As more government agencies move to the cloud, cloud service providers (CSPs) are increasingly required to comply with security standards like FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) and StateRAMP (State Risk and Authorization Management Program). While these programs share common goals, they cater to different governmental needs and have distinct requirements. Understanding the differences between StateRAMP and FedRAMP will help CSPs determine which framework best aligns with their target market and compliance goals.
FedRAMP was established in 2011 to provide a standardized approach to cloud security for federal agencies. It requires CSPs to comply with NIST SP 800-53 security controls and mandates that all cloud services used by federal agencies meet these standards. This certification process allows federal agencies to reuse FedRAMP-authorized services across multiple departments without additional assessments, making FedRAMP an appealing certification for providers seeking a wide reach in the federal sector. FedRAMP has three levels—Low, Moderate, and High—based on the sensitivity of the data managed, with most agencies operating at the Moderate level to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
StateRAMP, created in 2020, builds on FedRAMP’s model but adapts it to meet the needs of state and local governments. While it also follows NIST SP 800-53 guidelines, it is more flexible and accessible for state and local governments, which often have diverse data requirements and budget constraints. StateRAMP offers a trusted, reusable certification across states, helping state and local agencies streamline cloud security while reducing redundancy. Just like FedRAMP, StateRAMP uses the Low, Moderate, and High impact levels to define the rigor of security measures needed.
The scope and audience are two major distinctions between the programs. FedRAMP is mandatory for federal agencies, whereas StateRAMP is designed for state and local agencies. If your CSP aims to serve federal clients, FedRAMP compliance is essential, while StateRAMP is valuable if you’re focused on state and local clients. Authorization processes also differ slightly, with FedRAMP’s compliance overseen by the Joint Authorization Board (JAB) or an agency sponsor, allowing other federal agencies to reuse the authorization. StateRAMP, however, is managed by its own Program Management Office (PMO) and committees, emphasizing reusability within states and across local government agencies.
While both frameworks share a foundation in NIST SP 800-53, they have nuanced differences in applying the standards. FedRAMP is often more stringent, especially at the Moderate and High levels, to meet federal security requirements. By contrast, StateRAMP incorporates flexibility for state agencies, which often face resource and budget limitations. Additionally, FedRAMP authorization enables cross-agency use across the federal government, while StateRAMP supports shared use within state and local agencies, fostering statewide adoption of cloud services.
Continuous monitoring is another shared requirement, though FedRAMP demands frequent, rigorous reviews, including monthly and annual security updates. StateRAMP also mandates ongoing monitoring but allows more flexibility for agencies with smaller budgets or limited cybersecurity resources, making it more accessible for smaller local agencies.
Choosing between StateRAMP and FedRAMP ultimately depends on a CSP’s target clients and business goals. If your primary focus is federal agencies, FedRAMP is the necessary path. For those targeting state and local governments, StateRAMP can offer a streamlined and cost-effective solution. Some providers pursue both to meet the needs of clients across all levels of government, enhancing their competitive edge and credibility by demonstrating robust, reusable security measures. At Ace of Cloud, we specialize in guiding businesses through both StateRAMP and FedRAMP compliance, ensuring you meet the necessary standards and gain the trust of government agencies at every level.
StateRAMP and FedRAMP are based on similar security goals and standards but are tailored for different scopes and needs. CSPs should carefully evaluate their target markets, resources, and compliance strategies when deciding which framework to pursue. Both programs ensure that government agencies—federal, state, or local—have access to secure cloud services that protect sensitive data, enabling CSPs to expand their market reach and establish themselves as trusted providers across various levels of government. If you’re looking for a partner to help you navigate these requirements, Ace of Cloud is here to help every step of the way.