FedRAMP 20x: What’s Changing and What It Means for Your Business

Recent developments to the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) have sparked conversations about the program’s future, but one fact remains clear: FedRAMP is here to stay. Recognized as a critical program by the General Services Administration (GSA), it plays a key role in ensuring the security of cloud services used by federal agencies.  

While FedRAMP’s importance is well established, how the program operates is undergoing a notable transformation. On March 24, 2025, FedRAMP outlined its vision for the program's future, now known as FedRAMP 20x. As the program continues to mature, further changes are expected to build on this momentum. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore recent and upcoming changes to FedRAMP 20x and the opportunities it presents for cloud service providers (CSPs) looking to enter or expand within the federal marketplace. 

What is FedRAMP 20x and Why Does It Matter to CSPs? 

Following its announcement, FedRAMP 20x introduced significant changes to the traditional Rev5 authorization process, with a focus on speed and scalability, and a broader goal of making FedRAMP more accessible to a wider range of CSPs.  

FedRAMP 20x represents a shift away from traditional, document-intensive compliance reviews toward a modernized model built around continuous evidence, measurable security outcomes, and clearer assessment boundaries. 20x emphasizes automation, real-time indicators of security posture, and iterative improvement throughout a CSP’s lifecycle. 

Impact on CSPs Starting Their FedRAMP Journey 

The FedRAMP 20x pilot brings many opportunities for CSPs who are just starting their FedRAMP journey. With updates aimed at reducing barriers to entry and simplifying and accelerating the authorization process, pursuing FedRAMP has become a more viable option for a broader range of organizations, especially those previously deterred by lengthy approval timelines. 

One key opportunity that has emerged is the significant reduction in government review timelines. In the past, obtaining FedRAMP authorization could take months, or even up to a year, due to the extensive review process from FedRAMP. However, recent efforts to streamline the authorization process have significantly shortened these timelines, offering CSPs a more predictable and smoother path to market and return on investment.  

For CSPs, this means less waiting time and a quicker path to becoming FedRAMP-authorized, which is crucial in an environment where speed and agility can provide a competitive edge.  

Impact on CSPs with an Existing FedRAMP Authorization  

The recent changes to FedRAMP can understandably create some confusion for FedRAMP-authorized CSPs, especially given the evolving processes and new guidelines. However, it’s important for CSPs with existing FedRAMP authorizations to stay the course and remain focused on executing their continuous monitoring (ConMon) activities and annual assessments.   

Despite future program changes, the core requirement to maintain a secure and compliant environment remains unchanged. Regular ConMon ensures your system stays in alignment with FedRAMP’s rigorous security standards, while annual assessments allow for a thorough review and update of your security posture for agency customers.  

By adhering to these activities, CSPs not only maintain their FedRAMP compliance but also reinforce their commitment to security, which is essential for ongoing relationships with federal agencies and customers. Even with the uncertainty of new rules and updates, staying proactive in these key areas will ensure continued success and readiness for any future shifts in FedRAMP requirements.  

What Has Changed Since the 20x Announcement  

Completion of Phase One 

FedRAMP has successfully completed Phase One of the 20x Pilot, focused on Low impact cloud services. This first phase tested the feasibility of an automation-driven authorization process using Key Security Indicators (KSIs), which are a new set of measurable security outcomes that replace many traditional narrative artifacts. The pilot has thus far demonstrated that CSPs could achieve secure outcomes more efficiently under this modernized approach. 

Transition to Phase Two  

The 20x pilot has since entered Phase Two, which extends the model to Moderate impact services and introduces refined standards and assessment expectations, including official requirements, documentation, and testing criteria. Although participation is limited in Phase Two, the finalized Phase Two requirements still serve as a blueprint for when Phase Three opens in the latter half of 2026. 

The Future of FedRAMP 20x 

As FedRAMP evolves, one of the most discussed initiatives is the vision for automating key aspects of the assessment and authorization process. Automation has the potential to significantly streamline the FedRAMP journey, reduce manual intervention, and create efficiencies that could ultimately shorten timelines, reduce costs, and improve overall consistency across the program.  

However, while the vision for automation is promising, there are still several unknowns when it comes to execution and implementation. The integration of these automated processes within the current FedRAMP ecosystem will require significant investment and careful planning. Therefore, it remains to be seen how quickly the automation capabilities will be fully developed and rolled out, and how effectively they will align with the diverse needs of both CSPs and government agencies.  

Importantly, FedRAMP 20x is not a static new version of the program, but rather an evolving standard that will continue to mature through pilot participation, communication feedback, and iterative releases from the FedRAMP PMO. As the 20x roadmap continues to unfold, CSPs can expect additional refinements in how authorizations are assessed, maintained, and adapted to emerging technologies and federal security needs. 

FedRAMP continues to update and publicly publish changes to key standards like the Minimum Assessment Scope (MAS) and the Significant Change Notification (SCN) process, providing CSPs with a clearer picture of expectations and requirements as they continue to evolve. 

Navigating FedRAMP’s Evolving Landscape  

The lowering of barriers to entry into FedRAMP, including the reduction of government review timelines, has created new opportunities for CSPs to enter into the federal market. On the other hand, CSPs that have already obtained FedRAMP authorization may be uncertain about what the future holds.  

While FedRAMP’s vision for automation promises to simplify the process, the full implementation and impact of these changes are still unfolding. As the program evolves, CSPs will need to stay closely informed about these developments to effectively take advantage of opportunities arising from automation, streamlined processes, and regulatory updates, but in the meantime, they should stay the course.  

For organizations aiming to differentiate themselves in the cybersecurity and cloud services market, pursuing and maintaining FedRAMP is more than just a compliance requirement – it’s a chance to gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating a strong commitment to security, while also unlocking new opportunities within the federal market.  

If you’re ready to begin your FedRAMP journey, or have any other questions about the recent updates or assessment process, Schellman can help. Contact us today and we’ll get back to you shortly.  In the meantime, discover other trending FedRAMP insights here: FedRAMP at a Crossroads: A “Lifetime” 3PAO’s Perspective.