GovRAMP | RAMPQuest

Q: Is GovRAMP the same as StateRAMP?

Yes. StateRAMP began operating as GovRAMP in February 2025. The program's purpose and framework carried over.

What Is GovRAMP?

Built on NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, GovRAMP provides a standardized framework that helps government organizations evaluate the security for cloud products and services used to store, process, or transmit government data.

The framework includes three verified security statuses: Core, Ready, and Authorized. Each milestone helps organizations prove progress toward cybersecurity compliance. Verified products are listed on the GovRAMP Authorized Product List (APL), which government buyers use during procurement to confirm a product’s security status.

Why Organizations Pursue GovRAMP

Meet Procurement Requirements

Some states require GovRAMP verification for certain cloud purchases, while others prefer it during vendor review.

A Common Reference Point

A verified status can reduce repeated security questionnaires when you sell to multiple agencies.

Show Progress Before Full Verification

Products actively working toward verification may be eligible for the Progressing Product List (PPL).

Build on Previous Federal Work

Existing FedRAMP documentation and assessment results may apply through Fast Track.

GovRAMP Verification Statuses

Not every provider needs the same level of verification. GovRAMP’s three statuses, Core, Ready, and Authorized, each validate a different set of NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 controls.

APL Listing requires active GovRAMP membership, and every status requires ongoing continuous monitoring to maintain.

GovRAMP Core

Core confirms that your product has implemented 60 foundational security controls, validated through a PMO review without a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO).

Explore Core Verification →

GovRAMP Ready

Ready adds independent validation: an approved 3PAO assesses 80 security controls, and the PMO reviews the results.

Inside the Ready Assessment →

GovRAMP Authorized

Authorized is the program's highest status, validating more than 300 controls through a full 3PAO assessment and PMO review.

Chart Your Path to Authorized→

Core confirms that your product has implemented 60 foundational security controls, validated through a PMO review without a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO).

Explore Core Verification →

Ready adds independent validation: an approved 3PAO assesses 80 security controls, and the PMO reviews the results.

Inside the Ready Assessment →

Authorized is the program's highest status, validating more than 300 controls through a full 3PAO assessment and PMO review.

Chart Your Path to Authorized→

Other Paths to GovRAMP

Progressing Security Snapshot

Not ready to pursue a status yet? The Progressing Security Snapshot shows where you stand against about 40 high-impact controls, with monthly advisor sessions and a quarterly score to help you prioritize and track progress. It isn’t a verification status, but it’s a practical place to start.

Explore the Progressing Security Snapshot →

GovRAMP Fast Track

If you've already invested in FedRAMP, Fast Track lets you submit your existing security package and applicable 3PAO results for GovRAMP review instead of starting over.

See if Fast Track fits your situation →

Accelerator Partner Program

Eligible providers can build on a government-ready environment maintained by a GovRAMP-approved Accelerator Partner, inheriting its security controls and compliance tools while pursuing their own verification and Authorized Product List (APL) listing.

Read GovRAMP's Accelerator Partner announcement →

Explore the Progressing Security Snapshot →

If you've already invested in FedRAMP, Fast Track lets you submit your existing security package and applicable 3PAO results for GovRAMP review instead of starting over.

See if Fast Track fits your situation →

Read GovRAMP's Accelerator Partner announcement →

GovRAMP vs. FedRAMP

FedRAMP and GovRAMP are both built on NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, but they serve different buyers. FedRAMP is the standard for cloud services used by federal agencies, while GovRAMP serves state and local governments. If you’re selling into both markets, GovRAMP Fast Track lets you build on your existing FedRAMP documentation and 3PAO results instead of starting over.

Compare GovRAMP and FedRAMP

How RAMPQuest Supports Your GovRAMP Journey

RAMPQuest works within GovRAMP in two distinct roles:

Our PMO administers the verification process, from intake and independent package review through ongoing continuous monitoring, to determine whether products meet and continue to meet GovRAMP requirements

Our Consulting & Advisory team works alongside providers before and between reviews, helping them find and prioritize gaps and get documentation ready, so they approach each assessment with confidence

GovRAMP Consulting & Advisory Services

Readiness Assessments

Many organizations know GovRAMP is part of their future but aren't sure how their current security program compares to the requirements ahead.

Our readiness assessments help you understand where things stand today, identify potential gaps, and determine what deserves attention first. Instead of guessing what comes next, you'll walk away with a clearer picture of the road ahead.

Gap Analysis and Roadmapping

Knowing there's work to do is one thing. Knowing where to focus is another.

Trying to tackle everything at once can quickly become overwhelming, especially when resources are limited. We'll help you separate what's urgent from what's not, prioritize your efforts, and create a practical roadmap that aligns with your team's capacity and business goals.

Policy and Documentation

Strong security programs require clear, well-organized documentation, but figuring out what needs to be created, updated, and maintained can quickly feel overwhelming.

Our team helps simplify the process by helping you understand what's required, identify gaps, and organize your policies, procedures, and supporting evidence in a way that aligns with GovRAMP expectations and supports your day-to-day operations.

Strategic Advisory

Maybe you're unsure how to interpret a requirement. Maybe priorities have shifted. Maybe you just need a sounding board before making an important decision.

Our advisors work alongside your team throughout the process, providing guidance, answering questions, and helping you move forward with confidence when challenges arise.

Assessment Preparation

By the time an assessment begins, you want confidence that your documentation is organized, your evidence is available, and your team understands what's expected.

We'll help you prepare ahead of time, so assessment activities are more manageable and far less stressful.

Continuous Monitoring and Program Support

We help organizations establish sustainable processes that support continuous monitoring, ongoing compliance activities, and long-term cybersecurity maturity, so progress doesn't stall once a milestone has been achieved.

Many organizations know GovRAMP is part of their future but aren't sure how their current security program compares to the requirements ahead.

Knowing there's work to do is one thing. Knowing where to focus is another.

Strong security programs require clear, well-organized documentation, but figuring out what needs to be created, updated, and maintained can quickly feel overwhelming.

Maybe you're unsure how to interpret a requirement. Maybe priorities have shifted. Maybe you just need a sounding board before making an important decision.

Our advisors work alongside your team throughout the process, providing guidance, answering questions, and helping you move forward with confidence when challenges arise.

By the time an assessment begins, you want confidence that your documentation is organized, your evidence is available, and your team understands what's expected.

We'll help you prepare ahead of time, so assessment activities are more manageable and far less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GovRAMP the same as StateRAMP?

Yes. StateRAMP began operating as GovRAMP in February 2025. The program's purpose and framework carried over.

Which GovRAMP status does my product need?

It depends on what your government customers require and how sensitive the data your product handles is. Many agencies name the expected status in their solicitation. Core is often an entry point, while Ready and Authorized are typically needed for higher-assurance procurements.

Does GovRAMP require a 3PAO?

It depends on the status. Core doesn’t require a third-party assessment and is validated by the PMO.

Ready and Authorized both require an assessment by an approved Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), followed by PMO review.

Choosing a 3PAO early can help you plan your timeline, since assessor availability often affects how quickly you can submit.

What is the difference between GovRAMP's APL and the PPL?

The Authorized Product List (APL) shows products that have earned a GovRAMP verification status: Core, Ready, Provisionally Authorized, or Authorized. Listed providers maintain their status through ongoing continuous monitoring.

The Progressing Product List (PPL) shows products actively working toward verification, either through the Progressing Security Snapshot Program or with a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO). Each listing shows where a product stands, helping government buyers see both current status and progress.

Can FedRAMP work count toward GovRAMP?

Often, yes. Through GovRAMP Fast Track, providers can reuse existing federal security documentation, such as Security Assessment Reports (SARs), Readiness Assessment Reports (RARs), and continuous monitoring documentation, aligned to GovRAMP requirements. The PMO determines how those materials apply to the status you’re pursuing. For providers already serving federal agencies, it’s a practical way to expand into state, local, and education (SLED) markets without starting over.

How long does GovRAMP verification take?

Most PMO security reviews take four to six weeks once a complete package is submitted. Your overall timeline also depends on the status you’re pursuing and how ready your documentation is. For Ready and Authorized, it also depends on when your 3PAO can complete the assessment, while Core doesn’t require a 3PAO, which can shorten the path.

A well-prepared, complete submission is one of the best ways to keep things moving. If you’d like support, our Consulting team can help you get your security package ready before you submit.

Your Partner for GovRAMP Compliance Success

What Is GovRAMP?

Why Organizations Pursue GovRAMP

Meet Procurement Requirements

A Common Reference Point

Show Progress Before Full Verification

Build on Previous Federal Work

GovRAMP Verification Statuses

Other Paths to GovRAMP

GovRAMP vs. FedRAMP

How RAMPQuest Supports Your GovRAMP Journey

GovRAMP Consulting & Advisory Services

Frequently Asked Questions

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Featured Posts

What is the Difference Between a Readiness Assessment Report & Security Assessment Report?

Understanding GovRAMP Statuses: Core, Ready, and Authorized

How GovRAMP and FedRAMP Certifications Drive Revenue Opportunities

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