FedRAMP Compliance

Implement FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) requirements for cloud service providers serving US federal agencies.

When to Use

• Pursuing FedRAMP authorization for a cloud service offering
• Implementing NIST 800-53 security controls for federal workloads
• Establishing continuous monitoring (ConMon) processes
• Managing Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) tracking
• Preparing for a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) audit
• Operating a FedRAMP-authorized system and maintaining authorization

Impact Levels

impact_levels:
  low:
    control_count: ~125
    use_case: "Publicly available federal information"
    examples:
      - Public-facing websites with no sensitive data
      - Open data portals
      - Marketing and informational systems
    data_types: "No PII, no CUI, publicly releasable only"
    authorization_path: "FedRAMP Tailored (Li-SaaS) or standard Low"

  moderate:
    control_count: ~325
    use_case: "Most federal systems, including CUI"
    examples:
      - Email and collaboration platforms
      - Case management systems
      - Financial management systems
      - HR and personnel systems
    data_types: "CUI, PII, law enforcement sensitive (LES)"
    authorization_path: "Agency or JAB P-ATO"
    note: "~80% of FedRAMP authorizations are at Moderate"

  high:
    control_count: ~425
    use_case: "High-impact federal systems"
    examples:
      - Law enforcement and criminal justice systems
      - Emergency services and public safety
      - Financial systems with significant impact
      - Healthcare systems with PHI
    data_types: "Classified-adjacent, life-safety, critical infrastructure"
    authorization_path: "JAB P-ATO required"

NIST 800-53 Control Families