Cybersecurity isn’t just a buzzword in the world of government contracting—it’s a requirement. Whether you’re a cloud service provider, a SaaS startup bidding on federal contracts, or a defense contractor handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), you’ve likely heard the acronyms FedRAMP, FISMA, and CMMC.
But here’s the thing—not all compliance frameworks are created equal, and not all of them apply to everyone. Choosing the wrong one (or ignoring the right one) can cost you contracts, reputation, and revenue.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What each framework is
- Who it applies to
- How they differ
- How to know which one is right for your organization
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What is FedRAMP?
FedRAMP stands for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program. It’s a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services.
Key Highlights:
- Applies to: Cloud service providers (CSPs) working with federal agencies
- Authority: Managed by the FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) and Joint Authorization Board (JAB)
- Requirements: Aligns with NIST 800-53, with additional FedRAMP-specific controls
- Process: Requires a security package, third-party assessment, and ongoing monitoring
When FedRAMP Applies:
If your company provides cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) that will be used by a federal agency, you must be FedRAMP authorized.
Example: A startup offering secure document storage for government use must achieve FedRAMP Moderate or High, depending on the data sensitivity.
What is FISMA?
FISMA, or the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, is a law that requires federal agencies and their contractors to secure information systems.
Key Highlights:
- Applies to: Federal agencies and contractors operating federal information systems
- Authority: Enforced by OMB and implemented via NIST guidelines
- Requirements: Based on the NIST RMF (Risk Management Framework) and NIST 800-53 controls
- Focus: Internal federal systems and infrastructure, including on-premise and hybrid environments
When FISMA Applies:
If you are building, managing, or operating information systems on behalf of a federal agency, FISMA compliance is likely required.
Example: A managed service provider handling an agency’s IT infrastructure on-premise would need to demonstrate FISMA compliance.
What is CMMC?
CMMC, or the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, is the Department of Defense’s answer to protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across its supply chain.
Key Highlights:
- Applies to: All defense contractors and subcontractors handling CUI or FCI (Federal Contract Information)
- Authority: Enforced by the Department of Defense (DoD)
- Requirements: Structured in three levels (CMMC 2.0), from basic to advanced cybersecurity
- Focus: Safeguarding sensitive defense information in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)
When CMMC Applies:
If you’re part of the DoD supply chain, whether directly or indirectly, and you handle CUI, you must be CMMC certified at the appropriate level.
Example: A small manufacturer of drone components for a DoD supplier must obtain CMMC Level 2 to bid on contracts involving CUI.
FedRAMP vs FISMA vs CMMC: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | FedRAMP | FISMA | CMMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | FedRAMP PMO / JAB | OMB / NIST | Department of Defense |
| Primary Audience | Cloud Service Providers | Federal Agencies & Contractors | DoD Contractors |
| Mandate Type | Program / Certification | Law | DoD Requirement |
| Framework Used | NIST 800-53 + FedRAMP Add-ons | NIST 800-53, RMF | NIST 800-171-based (CMMC 2.0) |
| Assessment | 3PAO Required | Internal or 3PAO | 3rd Party for Level 2/3 (Self-assess for Level 1) |
| Focus Area | Cloud Services | Information Systems | CUI/FCI Protection |
| Renewal Frequency | Annual Reassessment | Ongoing Monitoring | Periodic Recertification |
Which One Applies to You?
Use this cheat sheet to figure out which framework governs your cybersecurity requirements:
✅ You need FedRAMP if…
- You offer cloud-based services to federal agencies
- Your service processes or stores federal data in the cloud
- You’re bidding on a GSA Schedule involving cloud hosting
✅ You need FISMA if…
- You operate or manage information systems for a federal agency
- You build or maintain IT systems on behalf of the government
- You are subject to federal agency reporting and auditing
✅ You need CMMC if…
- You contract with the Department of Defense
- You store, process, or transmit CUI or FCI
- You’re part of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), even as a subcontractor
❗Many companies need more than one!
It’s not uncommon to need both FedRAMP and CMMC—for example, if you’re a CSP handling CUI for a DoD agency.
Next Steps: How to Get Compliant
Compliance is a journey, not a checkbox. Here’s how to start:
1. Perform a Readiness Assessment
Understand where you stand against FedRAMP, FISMA, or CMMC requirements.
2. Engage a Trusted Partner
Work with a consultant or Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) familiar with your target framework.
3. Secure Executive Buy-In
These certifications are resource-intensive. Ensure leadership understands the importance.
4. Implement Required Controls
Most frameworks rely on NIST standards, so implementing NIST 800-53 or 800-171 controls is a good baseline.
5. Maintain and Monitor
Certification is just the beginning. Continuous monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and annual audits are necessary.
Conclusion
FedRAMP, FISMA, and CMMC each serve a specific purpose—but together they create a security ecosystem that protects federal systems and sensitive data.
- FedRAMP is for cloud vendors
- FISMA is for information systems
- CMMC is for DoD contractors
Understanding which applies to you (and when) is crucial for winning contracts, protecting data, and staying on the right side of compliance law.
Bottom Line: Compliance isn’t optional. It’s a competitive advantage.