FedRAMP Readiness and Operations

May 17

Pursuing a FedRAMP Authorization can be a daunting task, especially if you start down that path without a clear understanding of the process, resource requirements, and security controls involved. Hive Systems’ FedRAMP Readiness service spans the entire lifecycle of the FedRAMP Authorization Process, where we are with you every step of the way to obtain and maintain your Authority to Operate (ATO). No matter where you are on your FedRAMP journey, we are ready to help.

Preparation Phase

In the Preparation Phase, Hive Systems subject matter experts work closely with your company to get you ready for your 3PAO Security Assessment. Our Advisory services span all three components of the preparation phase.

Scoping, Boundaries, and Alignment

This can be one of the longest, most difficult parts of the FedRAMP Authorization process, starting with stakeholder buy-in, educating leadership on the requirements of FedRAMP, and continuing through to designing and implementing security controls and completing required documentation. During this phase, Hive Systems will do the following to make sure you define and develop an effective FedRAMP Program:

Strategize with leadership on the company’s goals, objectives, and priorities for FedRAMP
Level set your stakeholders’ understanding of the FedRAMP authorization process and requirements
Define the authorization boundary and scope of the FedRAMP program for your organization’s unique environment
Review existing documentation and artifacts to determine a path forward to meet FedRAMP security requirements for your FIPS level
Develop and support the documentation of the ATO Package, including but not limited to the System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), policies and procedures, Information System Contingency Plan (ISCP), and Incident Response Plan (IRP)
Provide guidance from our seasoned FedRAMP experts, as well as technical support for developing and deploying authorization boundary components
Leverage years of subject matter expertise in FedRAMP and NIST 800-53 security controls to provide recommendations for meeting control objectives scaled for your environment

3PAO Readiness Assessment

While a 3PAO Readiness Assessment is not a required part of the FedRAMP Authorization process, it can provide insight into your company’s preparedness for the 3PAO Security Assessment. If your company chooses to complete this assessment, Hive Systems will work with your internal teams to make sure they understand and provide the requested evidence, and assist with project management along the way.

Assessment Remediation Efforts and Maturing

After completing the 3PAO Readiness Assessment, Hive Systems reviews the Readiness Assessment Report and uses our deep expertise and knowledge of the FedRAMP authorization process and NIST 800-53 security controls to provide Expert Remediation Support services. This can range from re-engineering processes as needed, updating documentation, and engaging the appropriate stakeholders to mitigate your findings.

Authorization Phase

Once your company has completed the preparation phase, we will help you get contracted with an accredited 3PAO to conduct your Security Assessment. Hive Systems works with your team to quickly answer and interpret auditor requests, identify evidence needed to meet audit objectives, and provide clarity on gaps and remediation activities. During the second step of the authorization phase, the JAB or your sponsoring agency and FedRAMP PMO will review the results of the 3PAO assessment and decide whether to issue your ATO. They may request additional information or remediation; Hive Systems will work alongside your team to rapidly respond to these requests to obtain your ATO.

Continuous Monitoring Phase

Achieving your ATO is no small feat, but your FedRAMP journey doesn’t end there. To maintain your FedRAMP compliant status, you need to meet specific requirements for continuous monitoring and ongoing assessments. Hive Systems will help you understand those requirements, ensure you are properly documenting and reporting the status of the results in your POA&Ms, and advise on evidence collection requirements for your annual assessments. We also provide penetration testing, and will review and assess impacts of any significant changes you submit through the Significant Change Request (SCR) process.

NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5

Were you already authorized or in Ready status when NIST 800-53 Revision 5 was released? Hive Systems subject matter experts are well-versed in the updates from Revision 4 to Revision 5 (see our Hive Live episodes on it for an in-depth review, available in Part 1 and Part 2) and how those updates impacted the FedRAMP baselines. To ensure you maintain your FedRAMP compliant status, you must move to Revision 5 by FedRAMP’s deadlines. Revision 5 added 40 new controls to the FedRAMP Moderate baseline, and also modified a number of other controls and parameter requirements. Implementing these changes, updating all documentation to the new templates, and documenting any POA&Ms can be a heavy lift, but Hive Systems will help you confidently navigate the Revision 5 transition phase to ensure you maintain your ATO.

Ready to learn more?

Set up a free meeting with us to learn how we can help accelerate your FedRAMP readiness and operations. Or ask us about other Hive Systems services, products, pricing, or anything else!

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