Access the Multi-Billion-Dollar Federal Cloud Market
We deliver independent, high-quality FedRAMP assessments that federal agencies and the JAB rely on for authorization decisions. As a certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), we provide the rigorous, impartial security assessments required for federal cloud adoption.
The Requirement: Federal agencies can only procure cloud services with FedRAMP authorization, and that authorization requires an independent 3PAO assessment. In addition, the CMMC DFARS mandate requires all members of the DoD ecosystem handling CUI to obtain CMMC Level 2 certification, along with all applicable service providers who must meet FedRAMP Moderate equivalency.
Why choose databrackets for your FedRAMP assessment
We’ve been through this process enough times to know where CSPs typically struggle. The biggest challenge isn’t usually the technical security – it’s understanding what federal reviewers are really looking for when they evaluate your assessment package.
As an A2LA-accredited 3PAO, we bring both the technical depth and regulatory knowledge that successful authorizations require. Our team understands NIST SP 800-53 controls inside and out, but more importantly, we know how to test them in ways that give agencies confidence in your security posture.
What sets us apart is our practical approach to assessment planning. We’ve seen too many CSPs waste months preparing for assessments that aren’t properly scoped or timed. Before we start testing anything, we make sure you’re truly ready and that the assessment approach aligns with your specific architecture and business timeline.
Our experience spans multiple NIST frameworks – SP 800-53, SP 800-171, NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework – which means we can help you see connections and efficiencies that single-framework assessors might miss. This broader perspective often reveals ways to strengthen your security posture beyond just meeting FedRAMP requirements.
Schedule a Meeting to discuss the best options for your organization & receive your customized quote.
Explore our comprehensive blogs on FedRAMP
Our FedRAMP 3PAO Services
1. Mock Assessment
Before beginning formal assessment activities, you can request our team to conduct a trial run to identify gaps and optimization opportunities in your security implementation. During this process you undergo a simulation of the actual process without implementation guidance due to the independence requirements that 3PAOs have to follow.
Independence Requirements: A 3PAO is not permitted to offer consulting, advisory or implementation guidance and 3PAO services to the same organization. This ensures that there is no conflict of interest, and it ensures objectivity in their evaluations.
After a Mock Assessment, an organization can benefit from knowing what is expected from them and also understand their gaps. They are them empowered with this information and can work with their consulting or advisory partner on remediation measures.
What’s included:
Authorization boundary analysis and validation
System security plan review against NIST SP 800-53 requirements
Control implementation maturity assessment
Risk identification and prioritization recommendations
2. FedRAMP-Compliant Penetration Testing
Our penetration testing methodology addresses all six FedRAMP-required attack vectors with sophisticated testing approaches that reveal real-world security gaps.
Testing vectors covered:
External network to corporate infrastructure
External network to CSP target environment
Tenant access to CSP management systems
Tenant-to-tenant isolation validation
Mobile application security assessment
Client-side application and agent security evaluation
3. Initial Security Assessment
Our certified assessors execute thorough security control evaluations aligned with your target impact level (Low, Moderate, or High), ensuring compliance with federal security standards.
Assessment components:
Detailed Security Assessment Plan (SAP) with details on the assessment scope, methodology, and testing procedures
Comprehensive control testing across all baseline requirements
Security Assessment Report (SAR) which details the findings from your security assessment
4. Authorization Package Preparation
We support the development and refinement of your complete FedRAMP authorization package, working closely with your team to ensure submission readiness.
Package elements:
SAR finalization and quality assurance
Coordination with Agency sponsors and FedRAMP PMO requirements
Response support during government review cycles
Authority to Operate (ATO) facilitation
5. Continuous Monitoring & Annual Assessments
Maintaining your FedRAMP authorization requires ongoing vigilance. Our team provides structured support for annual assessment requirements and continuous monitoring obligations.
Schedule a Meeting to discuss the best options for your organization & receive your customized quote.
Our 3PAO Assessment Deliverables
Every databrackets assessment includes these comprehensive deliverables required for federal authorization decisions.
1. Security Assessment Plan (SAP)
Comprehensive methodology for testing all applicable NIST 800-53 controls
Risk-based assessment approach tailored to your system architecture
Clear testing procedures and evidence requirements
Timeline and milestone schedule
2. Security Assessment Report (SAR)
Independent assessment of all security control implementations
Detailed findings with risk ratings and impact analysis
Evidence validation and control effectiveness determination
Authorization recommendation based on assessment results
3. Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Documented findings requiring remediation
Risk-based prioritization and recommended timelines
Resource estimates for addressing identified gaps
Continuous monitoring integration plan
4. Penetration Testing
External and internal network penetration testing
Web application security assessment
Social engineering and phishing simulations
Red team exercises (required for High impact systems)
5. Evidence Package Review
System Security Plan (SSP) assessment
Control implementation evidence validation
Architecture and boundary verification
Policy and procedure effectiveness review
Schedule a Meeting to discuss the best options for your organization & receive your customized quote.
Assessment Process & Timeline
Our structured four-phase approach ensures thorough evaluation while maintaining predictable timelines.
1. Pre-Assessment Phase (Weeks 1-4)
Contract execution and NDAs
Initial documentation review
Assessment planning and resource allocation
Security Assessment Plan (SAP) development
2. Assessment Execution (Weeks 5-15)
Security control testing across all families
Evidence collection and validation
Penetration testing execution
Finding documentation and risk assessment
3. Reporting Phase (Weeks 16-19)
Security Assessment Report compilation
POA&M development in collaboration with CSP
Quality review and final deliverable preparation
Package submission to agency/JAB
4. Post-Assessment Support (Weeks 20-23)
Agency/JAB coordination during review
Clarification responses and additional evidence
Final assessment package updates
Transition to continuous monitoring
Schedule a Meeting to discuss the best options for your organization & receive your customized quote.
Investment by Impact Level
Assessment investment varies based on your system’s impact level and the corresponding security control requirements.
FedRAMP Low Assessment
Investment Range: $40,000 to 60,000
Duration: 16-20 weeks
Scope: 125 security controls + penetration testing
FedRAMP Moderate Assessment
Investment Range: $140,000 – $180,000
Duration: 6 to 9 months approximately
Scope: 325 security controls + comprehensive testing
FedRAMP High Assessment
Investment Range: $220,000 – $280,000
Duration: 24-28 weeks
Scope: 425+ security controls + red team exercises
Investment includes all testing, reporting, and 60 days of post-assessment coordination support.
Ready for Your FedRAMP Assessment?
Before we begin your assessment your organization should have a federal agency sponsor, a completed System Security Plan (SSP), completed implementation of security controls, and you should have prepared evidence documentation.
How to Start Your Assessment Process:
Schedule a scoping consultation – We’ll review your system architecture and assessment requirements
Receive your detailed proposal with a fixed scope, timeline, and the investment required
Execute the contract and begin with your assessment kickoff meeting
Schedule a Meeting to discuss the best options for your organization & receive your customized quote.