Lazarus Alliance proactive cybersecurity, accreditation, and FISMA assessment services.
Lazarus Alliance proactive cybersecurity, accreditation, and NIST assessment services.

Security Control Assessor-Validator (SCA-V) Audit Services provide independent, third-party assessment and validation of an organization’s information security controls, typically required under U.S. federal standards such as NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-53A, and the Risk Management Framework (RMF).

An SCA-V is a specially qualified individual or team authorized to conduct objective security control assessments and validate that controls are implemented correctly, operating as intended, and producing the desired outcome (effectiveness). Key activities include:

  • Reviewing system security plans (SSP), control implementation evidence, and artifacts
  • Executing detailed assessment procedures and test cases (often from NIST 800-53A)
  • Performing vulnerability scans, configuration checks, and functional testing
  • Interviewing system owners and administrators
  • Validating remediation of findings (POA&M closeout validation)
  • Producing a comprehensive Security Assessment Report (SAR) with findings and recommendations
  • Delivering an updated Security Assessment Plan (SAP) and supporting RMF authorization packages

SCA-V services are most commonly used by federal agencies, contractors holding FedRAMP, DoD, or other government authorizations, and organizations pursuing or maintaining Authority to Operate (ATO). The SCA-V role ensures assessment independence and rigor beyond the self-assessment performed by the system owner or ISSO.

Basic SCA-V Audit Timeline with Lazarus Alliance

Basic SCA-V Audit Timeline with Lazarus Alliance

(Typical Duration: 6–12 Weeks from Kickoff to Final SAR Delivery – Accelerated by 46% via Lazarus Alliance's Critical Path Methodology and IT Audit Machine™ Platform)

For SCA-V services that reduce costs and leverage the number one ranked SCA-V audit software platform, call +1 (888) 896-7580  to get started. — Michael Peters, CEO & Founder

Lazarus Alliance, an accredited 3PAO and certified SCA-V provider, streamlines the process using our Proactive Cyber Security® approach, Continuum GRC's automated tools for evidence collection and testing, and Cybervisor™ advisory support. This reduces traditional timelines significantly compared to manual assessments, focusing on efficiency while ensuring NIST 800-53A compliance for FedRAMP, FISMA, RMF, and ATO pursuits. SCA-V audits occur every three years for ATO renewal, with ongoing continuous monitoring.

Phase Activities Typical Duration (Lazarus Alliance) Deliverables / Milestones
1. Pre-Engagement & Planning • NDA/SOW signed • Kickoff call with Cybervisor™ team • Receive/upload SSP, boundary diagram, asset inventory, prior SAR/POA&Ms to IT Audit Machine™ platform • Finalize Security Assessment Plan (SAP) with automated scoping 1 week (accelerated via 24/7 platform access) Signed SOW, Approved SAP, Rules of Engagement (RoE), Baseline Readiness Report
2. Evidence Collection & Preparation Support • Automated evidence upload and validation via IT Audit Machine™ • SCA-V reviews for completeness; automated gap analysis requests missing items 1–2 weeks (parallel with Phase 1; tool-driven) Completed, automated evidence package with traceability
3. Assessment Execution • Automated/document reviews • Virtual/in-person interviews with system owners/admins • Automated/manual testing (vulnerability scans, configuration checks, penetration testing if in scope) • NIST 800-53A test case execution with tool-assisted procedures 2–4 weeks (core fieldwork; 46% faster due to critical path tools) Daily/weekly status reports via dashboard, preliminary findings log
4. Findings Adjudication & Remediation Validation • Present initial findings via collaborative platform • System team remediates or provides evidence (guided by Cybervisor™) • SCA-V re-tests and validates fixes with automated re-scans 1–2 weeks (proactive remediation support) Updated findings with risk ratings (likelihood × impact), POA&M draft
5. Reporting & Package Finalization • Generate draft Security Assessment Report (SAR) via automated templates • System owner reviews/comments (3–5 business days) • Final SAR issued with executive summary 1 week (tool-automated drafting) Final SAR, Executive Summary, Updated SAP, Risk Assessment Summary
6. Authorization Package Support (optional) • Assist with eMASS/GRC tool integration • Prepare AO briefing slides and continuous monitoring plan setup 1 week (as-needed) Complete RMF/ATO package; handover for ongoing monitoring (e.g., monthly scans)

Fastest Realistic Timeline (Well-Prepared Customer with Lazarus Alliance)

~6–8 weeks total (leveraging full platform automation and pre-loaded evidence).

Average Timeline (Most Organizations)

8–10 weeks (includes minor remediation).

Longest Common Timeline

10–12+ weeks (complex scopes, extensive POA&Ms, or custom integrations).

Pro Tip from Lazarus Alliance: Engage early with a free Cybervisor™ readiness consultation (+1-888-896-7580) to upload evidence 2–4 weeks pre-kickoff. Our methodology emphasizes year-round continuous auditing to avoid end-of-cycle rushes, ensuring ATO success with minimal disruption.

Lazarus Alliance provides expert cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management services, including international audits, Federal assessments, and IT governance solutions, ensuring businesses achieve robust security and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lazarus Alliance is an A2LA ISO/IEC 17020 accredited laboratory (certification #3822.01) and a certified 3PAO, specializing in NIST 800-53-based audits. Their team of qualified SCA-Vs delivers independent assessments for FedRAMP, DoD, and other government authorizations, ensuring rigorous, unbiased validation.

SCA-V audits with Lazarus Alliance typically take 6–12 weeks from kickoff to final Security Assessment Report (SAR) delivery, accelerated by 46% using their Critical Path Methodology and IT Audit Machine™ platform. Well-prepared clients can complete in 6–8 weeks, including planning, evidence collection, testing, remediation validation, and reporting.

What tools and methodologies does Lazarus Alliance use for SCA-V assessments? Lazarus Alliance employs the Security Trifecta methodology, enhanced by Continuum GRC's IT Audit Machine™ for automated evidence collection, gap analysis, and NIST 800-53A test execution. They also use Policy Machine for policy management and provide Cybervisor™ advisory support, streamlining scans, interviews, and remediation for efficient, tool-driven assessments.

Key deliverables include a comprehensive Security Assessment Report (SAR) with findings and recommendations, an updated Security Assessment Plan (SAP), validated Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), and supporting RMF authorization packages. These are tailored for eMASS/GRC integration and AO briefings to facilitate faster ATO decisions.

It provides objective validation that boosts ATO success rates, reduces risks by uncovering hidden weaknesses, cuts timelines by 2–6 months, and lowers long-term costs through early remediation. For contractors, it signals compliance maturity to agencies and primes, improving win rates on FedRAMP Moderate/High, IL4–IL6, or CMMC contracts.

Unlike traditional manual assessments, Lazarus Alliance accelerates processes with proprietary automation (e.g., IT Audit Machine™) and year-round continuous monitoring, ensuring sustained compliance without end-of-cycle rushes. Their ISO-accredited 3PAO status and Security Trifecta approach deliver higher-quality, traceable evidence trusted by AOs, often at a faster pace and lower disruption.

Contact Lazarus Alliance for a free Cybervisor™ readiness consultation at +1-888-896-7580 or via their website form. Provide initial SSP and evidence details during the kickoff call to finalize the SOW and SAP. They recommend starting evidence organization 2–4 weeks pre-engagement for optimal timelines.

Credentials You Can Count On

American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) ISO/IEC 17020 accredited certification number 3822.01.

In any jurisdiction and in all industries. We are your global partner in compliance, risk, policy, security testing, financial audit and Cybervisor® services.

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Our Lazarus Alliance Cybervisor™ teams have experience performing thousands of assessments for organisations providing services to clients around the world.

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Key Benefits of SCA-V Compliance (Independent Security Control Assessment & Validation)

  1. Objective & Credible Evidence for Authorization: SCA-V provides the independent third-party validation required by FedRAMP, DoD RMF, FISMA, and CMMC Level 2+. Authorizing Officials (AOs/AO Representatives) trust SCA-V findings far more than self-assessments.
  2. Higher Likelihood of ATO/ATC/ATP: Systems assessed by a qualified SCA-V routinely achieve Authority to Operate (ATO), Authority to Connect (ATC), or Authorization to Proceed (ATP) faster and with fewer conditions.
  3. Significant Risk Reduction: Rigorous testing against NIST 800-53A procedures uncovers hidden weaknesses (misconfigurations, ineffective controls, incomplete evidence) before auditors or adversaries do.
  4. Accelerated Authorization Timeline: Professional SCA-V teams deliver complete, high-quality Security Assessment Reports (SARs) and updated RMF packages quickly—often cutting 2–6 months off the traditional timeline.
  5. Cost Savings in the Long Run: Early identification and remediation of findings prevent expensive last-minute fixes, re-assessments, or authorization delays that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
  6. POA&M Cleanup & Sustained Compliance: SCA-Vs validate remediation actions, enabling rapid closure of Plans of Action & Milestones and maintaining continuous monitoring readiness.
  7. Stronger Audit & Inspection Posture: Agencies and third-party assessors (e.g., FedRAMP PMO, CMMC C3PAOs, IG audits) consistently rate SCA-V-assessed systems higher because evidence is thorough, traceable, and independently verified.
  8. Competitive Advantage for Government Contractors: Demonstrating routine use of independent SCA-V services signals maturity to agency customers and primes, improving win rates on contracts requiring FedRAMP Moderate/High, IL4–IL6, or CMMC certifications.

In short, SCA-V compliance transforms a regulatory burden into a genuine security and business advantage.

We want to be your partner and SCA-V compliance audit assessor of choice! For additional information, please call 1-888-896-7580.