The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a critical benchmark for technology vendors providing services to U.S. government agencies. It provides a standardized approach to security for the cloud products and services used by federal agencies, involving rigorous assessments by third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs) to ensure that cloud service providers successfully meet stringent federal security requirements. This certification process not only evaluates the security capabilities of a vendor but also ensures continuous monitoring and periodic reassessment to maintain high security standards.
In short, a FedRAMP certification is designed to offer government technology buyers a selection of credible, pre-vetted solutions to meet almost any technology-related need.
The Importance of FedRAMP Certification for Records Management Solutions
FedRAMP certification has special importance for records management technologies and vendors as the federal government increasingly shifts into electronic records management under the direction of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). A survey of federal, state, and local government officials found that nearly half (45%) of federal agencies and over half (52%) of state and local governments were storing mission-critical documents in the cloud even before NARA’s deadline this year to shift fully into electronic records formats.
Nearly all respondents agreed that a FedRAMP-certified solution offered benefits for cloud usage, including improved security and long-term cost savings. “Once a product is approved on FedRAMP, the cost of security authorizations for cloud services across the government goes down,” writes David Zvenyach, a former senior technical adviser at the General Services Administration (GSA).
If nothing else, FedRAMP certification signals that the vendor has undergone a meticulous evaluation process and has implemented the necessary controls to safeguard information.
Benefits for Government Agencies
Choosing a FedRAMP-certified vendor offers several advantages to government agencies.
Firstly, it significantly reduces the time and effort required for security assessments. Since FedRAMP certification involves comprehensive evaluation by a 3PAO, agencies can rely on these existing assessments rather than conducting their own. This streamlines the procurement process, allowing agencies to focus more on mission-critical tasks rather than extensive security evaluations.
Secondly, FedRAMP certification ensures a high level of security and compliance. Vendors that achieve this certification adhere to stringent security controls, ensuring that government data is protected against breaches and unauthorized access.
Importantly, FedRAMP is also constantly improving in order to keep up with the modern landscape of threats and agency needs. For example, GSA recently announced a new board that will serve as the official government body of the program, incorporating a wider range of perspectives. “By harnessing their collective expertise, the board will play a vital role in adapting the FedRAMP Program to address the evolving cyber landscape and enable the accelerated adoption of secure cloud technologies across the government,” says Deputy Federal Chief Information Officer Drew Myklegard.
Altogether, for technology and information officers at federal offices, prioritizing FedRAMP certification when selecting records management solutions is crucial. By choosing FedRAMP-certified contractors, government agencies can efficiently and confidently deploy secure cloud services, ultimately enhancing their operational resilience and effectiveness.
About PSL
PSL is a global outsource provider whose mission is to provide solutions that facilitate the movement of business-critical information between and among government agencies, business enterprises, and their partners. For more information, please visit or email info@penielsolutions.com.