StateRAMP is a security framework designed to standardize, strengthen, and streamline cloud security for government entities at the state and local level. SafeLogic is a StateRAMP member.

How is StateRAMP Related to FedRAMP?

StateRAMP draws heavily on the structure and success of FedRAMP, adopting its methodologies while tailoring its scope and application for state and local government entities. StateRAMP and FedRAMP, while distinct in their scope, are fundamentally allied in their mission to provide robust cybersecurity frameworks for government operations.

GovRAMP Compliance & FIPS 140 Validation Requirements

GovRAMP Compliance & FIPS 140 Requirements for Cloud Service Providers

GovRAMP (formerly StateRAMP) is the standardized cybersecurity framework for cloud service providers (CSPs) serving state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments.

Modeled after FedRAMP and built on NIST security standards, GovRAMP requires strong encryption backed by FIPS 140–validated cryptography wherever encryption is used.

SafeLogic helps CSPs meet these cryptographic requirements quickly, confidently, and sustainably.

Speak with a Cryptography Expert

StateRAMP Is Now GovRAMP

If your organization previously referenced StateRAMP requirements, those requirements now live under GovRAMP.

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StateRAMP was officially rebranded as GovRAMP to reflect its expanded mission supporting state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. While the name changed, the core framework did not change.

GovRAMP continues to:

Align closely with FedRAMP’s proven authorization model
Use NIST SP 800-53 as its security control baseline
Require independent assessment by an approved third-party assessment organization (3PAO)
Require FIPS 140–validated cryptography when encryption is used

What is GovRAMP?

GovRAMP is a cybersecurity framework designed to standardize, strengthen, and streamline cloud security for SLTT government entities. It provides a unified approach to risk management and authorization for CSPs delivering IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions to non-federal government customers.

GovRAMP enables:

Consistent security baselines across jurisdictions
Reuse of security documentation and controls
Independent validation of cloud security posture
Increased trust between CSPs and government buyers

SafeLogic supports CSPs throughout the GovRAMP authorization lifecycle, with a focus on cryptographic compliance.

Why Did StateRAMP Change to GovRAMP?

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The original StateRAMP name reflected early adoption by U.S. states. Over time, the framework expanded to support a broader public-sector audience, including:

Local governments
Tribal governments
Territorial governments
Multi-jurisdictional public-sector programs

The GovRAMP name better reflects this full SLTT scope, while maintaining alignment with federal cybersecurity standards and terminology.

GovRAMP vs. FedRAMP

GovRAMP draws heavily from FedRAMP’s structure and assessment methodology, allowing CSPs to leverage existing FedRAMP knowledge while pursuing authorization for SLTT customers.

At a high level:

FedRAMP applies to federal agencies
GovRAMP applies to state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies
Both frameworks rely on NIST SP 800-53 controls and require FIPS-validated cryptography

Key takeaway:

If encryption is used to meet a security control, both GovRAMP and FedRAMP require FIPS 140–validated cryptographic modules.

Explore FIPS 140 for FedRAMP

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NIST SP 800-53 and Cryptography Requirements

GovRAMP is based on NIST Special Publication 800-53, which defines security controls for federal and SLTT systems.

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Several required controls directly address cryptographic implementation, including:

IA-7 — Cryptographic Module Authentication
SC-12 — Cryptographic Key Establishment and Management
SC-13 — Cryptographic Protection

NIST guidance is explicit: when encryption is used to satisfy a security requirement, the cryptographic module must be validated under FIPS 140 through the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).

Encryption alone is not sufficient — FIPS 140 validation matters.

FIPS 140 Validation for GovRAMP

FIPS 140 is the U.S. government standard for cryptographic modules. GovRAMP inherits this requirement directly from NIST and FedRAMP.

Important considerations for CSPs pursuing GovRAMP authorization:

FIPS 140-2 is still accepted but is being phased out in 2026
FIPS 140-3 is the current and future-proof standard
Non-validated cryptography commonly results in POA&Ms or delays
FIPS 140 certificates that have gone “historical” no longer meet active compliance expectations

Bottom Line: Encryption that is not FIPS 140 validated does not satisfy GovRAMP requirements.

Speak to a Cryptography Expert

What is Required to Get GovRAMP Authorized?

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To obtain GovRAMP authorization, a CSP must complete a structured, multi-step process:

Register as a Cloud Service Provider (CSP)
Develop a System Security Plan (SSP)
Complete a Security Assessment Plan (SAP)
Undergo assessment by a GovRAMP-authorized 3PAO
Submit the Security Assessment Report (SAR) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Enter continuous monitoring and periodic reauthorization

Cryptography is evaluated across documentation and deployed systems, making early validation critical to avoiding audit findings.

A Common GovRAMP Bottleneck: Cryptographic Validation

Many CSPs underestimate the complexity and timeline associated with cryptographic validation. Common challenges include:

Relying on open-source cryptography that is not FIPS validated
Building custom cryptographic implementations without CMVP approval
Allowing certificates to lapse into historical status
Inconsistent cryptographic enforcement across environments

These issues frequently surface during a 3PAO assessment — when remediation is most costly.

Speak to a Cryptography Expert

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GovRAMP Compliance

Understanding FIPS 140 Requirements for GovRAMP Compliance

GovRAMP Compliance & FIPS 140 Requirements for Cloud Service Providers