What Is a 3PAO and How to Choose One

What a 3PAO Does

• Performs independent control testing against the applicable FedRAMP baseline
• Produces or validates core package artefacts (commonly SAR, RET/risk tables, and inputs to POA&M)
• Supports annual reassessment and significant-change testing under ConMon

How to Choose a 3PAO

• Accreditation status — confirm current FedRAMP accreditation for your path
• Baseline experience — Low vs Moderate vs High (and Li-SaaS / Tailored where relevant)
• Cloud and SaaS familiarity — shared-responsibility models, multi-tenant boundaries, FIPS crypto modules
• Capacity and calendar — assessment slots often gate overall timeline
• Clarity of SOW — test plan depth, travel/remote, evidence formats, retest cycles

Prepare Before Kickoff

Arrive with a coherent system boundary, draft SSP, inventory, vulnerability programme, and logging that can demonstrate AU and continuous monitoring expectations. See the readiness checklist and ConMon requirements.

How CyberSilo Helps

• Evidence workflows for SSP, POA&M, and control status via Compliance Standards Automation
• ThreatHawk SIEM for AU-family logging, ConMon telemetry, and investigation evidence
• Advisory scoping for readiness, baseline selection, and agency-path planning — contact CyberSilo

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CyberSilo act as our 3PAO?

No. CyberSilo provides readiness, evidence automation, and ConMon tooling. Independent assessment requires an accredited 3PAO.

When should we engage a 3PAO?

Early enough to align the test plan with your boundary and evidence formats — often during readiness, not only after the SSP is “final.”

Do we need a new 3PAO every year?

Annual assessment is required under ConMon; many CSPs retain the same accredited 3PAO when capacity and independence remain appropriate.

Related FedRAMP Resources

FedRAMP hub · SSP template · POA&M · Cost drivers