Compliance

FedRAMP Consultant & MSP Playbook: How They Help CSPs Get to ATO (and Stay There)

Q: How do FedRAMP consultants and MSPs actually help a cloud service provider get authorized—and what should I expect from them?

TL;DR: Good FedRAMP partners reduce risk by tightening scope, building evidence habits, and turning control requirements into clear, testable implementation statements. They help you prep for the 3PAO, run POA&M like a product backlog, and keep Continuous Monitoring from becoming a monthly fire drill.

admin@fedrampgpt.com • December 14, 2025 • 11 min read • 39 views

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a FedRAMP consultant to get authorized?

No—but most first-time CSPs move faster with one because the work is more about documentation quality, evidence discipline, and reviewer expectations than “security theory.”

What’s the difference between a consultant and an MSP for FedRAMP?

Consultants usually design the program and write/coach. MSPs often run the recurring operations (evidence collection, scans, POA&M hygiene, ConMon submissions) like a managed service.

What deliverables should I expect from a FedRAMP partner?

At minimum: boundary/scope definition, SSP implementation statements, evidence mapping, assessment prep (SAP/SAR readiness), POA&M workflows, and a Continuous Monitoring operating rhythm after ATO.

How do I know if someone is legit?

They can explain scope/boundary in plain language, give you a clear deliverables list, show a repeatable workflow, and talk about how they handle POA&M and ConMon month-to-month.

What are common red flags?

Copy-paste SSPs, vague control language (“industry best practices”), no evidence plan, and anyone promising a guaranteed ATO with fixed timelines regardless of your architecture.

Can automation tools replace consultants?

Automation can cut a lot of manual effort (evidence collection, control mapping drafts, document assembly), but you still need decisions, ownership, and review-quality writing.