Are you a cloud service provider looking to secure federal contracts? Are you interested in ensuring the security and compliance of your SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS offerings? If so, then you have probably heard of FedRAMP. But what exactly is FedRAMP, and how can it help your business thrive in the Federal market?
In this blog post, we will introduce you to an important player in the process - the FedRAMP Sponsors. Discover who they are, their role in achieving a FedRAMP Authorization to Operate (ATO), and how they can be your ticket to success when it comes to navigating federal agencies' requirements.
What is FedRAMP?
What is FedRAMP? If you are new to the world of government cloud security, FedRAMP may sound like just another acronym. But it is much more than that.
FedRAMP stands for Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, and it was established to ensure the security and compliance of cloud services used by federal agencies.
In simpler terms, FedRAMP provides a standardized framework for assessing, authorizing, and continuously monitoring Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) that are looking to work with federal agencies. It sets strict guidelines and requirements in areas such as data protection, risk management, incident response, and vulnerability scanning.
By adhering to these guidelines and obtaining a FedRAMP ATO, CSPs can demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding sensitive government data while offering reliable cloud services. This not only gives them an edge in securing lucrative federal contracts but also instills trust among potential clients outside of the government sector who prioritize robust security measures.
What is a FedRAMP Sponsor?
CSPs that wish to achieve a FedRAMP ATO for their Cloud Services Offering (CSO) must have a FedRAMP Sponsor. But what exactly is a FedRAMP Sponsor?
A FedRAMP Sponsor is essentially an organization or entity within the federal government that supports and guides Commercial Cloud Service or Solution Providers through the entire process of obtaining and maintaining their ATO.
This sponsorship relationship is crucial in ensuring that all necessary steps are followed, and requirements are met to a satisfactory standard.
There are different types of FedRAMP Sponsors, including Civilian Agencies, Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and the General Services Administration (GSA). Each sponsor has its own unique role and set of responsibilities in overseeing the authorization process.
The role of a FedRAMP Sponsor involves providing guidance on security controls, conducting risk assessments, assisting with documentation, coordinating with third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs), monitoring continuous compliance, facilitating communication between stakeholders, and ultimately granting or revoking ATOs.
To obtain a FedRAMP Agency Sponsor, CSP's must first determine which type of sponsor aligns with their specific needs. They can then reach out to the appropriate sponsoring organization to initiate the sponsorship request process. It is important for CSP's to demonstrate their commitment to adhering to FedRAMP and Sponsor’s requirements and maintaining ongoing compliance throughout the lifecycle of their CSO.
Having a trusted Federal agency as your FedRAMP Sponsor is essential for navigating through the complex process of achieving and maintaining an ATO for your cloud service. The support provided by these sponsors ensures that federal agencies can confidently deliver secure and compliant cloud solutions while meeting stringent government standards.
The Different Types of FedRAMP Sponsors
There are different types of organizations that can become a FedRAMP sponsor. These various sponsors play a crucial role in the authorization process and ensuring compliance with the security requirements set by the FedRAMP. State and Local Governments cannot sponsor a FedRAMP CSP. Neither can a private business.
- Federal Agencies: Federal agencies, including their component agencies or sub-agencies, can serve as FedRAMP sponsors. These agencies play a vital role in authorizing cloud service providers (CSPs) to operate within their respective domains.
- Joint Authorization Board (JAB): The JAB is composed of representatives from several federal departments and plays a critical role in reviewing and granting a provisional authority to operate (P-ATO) for high-impact cloud systems used by multiple federal agencies.
Each type of sponsor has specific roles and responsibilities within the FedRAMP ecosystem, but all share the common goal of ensuring secure cloud services for federal contracts. Understanding these different types helps navigate the complex landscape of becoming FedRAMP authorized.
How does a CSP find a FedRAMP Sponsor?
To find a suitable sponsor, you should first speak to those business leaders who intend to award you a contract for your cloud-based solution. These business leaders and contract professional have a business need which is solved by your solution. In their contract, they may express a requirement for you to get FedRAMP compliance or ask that you reach FedRAMP compliance within a defined period after being awarded the contract. This should be the first and foremost avenue to secure a FedRAMP sponsor.
You can also research federal agencies that align with your organization's mission and goals. Look for agencies that utilize similar cloud service models such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). You want to ensure there is synergy between your offerings and their needs.
Once you have identified potential sponsors, reach out to them directly via your contracting officer. Explain why you believe they would be an ideal fit as your sponsor and highlight any relevant experience or qualifications within your organization.
During these conversations, be prepared to discuss how obtaining authorization through the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) aligns with both parties' objectives. It is crucial to demonstrate how working together will benefit not only your organization but also the sponsoring agency.
Remember that this sponsorship relationship should be mutually beneficial - both parties should feel confident in each other's capabilities and commitment towards achieving success within the rigorous framework of FedRAMP. They may now be interested or willing to sponsor you for your specific cloud-based solution. These sponsors can provide valuable insights and resources throughout the entire process.
One way to increase your chances of finding a FedRAMP Sponsor is if you are currently either a cloud-based service or delivering cloud-based services to the Government. If you are not currently delivering cloud services to the Government, you should still consider reaching out to agencies that have experience with the FedRAMP program.
An alternate route to increase your chances of finding a sponsor by pursuing a FedRAMP Ready designation. This designation is awarded to organizations that have met specific requirements set by the FedRAMP program. By meeting these requirements with your initial investment in achieving the FedRAMP Ready status, you demonstrate your commitment to the FedRAMP ATO process and motivation towards bringing your CSO to the Federal marketplace.
Conclusion
Securing a FedRAMP agency sponsor can make all the difference when navigating through the complex world of federal contracts and compliance requirements. By partnering with an experienced agency who understands both the intricacies of cloud services and has successfully gone through the FedRAMP process with other CSPs, you can greatly increase your chances of getting a sponsor who will partner and support you throughout the process.
By obtaining sponsorship from an agency partner, cloud service providers gain access to valuable opportunities within the federal marketplace. Having an ATO helps them compete for federal contracts requiring stringent security standards while demonstrating trustworthiness and credibility to customers across various sectors. Vendors with JAB Authorizations with P-ATOs should be prepared to undergo a rigorous assessment and demonstrate the ability to meet the security controls outlined by NIST guidelines.
As more organizations turn towards cloud-based solutions like Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), having a strong understanding of Federally approved cybersecurity programs like FedRAMP becomes increasingly important.
Learn more about how Quzara can help you navigate FedRAMP processes including Agency sponsorships by clicking on the button below.