FedRAMP 3PAO Assessments for Cloud Service Providers

Security assessments supporting FedRAMP Certification and federal authorization decisions.

Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) delivering technology to the federal government must demonstrate that required security controls are properly implemented and operating effectively.

FedRAMP security assessments performed by a FedRAMP authorized Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) validate those controls through structured security testing and documentation review.

Sera Brynn has performed FedRAMP security assessments as a FedRAMP authorized 3PAO since 2017, evaluating cloud services for certification and federal authorization.

FedRAMP Certification and Program Evolution

FedRAMP continues to evolve how federal agencies evaluate cloud security. As part of this modernization effort, the program is introducing Certification Classes (A–D) and updated certification pathways for cloud providers.

Alongside the traditional agency-sponsored authorization model, FedRAMP is introducing a limited Program Certification pathway that allows certain cloud providers to obtain certification without an agency sponsor, depending on eligibility and certification class.

Federal agencies continue to review FedRAMP security packages when issuing an Authorization to Operate (ATO).

FedRAMP Certification

FedRAMP Certifications represent validated security packages that federal agencies can review when evaluating cloud services for use within government environments.

Assessment Elements:

Security assessment performed by a FedRAMP accredited 3PAO
Security controls aligned with NIST SP 800-53
Certification package reviewed by agencies to support authorization decisions

Certification Classes

FedRAMP is introducing Certification Classes to support evolving certification pathways while maintaining alignment with existing federal security baselines.

Certification Classes initially align with historical FedRAMP security baselines:

Class A – Initial certification replacing FedRAMP Ready
Class B – Equivalent to the historical Moderate
Class C – Expanded Moderate implementations
Class D – Equivalent to the historical High

Class D certifications will continue to require an agency sponsor.

Authorization Path

Description

Agency Authorization

Traditional FedRAMP authorization where a federal agency sponsors the cloud service provider and grants an Authorization to Operate (ATO).

FedRAMP Program Certification

A new pathway managed by FedRAMP that allows cloud providers to obtain certification without an agency sponsor for certain certification classes.

Certification Class

Role in the FedRAMP Program

Authorization Path

Legacy Mapping

Class A

Time-limited certification
used for pilot deployments
and early program entry

Program Certification

Replaces FedRAMP Ready

Class B

Certification for lower-impact
cloud services

Agency Authorization or
Program Certification

Historically aligned with
Low baseline

Class C

Certification for cloud systems handling moderate-impact
federal data

Agency Authorization or
Program Certification

Historically aligned with
Moderate baseline

Class D

Certification for high-impact
federal systems requiring
agency sponsorship

Agency Authorization only

Historically aligned with
High baseline

Initial Authorization Assessment

Evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of required security controls within the cloud system prior to FedRAMP certification and federal authorization review.

FedRAMP Penetration Testing

Penetration testing evaluates the resilience of cloud infrastructure and applications by identifying vulnerabilities that could impact the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the system.

Annual Security Assessment

Authorized cloud services undergo annual assessments to verify that required security controls remain implemented and effective as the system evolves.

Continuous Monitoring

Continuous monitoring verify that security controls remain operational and that risks are identified and addressed throughout the lifecycle of the system.

Certification Preparation

Cloud providers prepare the required FedRAMP security documentation, system architecture, and control implementation details in preparation for assessment.

Security Assessment Plan

The 3PAO develops the Security Assessment Plan (SAP) outlining how each security control will be evaluated and validated.

Security Control Testing

Security controls are tested to confirm they are implemented correctly and operating as intended.

Certification Review

Assessment results are documented and reviewed by federal stakeholders to determine whether the system meets risk requirements.

Continuous Monitoring

Authorized systems maintain ongoing monitoring and periodic reassessments to ensure security controls remain effective.

Sera Brynn is authorized by the FedRAMP Program Management Office to perform security assessments of cloud services seeking FedRAMP certification.

Proven experience conducting security assessments across complex federal cloud environments. We also deliver FedRAMP preparation and advisory services.

Mature assessment methodology refined through repeated federal assessment engagements.

Sera Brynn is among a small number of firms authorized to perform assessments across multiple federal security programs including FedRAMP, GovRAMP, and CMMC.

Long-Standing FedRAMP 3PAO Experience

Transparent "No Surprises" Investment

Highly Credentialed Assessment Team

Approachable and Collaborative Assessors

Cost Efficient Assessment Execution

Any CSP seeking to provide cloud services to federal agencies must undergo a 3PAO assessment.

FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board (JAB) Provisional ATO and Agency ATO pathways.

Timelines vary based on scope, system complexity, and readiness. We define expectations during planning.

Yes. We support professional engagement with agencies and the FedRAMP PMO as required.

Yes, however, to maintain independence, Sera Brynn does not provide advisory services and assessment to the same clients.

Begin Your FedRAMP Assessment

Organizations pursuing FedRAMP authorization must complete a security assessment before a federal agency can issue an Authority to Operate.

If your cloud service is preparing for authorization, the Sera Brynn team can discuss the assessment scope, timeline, and testing activities required for FedRAMP evaluation.

Clarify your likely certification path and assessment scope
Understand required testing and evidence expectations
Align assessment timing with agency review or Program Certification requirements

FedRAMP 3PAO Assessments for Cloud Service Providers

FedRAMP 3PAO

FedRAMP Certifications

Agency ATO

FedRAMP Certification and Program Evolution