FedRAMP 20x Low Baseline Pilot: Modernizing Federal Cloud Authorization
Published: Dec 15, 2025
The new FedRAMP 20x low baseline pilot is the most significant modernization of federal cloud security in more than a decade, and it could represent a big opportunity for cloud service providers looking to enter or expand within the federal marketplace.
How FedRAMP 20x Shortens the Path to Authorization
Designed to transform how cloud security is evaluated, FedRAMP 20x removes the agency sponsorship barrier, allowing providers to now move forward independently rather than requiring a sponsoring federal agency before beginning the authorization process.
Just as impactful is the shift away from a documentation-heavy compliance model. FedRAMP 20x replaces traditional, static paperwork with automation and machine-readable compliance packages, enabling a more efficient and scalable assessment process. Rather than relying on lengthy narratives and manual evidence reviews, providers can now demonstrate compliance through real-time, verifiable data.
Another fundamental change is the introduction of Key Security Indicators (KSIs). FedRAMP 20x focuses on 51 measurable indicators that emphasize continuous assurance and are designed to show that security controls are not only implemented, but actively operating and effective.
This shift aligns more closely with how modern cloud environments function and how security is managed in practice, bringing the potential to significantly accelerate timelines, to weeks instead of years.
Moving Forward with FedRAMP 20x
The appeal of FedRAMP 20x is already clear and growing. A growing number of cloud-native SaaS organizations are exploring this pathway as a faster, more realistic way to enter the federal space. Many of these companies already rely on automated monitoring, logging, and security tooling and FedRAMP 20x allows them to leverage those existing capabilities, rather than retrofitting their environments to fit outdated compliance models.
To succeed under the new framework, organizations must still approach FedRAMP 20x with rigor and proper preparation. Mapping existing controls to the KSI framework, building machine-readable compliance artifacts, and integrating automated evidence collection are all critical steps.
While the FedRAMP 20x Low Baseline Pilot is just the beginning, it sets a strong precedent for how federal cloud security assessments are likely to evolve. For organizations ready to move quickly and demonstrate real-time security maturity, FedRAMP 20x offers a timely path forward, and Schellman can help you navigate this new program.
Contact us today to learn more about the program or how to begin your FedRAMP 20x authorization journey and in the meantime, discover other helpful insights in these additional resources:
About Avani Desai
Avani Desai is the CEO at Schellman. Avani has more than 15 years of experience in IT attestation, risk management, compliance and privacy. Avani’s primary focus is on emerging healthcare issues and privacy concerns for organizations. Named as one of the 2017 Global Leaders in Consulting by Consulting Magazine she has also been featured and published in the ISSA Journal, ITSP Magazine, ISACA Journal, Information Security Buzz, Healthcare Tech Outlook, and many more. Avani also sits on the board of Catalist, a not for profit that empowers women by supporting the creation, development and expansion of collective giving through informed grantmaking. In addition, she is co-chair of 100 Women Strong, a female only venture philanthropic fund to solve problems related to women and children in the community.