How to Consolidate Multiple Packages to Optimize FedRAMP Compliance

Are you grappling with the challenges of managing multiple FedRAMP packages with their cumbersome SSP documents? Paramify has a proven track record of helping organizations like yours overcome these challenges. Learn how we supported Palo Alto Networks to consolidate their multiple packages into a unified solution, unlocking remarkable gains in efficiency and budget. Evaluate whether Paramify is the right partner to help you achieve similar results.

Adam Johnson
|
53
min read

In This Article

Managing many separate FedRAMP packages is an unnecessary waste of your time and resources. But, how do you consolidate FedRAMP packages

It hasn't been possible to consolidate packages in the past, but having now done this process successfully many times, we can share how it's done.

Below you'll see how Palo Alto Networks optimized their FedRAMP by consolidating their packages. We'll also explain the steps your organization can take to quickly do the same. Once you know how it's done, you can decide if this is the right way for you to reduce wasted time and budget.

The Challenge: Managing Multiple FedRAMP Packages

Many companies juggle multiple FedRAMP packages while running a singular security program.

But, is this really the most efficient way to go about it? Consider cloud giants like AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Azure. They've consolidated their offerings yet manage all under one package instead of multiple.

Is there a better way?

The Solution: Quick FedRAMP Package Consolidation with Paramify

Palo Alto Networks was able to successfully consolidate multiple FedRAMP packages for their various products into a unified package by using Paramify.

They no longer had to painstakingly document 750+ requirements separately for each system, saving significant time and effort. 

This achievement was game changing for Palo Alto Networks.

The Impact: Incredible FedRAMP Efficiency and Scalability

Palo Alto's FedRAMP Process became wildly more efficiency and scalable without spending large amounts of time or money. After all, FedRAMP is challenging enough, so why complicate it more than necessary?

You can also consolidate your packages to simplify your FedRAMP processes by using Paramify. Did you know, you can employ the same solutions for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, ISMAP, HiTrust and more?

"We save so much time and labor. We have a dozen products getting FedRAMP certified or moving up to the next level. Instead of visiting each of the 800-page docs, we can use Paramify to make the change once." - Gov Certifications, Palo Alto Networks

Check out our pricing to see if we're a good fit for your budget.

Consolidate Multiple FedRAMP Packages for Your Company

Palo Alto was able to become much for efficient by using Paramify. If you 'd also like to reduce the number of FedRAMP packages you manage by consolidating, Paramify makes that easy to do.

We'd love to show you how we can revolutionize your approach. Schedule a free demo today to see how Paramify does it.

Want to learn more first? Find out how the Risk Solutions platform makes planning, creating, and managing an SSP a breeze.

You can also request a video demo straight to your inbox by filling out the form below:

Continue Learning:

How to Get FedRAMP Authorized Faster

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Converting to an OSCAL Digital Package

Watch: 

Adam Johnson
A 15 year veteran in software development, product marketing and product management. He's now specializing in Cybersecurity and Compliance.‍ A family man at heart, Adam enjoys biking, soccer, and traveling with his wife and three kids.
Feb 2024
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Once authorized, can I sell to any federal agency?

Yes — authorization can be reused by multiple agencies via the FedRAMP Marketplace, but some agencies may request additional requirements.

How is FedRAMP 20x different from traditional FedRAMP?

20x introduces automation, key security indicators (KSIs), continuous monitoring validation, and streamlined authorization (sometimes without sponsor requirements).

Compare KSIs to Rev 5 controls

What are the most common reasons for delays or failures in FedRAMP authorization?

Incomplete documentation, insufficient evidence, failing initial gap assessments, lack of executive support, and underestimating resource requirements.

How to create the most accurate documentation for audit success

What's the difference between FedRAMP and other frameworks (SOC 2, CMMC, ISO 27001)?

FedRAMP is U.S. government-specific and NIST-based, more prescriptive and granular than commercial standards.

How do inherited controls from my cloud infrastructure provider (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) work?

FedRAMP allows CSPs to “inherit” controls from IaaS providers; you must document and verify this inheritance with shared responsibility models.

What kind of technical controls are required under FedRAMP?

Controls follow NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 (with additional FedRAMP overlays) — covering access control, incident response, risk assessment, configuration management, etc.

→ Get your custom accelerated FedRAMP implementation roadmap

How often do I need to update and submit security documentation?

At minimum: 

  • Monthly POAMs and vulnerability scans
  • Annual security assessments
  • Ad hoc submissions for significant changes.

What is a POA&M?

Plan of Action and Milestones: a document tracking remediation plans for open vulnerabilities, findings, and compliance issues.

→ Learn more about POAMs

What is continuous monitoring (ConMon) and why is it important?

ConMon involves ongoing assessments, vulnerability scanning, reporting POAMs, and keeping security posture current post-authorization.

What documentation is required for FedRAMP?

Major deliverables include a System Security Plan (SSP), Security Assessment Plan (SAP), Security Assessment Report (SAR), Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M), Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) documentation, policies/procedures, and more.

Do I need an agency sponsor?

Yes, for now. But, agency sponsorship requirements are evolving — FedRAMP 20x does not require a sponsor.

How do I pick the best 3PAO for my project?

Consider experience with similar environments, references, price, and knowledge of specific cloud implementations.

Find the best assessor for your CSP with these tips

What is a 3PAO?

A Third Party Assessment Organization is an accredited independent assessor that conducts key security testing and assessment for FedRAMP. 

→ Find a recommended 3PAO

How much does FedRAMP Authorization cost?
  • Initial costs range from ~$150k to $3M+ for gap assessments, remediation, 3PAO audits, and documentation/reporting. 
  • Annual costs can range from $50k to $1m to maintain documentation, do continuous monitoring, and resource allocation. 

→ Learn more about what FedRAMP could cost your organization and whether or not it’s worth the effort

How long does it take to achieve FedRAMP Authorization?

Typical processes take 6–24 months. Paramify accelerates the process to take between 1-10 months with a fully prepared package in less than a month. 

Your timeline will vary depending on your impact level, whether you take a manual or automated approach to implementation & documentation, and PMO wait times.

→ Learn about the FedRAMP Authorization process and what it costs.

What’s the difference between FedRAMP Ready, FedRAMP In Process, and FedRAMP Authorized?
  • Ready: Preliminary review for capability and documentation.
  • In Process: CSP is actively working toward authorization, usually with an agency sponsor or as part of the JAB program.
  • Authorized: Successfully completed security assessment and continuous monitoring.
What are the different impact levels for FedRAMP?

Low, Moderate, and High — based on the type and sensitivity of federal data hosted (FIPS 199 categories: confidentiality, integrity, availability).

→ Get the details on impact level to know which impact level is right for you.

Do You Need FedRAMP?

Any cloud service provider (CSP) that wants to sell cloud products or services to U.S. federal agencies must be FedRAMP authorized.

→ Learn more to find out if FedRAMP is a good choice for your cloud-based business.

What is FedRAMP

FedRAMP stands for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program; it standardizes the security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by U.S. federal agencies.

How long will it take to generate my SSP?

If you’re new to FedRAMP: The time required depends on how long it takes to implement your security controls. With Paramify’s living gap assessment dashboard, you can build your compliance roadmap and generate documents instantly with one click.

If you’re already FedRAMP authorized: It can take as little as 3.5 hours or up to a week.

Can you help me transition from NIST 800-53 Rev 4 to Rev 5?

Yes! No one will help you transition to FedRAMP Rev 5 as affordably and painlessly as Paramify. Learn how you can make a seamless, inexpensive transition to Rev 5.

Can I use my existing SSP?

Yes, we offer this service and have provided it for many clients. Most of our customers, including those for whom we’ve ingested their SSP, have found that starting from scratch and adopting the full power of Risk Solutions was the better option.