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Compliance Framework

FedRAMP

Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program

FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by U.S. federal agencies. Cloud service providers seeking FedRAMP authorization must implement NIST SP 800-53 controls and maintain continuous compliance evidence. ServiceNow helps cloud providers and agencies manage FedRAMP compliance operationally.

What is FedRAMP?

The framework explained

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) was established in 2011 to provide a standardized, government-wide approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by U.S. federal agencies. FedRAMP is based on NIST SP 800-53 security controls and uses a tiered impact level model — Low, Moderate, and High — that determines the number and rigor of controls required. Most federal cloud deployments require Moderate authorization, which involves over 300 security controls. Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) seeking FedRAMP authorization must undergo a rigorous assessment by an accredited Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), produce a System Security Plan (SSP), and demonstrate continuous monitoring compliance after authorization. FedRAMP authorization, once granted, enables federal agencies to use the cloud service without requiring individual agency assessments.
ServiceNow Approach

How ServiceNow addresses FedRAMP

ServiceNow GRC/IRM provides cloud service providers and federal agencies with an operational platform for FedRAMP authorization and continuous monitoring. NIST SP 800-53 controls can be mapped and managed within ServiceNow, with automated testing workflows, evidence collection, and POA&M management for identified weaknesses. The System Security Plan can be supported by ServiceNow's control documentation and testing framework. Continuous monitoring requirements — including monthly vulnerability scanning, annual control assessments, and significant change notifications — can be operationalized within ServiceNow with automated workflows, dashboards, and KRIs that alert the compliance team when monitoring activities are due or when control health degrades. For federal agencies consuming FedRAMP-authorized services, ServiceNow supports the ongoing management of inherited controls and agency-specific control implementations.
XAAS Implementation

How we implement FedRAMP

XAAS Solutions implements ServiceNow GRC/IRM for FedRAMP authorization and continuous monitoring — helping cloud service providers build a compliance program that satisfies 3PAO assessment requirements and maintains authorization over time. We map your control environment to the appropriate NIST SP 800-53 baseline, configure automated testing and evidence collection workflows, implement POA&M management, and build continuous monitoring dashboards that give your compliance team and authorizing officials real-time visibility into control health. We understand that FedRAMP is not a one-time audit — it is an ongoing operational commitment. Our implementation approach is designed to make continuous monitoring manageable rather than burdensome.
Frequently Asked Questions

About FedRAMP on ServiceNow

What is FedRAMP?

FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies, based on NIST SP 800-53 controls.

Who needs FedRAMP authorization?

Cloud service providers that want to sell their services to U.S. federal agencies are generally required to obtain FedRAMP authorization. The specific requirement depends on agency policy, but most civilian agencies require FedRAMP Moderate authorization for cloud services processing federal data.

What is the difference between FedRAMP Low, Moderate, and High?

FedRAMP impact levels determine the number and rigor of required controls. Low covers basic federal systems (125 controls). Moderate covers most federal systems processing sensitive but unclassified data (325+ controls). High covers systems with the most sensitive federal data including law enforcement and emergency services (421+ controls).

What is a POA&M in FedRAMP?

A Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) is a required FedRAMP document that identifies security weaknesses, describes the resources required to address them, and establishes milestones for remediation. POA&M items must be tracked and reported to the authorizing agency on a monthly basis.

How does ServiceNow help with FedRAMP compliance?

ServiceNow GRC/IRM maps NIST SP 800-53 controls to your cloud environment, automates testing and evidence collection, manages POA&M items as workflow tasks, and builds continuous monitoring dashboards that give compliance teams and authorizing officials real-time visibility into control health.

What is FedRAMP continuous monitoring?

FedRAMP continuous monitoring is the ongoing process of assessing security controls after authorization is granted. It includes monthly vulnerability scanning, annual control assessments, significant change management, and regular reporting to the authorizing agency to demonstrate that the system maintains its security posture.

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