By Chor-Ching Fan

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, staying compliant with regulatory standards becomes increasingly critical. For tech companies, SMBs and DoD contractors serving the government, navigating these changes efficiently is paramount. One of the most significant advancements in this space is the adoption of the Open Security Controls Assessment Language (OSCAL) by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). This shift is set to disrupt the compliance process, making it more streamlined and effective.

OSCAL is the Future of FedRAMP

FedRAMP has taken a major step forward with the launch of automate.fedramp.gov, a new technical documentation hub designed to support cloud service providers (CSPs) and developers of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) applications. This site aims to simplify the development, validation, and submission of digital authorization packages using OSCAL, paving the way for a more efficient compliance process.

Initially focused on documenting FedRAMP’s use of OSCAL, the site offers comprehensive technical documentation. As the FedRAMP use case for OSCAL evolves, the site will also provide best practices and guidance for creating and managing digital authorization packages. This new hub is designed to:

  • Provide faster and more frequent documentation updates: Keeping up with the latest standards and practices is now easier than ever.
  • Expand the breadth and depth of available technical documentation: Users have access to a wealth of resources to guide them through the compliance process.
  • Improve the user experience for stakeholders implementing OSCAL-based packages and tools: Streamlined documentation and an intuitive interface make compliance more accessible.
  • Establish a collaborative workflow: Community contributions are encouraged, allowing stakeholders to suggest improvements and updates.

Towards Full Digital Authorization

Looking ahead, automate.fedramp.gov will support the full digital authorization process. This forward-thinking approach will integrate with FedRAMP’s package repository and submission processes, providing a unified platform for managing compliance.

Rizkly for OSCAL

As FedRAMP automation continues to gain momentum, embracing OSCAL and OSCAL resources like automate.fedramp.gov can significantly ease the compliance journey for SMBs and DoD contractors. As a member of the FedRAMP OSCAL Early Adopters Working Group, Rizkly is committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements to ensure our clients benefit from the latest in compliance technology and more importantly,  expert guidance on transitioning to FedRAMP Rev 5 and OSCAL. With our one-click OSCAL generation feature, we make it easy for you to convert existing Word Doc SSP into an OSCAL SSP.

Whether you’re transitioning to FedRAMP Rev. 5 or integrating OSCAL into your processes, our platform and expert guidance are here to support you. Contact us today to learn how Rizkly can simplify your FedRAMP OSCAL automation initiative and help you stay ahead of evolving requirements. Partner with us on an FedRAMP OSCAL pilot project and experience firsthand the efficiency and effectiveness of FedRAMP automation with Rizkly compliance technology.