FedRAMP vs StateRAMP: Government Cloud Authorization Compared
FedRAMP authorizes cloud services for federal agency use; StateRAMP serves the same role for state and local governments. Both are based on NIST 800-53 controls but differ in scope, governance, cost, and timeline. Cloud providers selling to government agencies need to understand which authorization their target customers require.
Detailed Comparison
Governing Body
GSA (General Services Administration) and Joint Authorization Board (DoD, DHS, GSA).
StateRAMP nonprofit — governed by member states and territories.
Customer Base
Federal agencies and contractors handling federal data.
State, local, territorial, and tribal (SLTT) government agencies.
Control Baseline
NIST 800-53 with FedRAMP-specific control selection (Low, Moderate, High).
NIST 800-53 with StateRAMP control selection (Category 1, 2, 3 + Ready/Authorized).
Authorization Path
Agency Authorization (single agency) or JAB Authorization (multi-agency).
Independent Assessment by 3PAO; reviewed by StateRAMP Project Management Office.
Cost
$500,000-$2M+ for Moderate; $2M-$5M+ for High including 3PAO + tooling + remediation.
$200,000-$1M depending on category, less expensive than equivalent FedRAMP level.
Timeline
12-18 months typical for Moderate Authorization; longer for High and JAB.
6-12 months typical for Authorized status.
Reciprocity
FedRAMP authorization is recognized by all federal agencies.
StateRAMP authorization is recognized by member states (varies by state).
Reciprocity Between Programs
A FedRAMP authorization typically satisfies StateRAMP requirements (often via Reciprocity Pathway).
StateRAMP does not satisfy FedRAMP — federal agencies still require FedRAMP.
Continuous Monitoring
Monthly POA&M updates, annual assessment, significant change reviews.
Similar continuous monitoring obligations modeled on FedRAMP.
Typical Customer
DoD, civilian agencies (HHS, Treasury, DoE), federal contractors handling FCI/CUI.
State health departments, transportation, education, criminal justice systems, local governments.
Our Recommendation
If federal agencies are your target customers, you need FedRAMP. If state and local governments are your target, StateRAMP is faster and cheaper. Many cloud providers pursue FedRAMP first because it provides reciprocity for StateRAMP, but the inverse is not true. Plan 12-24 months and high six-figures for either authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes — StateRAMP has a Reciprocity Pathway that lets FedRAMP-authorized providers achieve StateRAMP Authorized status with minimal additional work. The reverse is not true.
StateRAMP Ready status is the entry point — typically 3-6 months and lower cost than full Authorized. Many states accept Ready for non-critical systems while requiring Authorized for systems handling sensitive data.
Yes. Texas TX-RAMP, Arizona ARARAMP, and a few others run their own programs. Most states either join StateRAMP, accept FedRAMP, or run their own program. Verify which programs your target customers accept before pursuing certification.
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