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FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) Compliance Guide
Why is FedRAMP important?
FedRAMP was initiated in 2011 to assist the federal government in adopting cloud services both cost-effectively and based on risk management. The program aims to: Minimize redundancy and inefficiency, Forge public-private partnerships, Speed up cloud computing adoption, and Develop transparent security authorization procedures and standards.
Some crucial aspects of FedRAMP include:
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ComplianceCloud Service Providers (CSPs) are required to show FedRAMP compliance in order to provide their services to the US government.
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Security assessmentsCSPs are required to complete an independent security evaluation carried out by a third-party assessment organization (Auditor).
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GovernanceThe FedRAMP Joint Advisory Board (JAB) is tasked with setting and revising security authorization requirements, sanctioning accreditation standards for auditors, and additional responsibilities.
FedRAMP Readiness Step-by-Step
Step 1
Plan, Budget, & Partner
Timeline: 30-90 days
Key Objectives:
- Identify key stakeholders
- Define all requirements
- Allocate necessary budget
- Select Partner to enable compliance efforts
- Conduct Readiness Assessment
Step 2
Prepare & Secure Sponsorship
Timeline: up to 180 days
Key Objectives:
- Gap Analysis
- Develop remediation plan
- Collect Evidence
- Sponsorship = existing or prospecting customer
Step 3
Deploy & Assessment
Timeline: up to 90 days
Key Objectives:
- Complete policies & documentation
- Review all controls
- Complete Validation Assessment using Vanta
- Auditor reviews Validation Assessment & issues report
Step 4
Authorization
Timeline: up to 30 days
Key Objectives:
- Performance of required quality assurance processes
- Maintenance of required documentation/evidence
- Iterative refinements, as needed
- Issuance & renewal of FedRAMP Authorization
Step 5
Continuous Monitoring
Timeline: Ongoing
Key Objectives:
- Performance of required quality assurance processes
- Maintenance of required documentation/evidence
- Updating of necessary procedures
Budgeting for FedRAMP compliance
How to plan for FedRAMP compliance across your organization
Recognizing the expenses related to achieving FedRAMP compliance is an essential step for your organization, which needs to be grasped before commencing your journey.
Key Considerations:
- Internal staff time investment (i.e. opportunity cost)
- 3rd party support to expedite the compliance process
- Auditor Costs
- Software to facilitate meeting & maintaining compliance
Internal Staff
DRIs for FedRAMP compliance planning
When considering internal time investment it is important to understand that proper planning will require internal resources. The key players within an org are typically:
- CEO
- CTO
- CRM Administrator
- Technical Support Staff
Estimated Time Investment
Without Partner: 20-40 hours/week
With Partner: 1-4 hours/week
3rd Party Support
Choosing the right partner reduces internal staff requirements
A dedicated partner with the skills to enable evidence collection, documentation, gap analysis, & processes can rapidly accelerate your path to compliance & reduce internal resources. Things to look for:
- Certified expert/partner with Trust Management Platform
- Defined SLAs
- Clear Statement of Work & Timeline
Estimated Cost
Initial Planning: $4,000-10,000
Ongoing: $6,000+/month (varies depending on scope)
Auditor Selection & Cost
Choosing the right auditor is critical to FedRAMP compliance
The auditing phase is the final step before attaining your FedRAMP certification. Selecting a qualified Auditor that is dependable & can work within your timeline is paramount to your successful completion of the FedRAMP compliance process.
Pro Tip: Your Partner should be able to advise & connect you with a good-fit auditor for your organization.
- Price Range: $8,000+ (dependent on overall scope)
- Timeline: generally a 3-6 week window (varies based on overall scope)
Software Selection
The right software can rapidly enhance your timeline to achieve FedRAMP compliance.
When choosing Trust Management Software, it is important to consider how this will positively impact your ability to collect evidence, build processes, & document. It is also important to understand the impact this will have on your ability to remain in compliance for the long term.
We encourage our clients to work within the Vanta platform for both initial compliance & ongoing monitoring. Below we outline why we chose to partner with Vanta & how it has redefined the compliance framework space.
As your trusted Vanta Partner, SOC2 Fast can work quickly to meet the timelines, prepare you for audit, & gain & maintain compliance.
SOC2 Fast Supported Frameworks
SOC2 Fast offers services around the full-stack of frameworks. Learn more about the timelines supported.
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Automate your compliance faster with our support & the leading trust management platform.
