Authorized / Provisional Verification
Achieve the highest level of verified security in GovRAMP.
Authorized Verification represents the most comprehensive level of security validation in GovRAMP—confirming that your product meets all required controls through independent assessment and government review.
This status demonstrates the highest level of trust, positioning your organization to support critical public-sector systems and data.
The Highest Standard of Trust
Authorized and Provisional Verification confirm full alignment with GovRAMP requirements through comprehensive third-party assessment and government approval.
This level of verification requires:
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A complete Security Assessment Report (SAR) conducted by a 3PAO
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Full documentation aligned to GovRAMP requirements
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Government sponsorship or approval through the GovRAMP Approvals Committee
Achieving this status allows you to:
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Demonstrate the highest level of validated security
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Support high-impact government use cases
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Strengthen trust with public sector buyers
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Differentiate your product in competitive procurement environments
Understanding Authorized vs. Provisional Verification
Same level of trust—different dependency status
Authorized Verification
- All requirements fully met and validated
- Complete alignment with GovRAMP standards
- No outstanding dependencies
- Demonstrates the highest level of verified security
Provisionally Authorized Verification
- Authorized requirements fully met and validated
- Relies on interconnected technology not yet GovRAMP or FedRAMP verified
- May include limited items tracked through a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)
- Eligible to transition to Authorized once dependencies are resolved
How to Achieve Authorized Verification
Authorized Verification follows a structured process that builds on prior readiness and validation.
Step 7
Obtain Government Sponsorship or Approval
To achieve Authorized Verification, your security package must be approved by a government sponsor or the GovRAMP Approvals Committee.
You may secure sponsorship directly from a government organization or leverage the GovRAMP Approvals Committee, which serves as an appointed sponsor to review and confirm your package meets all requirements.
Step 9
Maintain Through Continuous Monitoring
Perform monthly continuous monitoring activities to maintain your verified status.
Leverage Existing Federal Work
If you have existing federal security documentation, GovRAMP enables you to reuse that work to accelerate your path to verification—without repeating a full assessment.
GovRAMP Fast Track allows providers to submit existing materials such as:
- Readiness Assessment Reports (RAR)
- Security Assessment Reports (SAR)
- Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) documentation
These materials are reviewed by the PMO to determine alignment with GovRAMP requirements—reducing time, cost, and duplication.
Accelerate Your Path to Verification
Reuse your federal documentation to streamline your GovRAMP assessment and reduce duplication.
Reduce time. Lower cost. Avoid duplication. Move forward with confidence.
Demonstrate the Highest Level of Security
Products that achieve Authorized or Provisional Verification are listed on the Authorized Product List (APL), signaling the highest level of validated security to government buyers.
This visibility positions your organization for the most security-sensitive public sector opportunities.
Engage an Approved 3PAO
Authorized Verification requires an independent assessment conducted by a GovRAMP-approved Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO).
Engaging a GovRAMP 3PAO ensures your controls and documentation are evaluated against program requirements and prepares your product for successful review and approval.
How GovRAMP and the GovRAMP PMO Work Together
Authorized Verification FAQs
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How much does GovRAMP Authorized cost?
GovRAMP Authorized includes a one-time annual PMO assessment fee, which covers review of submitted documentation, validation of the required security controls, and product listing on the Authorized Product List (APL). Associated 3PAO costs are not included and should be considered separately.
Annual PMO Assessment Fee for Authorized Status:
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$5,000 – Providers with less than $1M in annual revenue
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$12,000 – Providers with $1M to $5M in annual revenue
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$21,000 – Providers with over $5M in annual revenue
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How much does continuous monitoring for GovRAMP Authorized cost?
Once Authorized Status is awarded, providers are enrolled in Monthly Continuous Monitoring (ConMon). This is a recurring fee billed each month, based on provider revenue.
Monthly Continuous Monitoring Fee for Authorized Status:
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$250 per month – Providers with less than $1M in annual revenue
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$500 per month – Providers with $1M to $5M in annual revenue
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$1,000 per month – Providers with over $5M in annual revenue
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Who sees my continuous monitoring reports?
GovRAMP Authorized includes enrollment in monthly Continuous Monitoring (ConMon), which is reviewed by the GovRAMP Program Management Office (PMO). While full ConMon data is not public, Participating Governments may request access to your ConMon profile through GovRAMP, ensuring transparency for procurement officials while protecting sensitive provider information. Providers must approve the requested access to enable Participating Governments viewing privileges.
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How much effort is required to achieve Authorized Status?
The level of effort varies depending on the complexity of a system and an organization’s existing security maturity.
Providers who have completed other framework assessments—such as FedRAMP, SOC 2, or HITRUST—may find the process more efficient, as many controls align.
Smaller organizations can also achieve Authorization successfully. The GovRAMP PMO provides structured guidance and validation support to make participation feasible for providers of all sizes.
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What distinguishes Authorized Status from Provisionally Authorized Status?
Authorized Status indicates full completion of all required security controls, documentation, and Sponsoring Body approval.
Provisionally Authorized Status indicates that a product has met nearly all requirements and is approved for government or education use while completing limited remediation under a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
Both designations demonstrate a verified commitment to security and transparency under GovRAMP’s unified framework.
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How long does the GovRAMP Authorization process typically take?
Timeframes vary based on a provider’s readiness, documentation completeness, and system complexity.
On average, organizations complete the Authorization process within six to twelve months after engaging a 3PAO.
Providers who begin with a GovRAMP Security Snapshot or achieve Ready Status first often progress more efficiently through PMO validation and Sponsorship approval.
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What are the requirements following Authorization?
Once a product achieves Authorized or Provisionally Authorized Status, it enters the Continuous Monitoring phase.
Providers must submit monthly reports, complete annual reassessments, and maintain documentation as required.
Continuous Monitoring ensures ongoing compliance, transparency, and trust, with oversight provided by the GovRAMP PMO.
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What resources are available to assist participating providers?
GovRAMP offers a variety of resources to support providers throughout the security verification process, including:
These resources are designed to promote education, consistency, and shared accountability across the GovRAMP community
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