The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) has become an essential aspect of providing cloud services to the U.S. federal government. As a FedRAMP-authorized Omnichannel Contact Center Solution provider, T-Metrics understands the importance of navigating the path to FedRAMP compliance.

Understanding FedRAMP Compliance

What is FedRAMP compliance?

FedRAMP compliance refers to meeting the security requirements set forth by the FedRAMP program. This program provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by the United States federal government.

What is required for FedRAMP compliance?

To achieve FedRAMP compliance, a cloud service provider (CSP) must follow the FedRAMP process, which involves:

• Selecting the appropriate security baseline (Low, Moderate, or High) based on the system's risk profile.
• Develop a System Security Plan (SSP) addressing the required security controls.
• Undergoing a security assessment by a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO).
• Obtaining an Agency Authorization to Operate (ATO) or a FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board (JAB) Provisional ATO (P-ATO).
• Implementing continuous monitoring and reporting to maintain compliance.

Who needs to be FedRAMP certified?

Cloud service providers that aim to provide their services to U.S. federal government agencies must achieve FedRAMP certification (authorization). This ensures that the CSP meets strict security requirements to protect federal data.

What is the purpose of FedRAMP?

The purpose of FedRAMP is to streamline the security assessment and authorization process for cloud services used by the federal government, ensuring that these services meet the necessary security standards. FedRAMP also aims to reduce the cost and time associated with the assessment process by promoting the reuse of security authorizations among federal agencies.

Comparing FedRAMP with NIST and NIST 800-53

What is the difference between NIST 800-53 and FedRAMP?

NIST 800-53 is a publication from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides a catalog of security controls for federal information systems. FedRAMP, on the other hand, is a program that utilizes NIST 800-53 as its foundation for assessing and authorizing cloud services for use by federal agencies. FedRAMP tailors the NIST 800-53 controls to create specific baselines for cloud environments.

What is the difference between NIST and FedRAMP?

NIST is a non-regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce responsible for developing standards, guidelines, and best practices for various industries, including information technology. FedRAMP is a program that relies on NIST guidelines, specifically NIST 800-53, to provide a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by the federal government.

Is FedRAMP the same as NIST?

No, FedRAMP is not the same as NIST. FedRAMP is a program that uses NIST guidelines to assess and authorize cloud services for federal government use. At the same time, NIST is responsible for developing standards and policies across various industries.

FedRAMP Compliance vs. Authorization

What is the difference between FedRAMP-compliant and authorized?

A FedRAMP-compliant CSP has implemented and documented the required security controls in a System Security Plan (SSP). However, being FedRAMP compliant does not necessarily mean that the CSP has undergone a full security assessment or obtained Authorization to Operate (ATO) from a federal agency or the FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board (JAB).

A FedRAMP-authorized CSP, on the other hand, has implemented the necessary security controls and undergone a thorough security assessment by a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO). The CSP has received an ATO from a federal agency or a Provisional ATO (P-ATO) from the JAB, demonstrating that their cloud service meets the stringent security requirements of the FedRAMP program.

FedRAMP and Cloud Services

Is FedRAMP only for the cloud?

Yes, FedRAMP is specifically designed for assessing and authorizing cloud services used by the U.S. federal government. The program aims to standardize the security assessment process for cloud products and services, ensuring a consistent approach to security and risk management across federal agencies.

T-Metrics' Journey to FedRAMP Authorization

As a leading Omnichannel Contact Center Solutions provider, T-Metrics underwent the rigorous FedRAMP process to become authorized to operate. Our journey involved:

• Selecting the appropriate security baseline based on our solution's risk profile
• Develop a comprehensive System Security Plan (SSP) addressing all required security controls
• Selecting and collaborating with A-LIGN for our Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) to undergo a thorough security assessment
• Obtaining an Agency Authorization to Operate (ATO) and becoming listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace
  

We faced various challenges throughout the process and worked closely with stakeholders, including the 3PAO, our sponsoring agency, and the FedRAMP Project Management Office (PMO), to ensure a successful outcome.

Benefits of Being a FedRAMP Authorized-to-Operate Provider

As a FedRAMP-authorized Omnichannel Contact Center Solution provider, T-Metrics enjoys several benefits, including:

• Trust and credibility among federal agencies
• Competitive advantage in the federal market
• Streamlined procurement process for federal clients
• Enhanced security posture for all customers, not just federal agencies
  

Responsibilities as a FedRAMP Authorized Cloud Service Provider

Being a FedRAMP-authorized CSP comes with ongoing responsibilities, such as:

• Continuous monitoring and reporting requirements to maintain compliance
• Periodic reassessment and reauthorization to ensure continued adherence to security standards
• Timely incident response and communication with stakeholders
• Regularly updating security controls and procedures in line with FedRAMP requirements
  

Cost, Effort, and Value of Achieving FedRAMP Authorization

How much does it cost to get FedRAMP?

The cost of obtaining FedRAMP authorization varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the cloud service, the security baseline, and the required resources for assessment and remediation. Costs can range from several hundred thousand dollars to over a million dollars.

How hard is it to get FedRAMP?

Achieving FedRAMP authorization can be challenging, requiring significant time, effort, and resources. CSPs must address all the necessary security controls, undergo a comprehensive security assessment, and work closely with stakeholders to achieve authorization.

Is FedRAMP worth it?

For cloud service providers targeting the federal market, FedRAMP authorization is worth the investment. It demonstrates a commitment to security, establishes trust with federal agencies, and provides a competitive advantage in the federal procurement process.

Continual Compliance

As a FedRAMP authorized-to-operate Omnichannel Contact Center Solution provider, T-Metrics is committed to maintaining high security and compliance. Navigating the path to FedRAMP compliance can be challenging, but the benefits and value it brings make the effort worthwhile. We hope our insights and experiences help other cloud service providers understand the importance of FedRAMP compliance and the responsibilities of being a FedRAMP-authorized provider.

Achieving and maintaining FedRAMP authorization enables T-Metrics to deliver secure, reliable, and trusted services to our federal clients and all customers. Our commitment to meeting and exceeding security standards remains a top priority as the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve.