Cloud.gov FedRAMP Moderate Authorization Process

Overview

Cloud.gov is already FedRAMP‑Authorized at the Moderate impact level Marketplace Package ID F1607067912.
Agencies can inherit or share ~60 % of the 323 Rev 5 controls instead of re‑implementing them from scratch. The result: a system‑level ATO in weeks, not months.

Customer Responsibility: You still need to document and provide evidence for any shared or customer‑owned controls.

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Prerequisites

Requirement	Why it matters
Authorizing Official (AO) assigned	AO signs the final ATO letter
FedRAMP package access requested with Package ID F1607067912	Grants SSP, CIS, CRM, SAR, POA&M
Rev 5 templates downloaded (SSP, SAR, POA&M)	Rev 4 artifacts are no longer accepted
Identity provider ready	Cloud.gov enforces phishing‑resistant MFA (PIV/CAC)

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Steps

1. Request the security package

   Submit the FedRAMP Package Access Request Form and enter Package ID F1607067912. Approval typically takes 3‑5 business days.

2. Download key documents

   • Control Implementation Summary (CIS) – lists every Rev 5 control and who owns it.
   • Customer Responsibility Matrix (CRM) – details shared responsibilities.
   • Cloud.gov SSP / SAR / POA&M – platform evidence.

3. Map control ownership in your SSP

   Control type	Mark as	Action
   Inherited	INH	Reference Cloud.gov CIS
   Shared	SHR	Document your portion
   Customer‑Owned	CUST	Fully implement & evidence

4. Implement and test shared / customer controls

   Engage a FedRAMP‑accredited 3PAO to produce your Security Assessment Report. Use Rev 5 test procedures.

5. Package and submit for authorization

   Deliver SSP, SAR, POA&M, and control mapping to the AO. Most agencies issue the ATO within 6‑12 weeks when Cloud.gov inheritance is used.

6. Continuous monitoring

   • Monthly vulnerability scans and annual assessments sent to FedRAMP.
   • Update POA&M promptly; inherited controls are monitored by Cloud.gov.

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FAQs

Q: How many controls are fully inherited?
A: About 155 of the Rev 5 Moderate controls are platform‑owned; another 98 are shared.

Q: Does Cloud.gov support High‑impact data?
A: No. Cloud.gov is authorized only at the Moderate level. High systems require extra safeguards beyond this baseline.

Q: Do I retest inherited controls each year?
A: No. Cloud.gov’s continuous monitoring covers them; your agency only reassesses shared and customer controls.

Q: Where are the official Rev 5 templates?
A: On FedRAMP’s “Rev 5 Documents & Templates” page.