What Is FedRAMP? Authorization Explained for Cloud Service Providers

Who FedRAMP Applies To

• Cloud service providers (CSPs) offering SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS to US federal agencies
• Agencies that consume those offerings and issue (or reuse) authorizations
• 3PAOs that independently assess CSP implementations against FedRAMP baselines

Authorization Paths (High Level)

• Agency ATO — a sponsoring agency authorizes the offering
• JAB P-ATO — Joint Authorization Board provisional authorization (evolving under 20x)
• FedRAMP Ready — package readiness milestone before full authorization

See Agency ATO vs JAB P-ATO vs Ready for path selection under 20x.

Core Lifecycle Building Blocks

• Impact selection and baseline (Low / Moderate / High)
• System Security Plan (SSP) and supporting artefacts
• Independent 3PAO assessment
• Authorization decision
• Continuous monitoring (ConMon), POA&M, and significant-change handling

How CyberSilo Helps

• Compliance Standards Automation for control evidence mapping
• ThreatHawk for FedRAMP ConMon — AU logging and continuous monitoring evidence

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs FedRAMP?

Cloud service providers that want to sell SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS to US federal agencies generally need a FedRAMP authorization (or an equivalent agency ATO using FedRAMP baselines).

What are the Rev 5 baseline control counts?

FedRAMP Rev 5 baselines include Low 156, Moderate 323, and High 410 controls.

What is FedRAMP 20x?

FedRAMP 20x is the modernization toward Key Security Indicators and automated validation. New Rev 5 certifications stop being accepted on June 11, 2027 — confirm current PMO notices.

Related FedRAMP Resources

FedRAMP hub · 20x explained · Readiness checklist · ConMon · 3PAO