SSP Template and Complete Writing Guide for FedRAMP 2024

What is a System Security Plan (SSP)?

The System Security Plan (SSP) is the primary document in your FedRAMP authorization package. It describes your system architecture, security controls, and how you've implemented FedRAMP requirements.

SSP Structure Overview

A FedRAMP SSP typically contains:

Core Sections (200-400 pages)

1. Section 1: Information System Name/Title
2. Section 2: Information System Categorization
3. Section 3: Information System Owner
4. Section 4: Authorizing Official
5. Section 5: Other Designated Contacts
6. Section 6: Assignment of Security Responsibility
7. Section 7: Information System Operational Status
8. Section 8: Information System Type
9. Section 9: General System Description
10. Section 10: System Environment and Inventory
11. Section 11: System Interconnections
12. Section 12: Laws, Regulations, and Policies
13. Section 13: Control Implementation Summary
14. Section 14: FedRAMP Integrated Inventory
15. Section 15: FIPS 199 Categorization

Appendices

• Appendix A: FedRAMP Security Controls (THE BIG ONE - 100-200 pages)
• Appendix B: Related Acronyms
• Appendix C: Security Policies and Procedures
• Appendix D: User Guide
• Appendix E: Digital Identity Worksheet
• Appendix F: Rules of Behavior
• Appendix G: Information System Contingency Plan (ISCP)
• Appendix H: Configuration Management Plan
• Appendix I: Incident Response Plan
• Appendix J: CIS/CRM Workbook
• Appendix K: FIPS 199 Worksheet
• Appendix L: Privacy Documents
• Appendix M: Cryptographic Modules
• Appendix N: Separation of Duties Matrix
• Appendix O: Supply Chain Risk Management Plan
• Appendix P: Continuous Monitoring Plan
• Appendix Q: POA&M

Writing Appendix A: The Most Important Section

Appendix A contains your control implementation descriptions for all FedRAMP baseline controls. For Moderate baseline, that's 325 controls.

Control Template Structure

Each control should include:

Control ID: AC-2 (Account Management)

Control Enhancement: AC-2(1) - Automated System Account Management

Implementation Status: 
☐ Implemented
☐ Partially Implemented  
☐ Planned
☐ Alternative Implementation
☐ Not Applicable

Responsible Role: Security Team

Control Implementation Description:
[Your organization] implements AC-2 through...

1. HOW: Describe technical implementation
2. WHAT: List specific tools/systems
3. WHO: Identify responsible parties
4. WHEN: Frequency of activities
5. WHERE: Environment/scope

Implementation Evidence:
- Screenshot of AWS IAM user management console
- Okta user provisioning policy
- Monthly access review reports
- Deprovisioning procedure documentation

Customer Responsibility:
[If applicable for SaaS] Customer is responsible for...

Writing Tips for Each Control

Be Specific:

• ❌ "We use encryption"
• ✅ "We implement AES-256-GCM encryption for all data at rest using AWS KMS"

Reference Evidence:

• ❌ "We monitor logs"
• ✅ "AWS CloudWatch logs are sent to Splunk (see Appendix X, screenshot Y) and retained for 1 year"

Address All Requirements:

• Read the control requirement carefully
• Address EACH bullet point
• Use numbered lists to show 1:1 mapping

Common SSP Mistakes

1. Vague Descriptions

❌ "Security controls are implemented according to best practices"

✅ "MFA is enforced for all users via Okta, requiring both password and TOTP token"

2. Missing Evidence References

❌ "Backups are performed regularly"

✅ "Automated backups run daily at 2 AM UTC (AWS Backup schedule shown in Appendix M, Figure 12)"

3. Ignoring Customer Responsibility

For SaaS, clearly separate provider vs. customer responsibilities using a CRM (Customer Responsibility Matrix)

4. Outdated Information

SSPs become outdated quickly. Version control and regular updates are critical.

5. Copy-Paste Errors

Don't copy another company's SSP. Assessors will notice, and you'll fail assessment.

Section 9: System Description

This is where you describe your system architecture. Include:

• System Purpose: What does it do?
• Architecture Diagram: Visual representation
• Data Flow Diagram: How data moves through the system
• Network Diagram: Network topology and security boundaries
• Technology Stack: List all major components

Section 10: System Environment and Inventory

Document EVERY component:

Component	Purpose	Version	Location
AWS EC2	Application servers	Amazon Linux 2	us-east-1
AWS RDS PostgreSQL	Primary database	14.6	us-east-1

How FedRampGPT Helps

Writing an SSP manually takes 6-12 months. FedRampGPT reduces this to days:

• Auto-generate Appendix A: AI writes control descriptions based on your infrastructure
• Evidence Mapping: Automatically links controls to collected evidence
• Template Library: Pre-built sections based on best practices
• Version Control: Track changes and maintain up-to-date documentation
• Gap Analysis: Identify missing or weak control descriptions

SSP Maintenance

Your SSP isn't "one and done":

• Continuous Updates: Update when infrastructure changes
• Annual Assessment: Full SSP review during annual assessment
• Significant Changes: Document in SSP and report to AO
• POA&M Closure: Update control descriptions when vulnerabilities are fixed

Download Free SSP Template

Download our FedRAMP SSP Template with examples for common cloud architectures.

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Next Steps

• Complete FedRAMP Guide
• Automate Control Implementation
• Schedule SSP Consultation