GovRAMP Authorization & 3PAO Audit Services | Up to 30% Discount via the Official 3PAO Discount Program. Call +1 (888) 896-7580 today.

GovRAMP Authorization & 3PAO Audit Services | Fast-Track Compliance for Cloud Providers. Call +1 (888) 896-7580 today.

Lazarus Alliance is an A2LA-accredited GovRAMP Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) providing independent GovRAMP Ready and Authorized security assessments for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS cloud service providers. Formerly known as StateRAMP, GovRAMP provides a standardized cybersecurity verification framework for cloud services used by state, local, tribal, and education (SLED) governments.

StateRAMP, operating as GovRAMP since its rebranding in February 2025, is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership organization established in 2021 to standardize and streamline the cybersecurity assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud service offerings (CSOs) for state, local, tribal, and education (SLED) governments in the United States. Modeled after the federal FedRAMP program, it addresses the unique needs of subnational governments by providing a "verify once, serve many" framework that reduces duplication in security evaluations, lowers costs for cloud service providers (CSPs), and enables faster, more secure cloud adoption for public sector entities handling sensitive data like PII, financial records, and critical infrastructure information.

The program promotes cybersecurity best practices through policy development, education, and collaboration among governments, CSPs, and third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs). It is not affiliated with or endorsed by FedRAMP or the U.S. federal government, but it aligns closely with federal standards like NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 to ensure interoperability where possible. As of December 2025, GovRAMP has gained traction with over 23 states mandating or recognizing it.

GovRAMP 3PAO Discount Program – Save Up to 30%

Lazarus Alliance participates in the official GovRAMP 3PAO Discount Program. Cloud service providers that have completed the Progressing Security Snapshot program or achieved GovRAMP Core verification are eligible for discounted assessment rates of up to 30%.

This program rewards preparation: organizations that arrive with stronger documentation and clearer control implementation experience faster, more efficient assessments with fewer rework cycles.

Are you eligible? Contact us for a free Business Justification Review and confirmation of your discount eligibility.

Call +1 (888) 896-7580 or request a consultation today.

Purpose

  • For Governments: Simplifies procurement by offering a trusted, reusable validation of CSP security postures, reducing "data sprawl" and cyber risks while addressing diverse state-specific standards.
  • For CSPs: Provides transferable compliance credentials, minimizing the time, cost, and complexity of meeting fragmented SLED requirements.
  • Overall: Enhances public sector cyber resilience amid rising threats, fostering trust between private-sector providers and government entities.

StateRAMP emerged in 2021 as a response to the federal FedRAMP's success, adapting its model for SLED environments where agencies lacked resources for full independent assessments. It began with a focus on state-level standardization and has since expanded to include tribal and educational institutions. The 2025 rebranding to GovRAMP reflects its broader "whole-of-government" mission, encompassing not just states but also local, tribal, and higher education sectors—without overlapping federal GovRAMP (a separate federal high-impact program).

GovRAMP Verification Pathways

GovRAMP provides multiple verification pathways that allow cloud service providers to demonstrate cybersecurity maturity and progress toward independent verification. The appropriate pathway depends on the organization's security maturity, government requirements, and desired GovRAMP status. Independent GovRAMP 3PAO assessments are required for Ready and Authorized/Provisional verification.

GovRAMP Pathway Assessment Scope 3PAO Required? Purpose
Security Snapshot 40-control security maturity assessment No Establishes an initial measure of the cloud service provider's security maturity.
Progressing Security Snapshot Ongoing 40-control security maturity assessment No Demonstrates continued security improvement while progressing toward higher GovRAMP verification.
Core Verification 60 NIST security controls No Validates foundational cybersecurity controls and establishes a stronger verified security posture.
Ready Verification Independent assessment of 80 security controls YES Demonstrates readiness for GovRAMP authorization through an independent 3PAO assessment.
Authorized / Provisional Verification Comprehensive independent assessment of 300+ security controls YES Provides comprehensive independent verification for cloud services seeking GovRAMP Authorized or Provisional status.
Lazarus Alliance: Independent GovRAMP 3PAO assessments support cloud service providers pursuing Ready and Authorized/Provisional verification.

Assessment Process

CSPs undergo independent audits by accredited 3PAOs like Lazarus Alliance. Paths include agency-sponsored or provisional authorizations, followed by continuous monitoring (e.g., monthly vulnerability scans, quarterly reports).

Lazarus Alliance is an accredited GovRAMP 3PAO. Our critical-path assessment methodology is designed to reduce unnecessary assessment delays, rework, and evidence-processing bottlenecks. Call +1 (888) 896-7580.

Cost Advantage

Providers who have completed Progressing Security Snapshot or Core Verification may qualify for up to 30% off Lazarus Alliance’s 3PAO assessment fees under the official GovRAMP 3PAO Discount Program. Our Cybervisors™ will confirm eligibility during the initial consultation and factor any applicable discount into your roadmap and pricing.

GovRAMP Authorization Audit Timeline: What to Expect with Lazarus Alliance

GovRAMP (formerly StateRAMP) is a standardized framework for assessing and authorizing cloud service providers (CSPs) to deliver secure cloud services to state and local governments. It aligns closely with FedRAMP but focuses on state-level procurement, enabling faster approvals through reciprocal authorizations. As an accredited Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) by A2LA and the GovRAMP PMO, Lazarus Alliance specializes in these audits, leveraging their "critical path methodology," proactive philosophy, and tools like the Continuum GRC ITAM platform to streamline the process. Our critical-path assessment methodology is designed to reduce unnecessary assessment delays, rework, and evidence-processing bottlenecks, making the overall journey from kickoff to Authority to Operate (ATO) more efficient.

The full GovRAMP authorization process generally spans 12-18 months for most CSPs, depending on system complexity, baseline level (Moderate or High), and internal readiness. However, Lazarus Alliance emphasizes early gap analysis and readiness to accelerate this. Post-authorization, continuous monitoring (ConMon) is required, involving monthly vulnerability scans, quarterly reports, and annual reassessments to maintain status.

Key Phases and Timeline

Here's a breakdown of the typical phases when partnering with Lazarus Alliance as your 3PAO. Timelines are based on their documented averages for 2024-2025 engagements and assume an agency-sponsored ATO path (the most common route). Authorized and Provisional Verification require a comprehensive independent 3PAO assessment, GovRAMP PMO validation, and the applicable government sponsorship or approval process.

Phase Description Typical Duration Key Lazarus Alliance Activities
1. Decision & Partner Selection Evaluate if GovRAMP fits your business needs; select a 3PAO and sponsoring agency. 1-2 months Cybervisors™ conduct initial consultations (several days of analysis) to define system boundaries, estimate costs, timelines, and resource needs. Sign the contract and roadmap development.
2. Gap Analysis & Compliance Review Identify deviations from NIST 800-53 Rev 5 controls (tailored to GovRAMP baseline). Review policies, procedures, and high-value controls. 1-2 months Technical review of vulnerabilities, penetration testing applicability, and control status. Use the ITAM platform for automated evidence collection to baseline your organization quickly.
3. Readiness Assessment Simulate the full audit to confirm controls are designed and implemented effectively. Produces a Readiness Assessment Report (RAR). 2-3 months Full walkthrough of controls; address POA&Ms (Plans of Action and Milestones). Lazarus's methodology here cuts time by focusing on critical paths, ensuring fast progression to formal audit.
4. Full 3PAO Assessment Independent security assessment, including interviews, testing, and documentation review. Generates Security Assessment Report (SAR) and supporting artifacts (e.g., SSP - System Security Plan). 3-6 months On-site/remote audits with 24/7 ITAM access for efficient collaboration. Verify compliance across SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS offerings; includes vulnerability scans and pen testing.
5. Authorization Package Review & ATO Submit the package to the sponsoring agency and the GovRAMP Marketplace for review. Agency issues ATO. 2-3 months Lazarus supports package preparation and remediation of findings. Faster with their proactive tools.
6. Continuous Monitoring (Post-ATO) Ongoing compliance to retain authorization; annual reassessment required. Ongoing (starts immediately) Monthly scans, quarterly reporting, and annual audits via ITAM. Helps maintain audit trails without last-minute hassles.

What to Expect During the Process

  • Preparation and Collaboration: Expect heavy involvement from your internal teams (e.g., IT, security, compliance) for evidence gathering. Lazarus Alliance's ITAM SaaS automates much of this, providing real-time transparency and reducing manual work. Kickoff meetings focus on aligning on the authorization boundary and high-value controls.
  • Audits and Testing: Assessments involve document reviews, control testing, interviews, and scans. Lazarus's "proactive cybersecurity" approach means they're hands-on, helping remediate issues in real-time to avoid delays.
  • Challenges and Mitigations: Common hurdles include POA&M delays or incomplete evidence—Lazarus mitigates these with templates, A.ITAMBot for automation, and their expertise in hybrid cloud environments. Overall costs and internal demands are outlined upfront by Cybervisors™.
  • Outcomes: Upon ATO, your service listing appears on the GovRAMP Marketplace, unlocking state contracts. Certifications are valid for 1 year, with continuous monitoring ensuring renewals.

What Does a GovRAMP 3PAO Assessment Include?

  • system boundary
  • SSP
  • NIST SP 800-53 controls
  • policies/procedures
  • interviews
  • evidence
  • technical testing
  • vulnerability scanning
  • penetration testing where applicable
  • configuration validation
  • POA&M
  • SAR
  • continuous monitoring

For tailored advice, contact Lazarus Alliance at +1 (888) 896-7580.

Lazarus Alliance is an accredited GovRAMP 3PAO. Call +1 (888) 896-7580.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The GovRAMP 3PAO Discount Program offers assessment discounts of up to 30% to service providers that have completed the Progressing Security Snapshot program or achieved Core verification. As a participating accredited 3PAO, Lazarus Alliance extends these discounted rates to eligible clients. This approach rewards readiness, shortens assessment timelines, and improves predictability. Contact us to verify eligibility and receive a tailored quote.

GovRAMP is modeled after FedRAMP but tailored for state and local governments. While FedRAMP is mandatory for federal contracts, GovRAMP is increasingly required or preferred by states (e.g., Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, Illinois). GovRAMP offers three impact levels (Low, Moderate, High) and accepts FedRAMP Moderate or higher as reciprocity.

  • GovRAMP Ready (pre-assessment)
  • GovRAMP Progressing (in process)
  • GovRAMP Authorized – Low
  • GovRAMP Authorized – Moderate (most common)
  • GovRAMP Authorized – High. Most state agencies require at least Moderate authorization for systems handling sensitive or personal data.

    As an accredited 3PAO, Lazarus Alliance offers end-to-end GovRAMP services for public, private, community, and hybrid cloud offerings (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS). This includes readiness assessments, official 3PAO audits, business justification reviews, compliance gap analyses, and roadmap development using their GovRAMP Cybervisors™ team. They leverage Continuum GRC's ITAM platform for efficient, 24/7 compliance management, helping CSPs achieve faster authorizations and win SLED business.

    The process begins with a Business Justification Review to evaluate fit, costs, timelines, and required improvements. Next, a Compliance Review identifies gaps, verifies boundaries, and assesses controls. This leads to a Readiness Assessment for quick ATO progression, followed by the full 3PAO Assessment for agency-sponsored or provisional authorization. Continuous monitoring (e.g., monthly scans, quarterly reports) ensures ongoing compliance. Lazarus Alliance's critical path methodology reduces assessment time by 46% compared to traditional approaches.

    For CSPs, GovRAMP provides transferable credentials that cut compliance costs and time by minimizing duplicated efforts across fragmented SLED requirements. Governments gain simplified procurement, reduced cyber risks, and reusable security validations for sensitive data. Overall, it fosters trust, accelerates cloud adoption, and enhances resilience— with Lazarus Alliance's proactive tools preventing threats and avoiding certification invalidation or price hikes.

    Lazarus Alliance's Cybervisors™ conduct a free initial Business Justification Review to assess your cloud service's alignment with GovRAMP goals. This includes evaluating program costs, timelines, internal resources needed, security improvements, and any architectural changes. It's ideal for CSPs targeting SLED markets handling low- to high-impact data, especially if you're already pursuing or have FedRAMP compliance for interoperability.

    Contact Lazarus Alliance at +1 (888) 896-7580 to schedule a consultation or Business Justification Review. Their team will guide you through preparation, readiness, and assessment phases, ensuring a streamlined path to authorization. As a partner-focused 3PAO, they prioritize cost efficiency and proactive compliance to help you secure SLED contracts quickly

    Why Choose Lazarus Alliance as Your GovRAMP 3PAO?

    Then establish the entity facts succinctly:

    • A2LA-accredited Third-Party Assessment Organization
    • Active GovRAMP 3PAO
    • GovRAMP 3PAO Discount Program participant
    • Independent assessment experience
    • NIST SP 800-53 expertise
    • FedRAMP and GovRAMP assessment experience
    • SaaS, PaaS and IaaS assessment capabilities
    • Readiness through annual assessment and continuous monitoring support

    GovRAMP independently lists Lazarus Alliance among its participating A2LA-accredited 3PAOs.

    Lazarus Alliance, as a GovRAMP 3PAO, provides GovRAMP, FedRAMP, FISMA, and NIST audit, advisory, and assessment services for public, private, community, and hybrid cloud service offerings, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

    At Lazarus Alliance, proactive isn't just our trademark—it's our promise to protect your future before threats even emerge. — Michael Peters, CEO & Founder

    Leveraging the Continuum GRC IT Audit Machine, Security Trifecta methodology, and the Policy Machine, Lazarus Alliance provides international standards that are recognized as “Best Practices” for developing organizational security standards and controls that support Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program-based compliance audit certifications and assessments.

    Credentials You Can Count On

    Lazarus Alliance is an A2LA-accredited GovRAMP 3PAO and participant in the official 3PAO Discount Program. Eligible CSPs can reduce assessment costs by up to 30% while benefiting from our critical-path methodology (Our critical-path assessment methodology is designed to reduce unnecessary assessment delays, rework, and evidence-processing bottlenecks.) and Continuum GRC ITAM platform.

    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.

    Talk with one of our experts

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

    We're here to answer any questions you may have.

    Download our company brochure.

    Lazarus Alliance is an accredited GovRAMP 3PAO. Our critical-path assessment methodology is designed to reduce unnecessary assessment delays, rework, and evidence-processing bottlenecks. Call +1 (888) 896-7580.

    GovRAMP vs FedRAMP Differentiators

    Comparison GovRAMP FedRAMP
    Primary Market State, local, tribal, and education (SLED) governments U.S. federal agencies
    Primary Purpose Standardized cloud security verification for participating state and local public-sector organizations Standardized security assessment and authorization for cloud products and services used by federal agencies
    Security Foundation NIST SP 800-53–based security requirements NIST SP 800-53–based security requirements
    Cloud Service Models SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS
    Independent Assessment Accredited 3PAO assessment required for applicable GovRAMP verification pathways Accredited 3PAO assessment required for applicable FedRAMP authorization pathways
    Assessment Organization Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO)
    Continuous Monitoring Required for applicable verified offerings to maintain security status Required after authorization to maintain ongoing security assurance
    Federal Documentation Reuse Existing FedRAMP security documentation may support GovRAMP Fast Track eligibility and review FedRAMP authorization packages are designed for federal agency authorization and reuse
    Government Sponsorship Government sponsorship or applicable GovRAMP approval process may be required depending on the pathway Authorization follows the applicable FedRAMP authorization process and federal agency requirements
    Best Fit CSPs selling cloud services to state and local public-sector organizations CSPs selling cloud services to U.S. federal agencies
    Key Difference: GovRAMP focuses on cloud security verification for state, local, tribal, and education government markets, while FedRAMP focuses on cloud services used by U.S. federal agencies. Both programs use NIST-based security requirements and independent 3PAO assessments for applicable pathways.
    Lazarus Alliance is an accredited StateRAMP/GovRAMP 3PAO. Achieve authorization 46% faster with our readiness assessments, audits & Continuum GRC platform. Call +1 (888) 896-7580.

    Benefits of GovRAMP Authorization

    For Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)

    1. Single Credential Opens Dozens of State & Local Markets: Over 23 states (and growing) now mandate or strongly prefer GovRAMP authorization for cloud procurements. One authorization can satisfy requirements in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, and many others—without repeating full assessments for each jurisdiction.
    2. Dramatic Reduction in Sales Friction & Procurement Cycle Time: GovRAMP-listed offerings appear on the public Authorized Product List (APL). SLED agencies can bypass lengthy individual security reviews and issue contracts or ATOs in weeks instead of months or years.
    3. Competitive Advantage in RFPs: Many RFPs now award extra evaluation points or make GovRAMP a mandatory requirement. Authorized providers routinely outscore non-authorized competitors.
    4. Lower Overall Compliance Costs Long-Term: “Assess once, reuse many” eliminates the need for dozens of separate state-specific audits, questionnaires, and custom security packages.
    5. Leverages Existing FedRAMP Work: If you already have FedRAMP Moderate or High, the gap to GovRAMP Moderate or High is relatively small, giving you a fast, cost-effective second certification that unlocks the entire SLED market.
    6. Future-Proofing: Adoption is accelerating rapidly. Early movers lock in preferred-vendor status before the requirement becomes table stakes (similar to what happened with FedRAMP in the federal space).

    For State, Local, Tribal & Education (SLED) Agencies

    1. Faster, Lower-Risk Cloud Adoption: Rely on pre-vetted, continuously monitored offerings instead of performing resource-intensive individual risk assessments.
    2. Higher Security Posture at Lower Cost: Standardized, third-party validated controls (NIST 800-53 Rev. 5) with ongoing monitoring provide better protection than many agencies could achieve on their own.
    3. Consistency Across Jurisdictions: Enables secure data sharing and collaboration between states, counties, cities, and educational institutions using the same trusted providers.
    4. Meets Legislative & Audit Requirements: Satisfies state laws, CIO policies, and auditor demands for documented due diligence when using cloud services.

    We want to be your partner and GovRAMP 3PAO of choice. For eligibility confirmation, pricing, and a free initial review, call +1 (888) 896-7580.