What Is FedRAMP?
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is the federal government’s authorization framework for cloud services sold to federal agencies. It’s based on NIST 800-53 and requires 300+ security controls, continuous monitoring, and annual reassessment. Without FedRAMP authorization, a cloud service provider can’t sell to most federal agencies. AdVran sets up and manages the technical controls FedRAMP requires and works with clients through the 3PAO assessment process.
Why Choose AdVran for FedRAMP?
FedRAMP authorization opens the door to federal cloud contracts. But the program’s requirements, 300+ controls based on NIST 800-53, mean that authorization isn’t just a one-time project. It demands ongoing operation, monthly reporting, and annual reassessment. Most cloud providers underestimate how much ongoing work that is.
1. FedRAMP-Aligned Cloud Architecture
We build government client environments on FedRAMP Moderate and High authorized platforms: Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, Google Cloud for Government. The cloud foundation meets federal requirements from day one, not as an afterthought.
2. Continuous Monitoring
FedRAMP requires ongoing security assessment, not just initial authorization. We provide the continuous monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and monthly reporting that keeps authorization status current. Letting that lapse is a faster way to lose a federal contract than most people realize.
3. NIST 800-53 Control Implementation
We set up and operate the technical controls from NIST 800-53 that FedRAMP requires: access control, audit logging, incident response, system integrity, and the rest. All 300+ controls get documented and operated, not just acknowledged.
4. StateRAMP Alignment
For state and local government clients, StateRAMP offers a parallel authorization path. Our controls and documentation satisfy both FedRAMP and StateRAMP requirements, so clients can serve federal, state, and local agencies without running two separate compliance programs.
5. 3PAO Coordination
We work directly with Third Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs) during authorization assessments: providing evidence, supporting testing, and keeping assessment timelines on track. The 3PAO relationship matters for how long the process takes.
Frequently Asked Questions About FedRAMP Compliance
Who must comply with this regulation?
FedRAMP applies to cloud service providers that want to sell cloud services to federal agencies. It’s technically not mandatory for commercial cloud providers, but practically required for any CSP targeting the federal market. California cloud companies pursuing federal contracts should assess FedRAMP applicability early in their go-to-market planning.
What are the key security requirements?
FedRAMP Moderate requires approximately 323 NIST 800-53 controls; FedRAMP High requires more. Requirements include access controls, encryption of sensitive data, audit logging, incident response procedures, vendor management, and regular risk assessments. AdVran sets up and manages these controls as part of managed services, with continuous monitoring and automated evidence collection.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Without FedRAMP authorization, a CSP can’t be listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace and can’t be awarded most federal cloud contracts. For companies that have already built products targeting the federal market, failing to maintain authorization after achieving it means losing those contract vehicles and the revenue they represent.
How does AdVran help businesses achieve and maintain compliance?
AdVran starts with a gap assessment, sets up missing controls through managed services, and provides continuous compliance monitoring with automated evidence collection. Our GRC platform gives clients a live view of their FedRAMP posture and produces the monthly reporting packages and annual assessment evidence packages the program requires.
How does this framework interact with other compliance requirements?
FedRAMP controls overlap significantly with FISMA, CMMC, and CJIS requirements. AdVran’s multi-framework approach maps controls across all applicable frameworks at the same time, which cuts down on duplicated work and keeps documentation consistent across government customer due diligence requests.