More than 25 states have adopted StateRAMP as a procurement requirement or strong preference for cloud software. If you sell to state or local governments — or want to — you need to understand what StateRAMP requires, how it compares to FedRAMP, and the fastest path to authorization based on where you are today.

What StateRAMP Is

StateRAMP is a nonprofit organization that administers a cloud security authorization program specifically for state and local governments. It mirrors the FedRAMP structure — security packages, 3PAO assessments, continuous monitoring — but applies to state procurement rather than federal. The underlying control baseline is NIST 800-53 Rev 5, the same as FedRAMP. The authorization levels map to the same Low, Moderate, and High impact designations.

Key Differences from FedRAMP

FactorFedRAMPStateRAMP
Governing bodyFedRAMP PMO / JABStateRAMP PMO (nonprofit)
Applies toFederal agenciesState and local governments
Control baselineNIST 800-53 Rev 5NIST 800-53 Rev 5 (same)
Assessment bodyFedRAMP-accredited 3PAOStateRAMP-authorized 3PAO
Renewal cycle3 years + monthly ConMonAnnual assessment
Ongoing reportingMonthly ConMon packages to JABQuarterly POA&M updates
Typical timeline12–18 months6–12 months (or 60–90 days via equivalency)
Typical costHigherLower (lighter ongoing requirements)

StateRAMP Authorization Levels

PROGRESS VERIFIED
Limited assessment, not full authorization Demonstrates security progress to state procurement without a full authorization package. Used for low-risk systems where states want visibility but full StateRAMP isn't required.
LOW
NIST 800-53 Low baseline For systems handling low-sensitivity state data. Relatively uncommon — most systems handling any meaningful state data land at Moderate.
MODERATE
NIST 800-53 Moderate baseline — most common Required for systems handling most state government data including PII. This is where most commercial SaaS vendors targeting state/local government land.
HIGH
Reserved for the most sensitive state data Law enforcement, tax, public safety. Rare for commercial vendors. Mirrors FedRAMP High requirements.

The FedRAMP Equivalency Path — 60 to 90 Days

If you're already FedRAMP Authorized, StateRAMP offers an equivalency pathway. Instead of a full 3PAO assessment, you submit a documentation package that demonstrates your existing FedRAMP authorization covers the StateRAMP requirements. The StateRAMP PMO reviews it and grants StateRAMP Authorized status without a new assessment.

1
Confirm eligibility FedRAMP Moderate or High authorization (JAB P-ATO or Agency ATO) qualifies for StateRAMP Moderate equivalency. Your ConMon must be current — no overdue POA&M items at Critical or High.
2
Submit the equivalency package to StateRAMP PMO Proof of FedRAMP authorization, current SSP, current SAR, POA&M, Customer Responsibility Matrix, and an attestation letter from your CSP executive.
3
PMO review StateRAMP PMO reviews the package. If your FedRAMP authorization is current and ConMon is in good standing, StateRAMP Authorized status follows in 60–90 days with no new 3PAO engagement required.
4
Maintain Active status Annual assessment (select controls, StateRAMP-authorized 3PAO), quarterly POA&M updates, incident reporting within 72 hours, significant change notifications.

If You Don't Have FedRAMP: StateRAMP as the Entry Point

For vendors whose primary market is state and local government — not federal — pursuing StateRAMP Moderate directly is often the right move. It's faster, cheaper, and the ongoing requirements are significantly lighter than FedRAMP's monthly ConMon cycle.

The StateRAMP authorization process without FedRAMP equivalency: scoping and FIPS 199 categorization, engage a StateRAMP-authorized 3PAO, build the security package (SSP, SAP, POA&M), submit to StateRAMP PMO, receive authorization. Timeline: 6–12 months. If you complete StateRAMP first and later want FedRAMP, the SSP and evidence base you built are directly usable — you're not starting from scratch.

Related reading: How to write a FedRAMP System Security Plan that gets approved

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