that a CSP has successfully completed the authorization process. An updated FedRAMP Marketplace listing will reflect the service offering’s FedRAMP Authorized status, along with the date of authorization.
How Long Is FedRAMP Ready Valid For?
A FedRAMP Ready designation is valid on the FedRAMP Marketplace for twelve months from the date the FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) designated it. This allows CSPs to seek an agency sponsor and progress toward full FedRAMP Authorization.
Recertifying After the 1-Year Cutoff
After the validity period, CSPs without an agency sponsor that wish to remain FedRAMP Ready will have to undergo (and pay for) another Readiness Assessment by a 3PAO.
Benefits of FedRAMP Ready
It’s in the best interest of CSPs to get FedRAMP Ready. Here are some of the reasons why:
Long-Term Cost Savings
While getting FedRAMP Ready involves an initial investment, it can save long-term costs by streamlining the ATO process and reducing the need for security fixes.
An Enhanced Security Posture
The FedRAMP Ready program aligns CSPs with stringent security standards, improving overall security posture and boosting customer confidence.
Optimized Efficiency
With the Readiness Assessment and preparation of documentation, CSPs save time and resources by organizing and preparing for full FedRAMP Authorization.
Identify Security Gaps
Through the FedRAMP Ready process, organizations can identify security gaps early on in their journey toward FedRAMP ATO. This proactive approach allows CSPs to address deficiencies promptly and ensure smoother transitions to full authorization.
Partner Visibility
Being formally designated as FedRAMP Ready enhances credibility with federal agencies and positions CSPs as reliable partners for government contracts. Visibility on the FedRAMP Marketplace can also improve a business’s chances of winning government contracts and partnerships.
5 Steps to Achieve FedRAMP Readiness
Although achieving FedRAMP Ready status can seem daunting and complicated, there are actually just five main steps.
Step 1: Partner with a 3PAO
To get started, a CSP must work with an accredited 3PAO to complete a Readiness Assessment of its service offering. The Readiness Assessment Report (RAR) documents the CSP’s capability to meet federal security requirements.
Step 2: Control Implementation Details in the Readiness Assessment Report
This step provides transparency and assurance about the CSP’s security controls. The security controls are assessed against the FedRAMP baseline security controls, which are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.
Step 3: Evaluate the CSO Based on the Readiness Assessment Report
This evaluation determines whether the CSP’s service offering is ready to meet federal security requirements and lays the foundation for FedRAMP compliance.
Step 4: Finalize the RAR based on Results
Based on results from the 3PAO assessment, businesses must now finalize the RAR. This can include recommendations for mitigation actions, areas of improvement, or validation of satisfactory control implementations. The recommendations are based on the 3PAO’s assessment of the CSP’s security posture and adherence to FedRAMP requirements.
Businesses should ensure that their finalized report aligns with the FedRAMP Readiness Assessment Report Guide PDF and meets all necessary criteria. That means providing clear and comprehensive documentation of control implementations, evidence of security measures, and addressing any identified vulnerabilities or weaknesses.
Submission of the RAR signifies that the CSP has completed the readiness assessment process. This shows that the business is prepared for further review and assessment by FedRAMP authorities.
Step 5: Review of the RAR by FedRAMP PMO
The FedRAMP PMO review ensures consistency and compliance with FedRAMP standards, and upon meeting all criteria, the RAR is assigned FedRAMP Ready status.
Prepare to Be FedRAMP Ready with 38North Security
The process of getting your CSP FedRAMP Ready can be complex and time-consuming. If you’re part of a business that’s looking for FedRAMP Ready status, talk with a 38North Cloud Security Expert today.
Our experienced security team can help you obtain FedRAMP Ready status and, ultimately, FedRAMP ATO. Since FedRAMP’s inception, we’ve developed a streamlined approach that minimizes errors and reduces compliance risk. We provide guidance, documentation, and hands-on security engineering support. Trust 38North to be your expert FedRAMP advisor.
About the Author
