FedRAMP Authorization Process

There are two paths to FedRAMP authorization: Agency Authorization (sponsored by a specific federal agency) and Joint Authorization Board (JAB) Authorization (sponsored by the JAB, which includes DOD, DHS, and GSA). Both result in a FedRAMP authorization that agencies can reuse.

Agency Authorization Path

Agency Authorization is the most common path. A federal agency sponsors the CSP, and the agency's Authorizing Official (AO) reviews and grants the authorization. This path is faster because you work directly with a motivated agency customer.

Steps: Engage with an agency customer who needs your service. Prepare documentation including the System Security Plan (SSP). Engage a 3PAO for the security assessment. The 3PAO conducts the assessment and produces a Security Assessment Report (SAR). Remediate findings documented in the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). The agency AO reviews the package and grants authorization. Submit the authorization package to FedRAMP for listing in the Marketplace.

JAB Authorization Path

JAB Authorization is sponsored by the Joint Authorization Board. The JAB reviews the authorization package and issues a Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO). JAB authorization is prestigious and reusable across agencies without additional assessment, but the process is more competitive and longer.

Steps: Apply for JAB prioritization through FedRAMP Connect. If selected, prepare documentation. Engage a 3PAO. Complete the assessment. The JAB reviews the package and issues a P-ATO or requests remediation.

Choosing Your Path

Agency Authorization is recommended for most CSPs because you can start immediately with a willing agency partner. JAB Authorization is best if you want the broadest reusability or lack a specific agency sponsor. In practice, Agency Authorization is faster — 12 to 18 months versus 18 to 24 months for JAB.

Working with a 3PAO

Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs) are FedRAMP-accredited firms that conduct the security assessment. Select a 3PAO with experience at your impact level and familiarity with your technology stack. Engage early and maintain open communication throughout the assessment.

Common Pitfalls

Underestimating the documentation effort (the SSP alone can be hundreds of pages), insufficient remediation of assessment findings, inadequate continuous monitoring planning, and failing to secure agency sponsorship before starting the process.

In the next lesson, we will cover FedRAMP security controls.