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In today’s complex and constantly evolving regulatory environment, businesses face an ever-growing array of compliance requirements across multiple frameworks ranging from FedRAMP, PCI, ISO, GDPR, and HIPAA, to name a few. Navigating these compliance waters is increasingly challenging, particularly with regards to cybersecurity and data protection. However, there are measures you can take to significantly refine your compliance processes. In this article, we will explore how streamlining all of your compliance efforts with a single trusted provider can not only simplify your processes but also enhance your overall security posture.

Any Cloud Service Provider (CSP) who is familiar with FedRAMP likely knows that presenting an authorization package that includes a non-FedRAMP-authorized external service storing or processing of federal metadata wouldn’t get you very far—it’s likely a showstopper. However, some may not realize that that’s not necessarily the case regarding StateRAMP.

TAMPA, Fla. – March 31, 2025 – Schellman, a leading provider of attestation and compliance services and a top 50 CPA firm, is pleased to announce that Schellman has expanded its offerings to perform cleared assessments for its clients. As an accredited FedRAMP® Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), this enables Schellman to perform Department of Defense (DoD) Impact Level 6 (IL6) assessments as well as other NIST-based assessments, SOC 2 examinations, and penetration testing for DoD systems. This milestone strengthens Schellman’s position as a trusted assessment partner for government and defense-related environments.

As more government agencies move sensitive data to the cloud, ensuring security and compliance is of paramount importance. As such, the FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) assessment and authorization process is a critical framework to ensure that cloud environments meet federal security standards.

Recent changes to 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. That said, as the program evolves, notable changes are imminent.

Cybersecurity is no longer just a best practice—it’s a necessity, a foundational pillar of our national security. For over a decade, FedRAMP, or the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, has set the gold standard for securing the federal government’s cloud infrastructure, saving time, resources, and taxpayer dollars. But today, we stand at a crossroads. The challenges in front of us - bureaucratic roadblocks, inefficiencies, and budget constraints - threaten to unravel years of progress. The question is clear: Will we rise to the occasion, modernizing FedRAMP without sacrificing its integrity? Or will we allow short-term obstacles to drag us backward into an era of duplication, inconsistency, and increased vulnerability?

When deciding to take on a new compliance initiative, one question that often gets asked is whether or not work done for prior assessments can be leveraged to save time or money. For those who have pursued FedRAMP Authorization and now wish to go through IRAP—both frameworks that must be adhered to as a means to do business with two different governments—the good news is that your experience with FedRAMP will provide a solid foundation for IRAP.

In today’s ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, maintaining robust cybersecurity isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a business imperative, and there are multiple avenues organizations can take to do so.