As federal agencies and cloud service providers (CSPs) brace for a change in compliance policy, FedRAMP 20x stands out as one of the major consequential transformations to cloud security compliance in over a decade. Not only is this an update, but 20x also could totally modernize and expedite how the government, and by extension, vendors and contractors, approach authorization and continuous security in cloud services.
FedRAMP 20x isn’t just “another compliance update.” Rather, it will reshape the federal cloud ecosystem, the vendors that serve it, and how security is built and maintained at scale.
What Is FedRAMP 20x?
Announced in March 2025 by the General Services Administration, FedRAMP 20x is a new authorization path under the 2022 FedRAMP Authorization Act and the 2024 government policy guidance (OMB Memorandum M-24-15). It’s built to be cloud-native, automation-first, and continuously monitored, a switch from its legacy model (referred to as Rev 5).
Depending on how the program is implemented, CSPs, especially those offering simple, low-impact, or cloud-native services, may no longer need a sponsoring federal agency to apply. Instead, providers could submit under the 20x path, and FedRAMP would review submissions directly.
The Problem with Legacy FedRAMP and the Solution FedRAMP 20x Provides
For years, FedRAMP provided a standardized framework for federal cloud security that ensured agencies could trust. This approach, however, showed serious limitations. It was a slow, expensive, and resource-intensive process. Authorizations took months, even over a year, and required extensive documentation, narrative write-ups, and heavy agency or third-party involvement. It was a barrier to entry for smaller or new providers due to the cost and complexity, limiting the pool of technology vendors available to agencies and other relevant customers and ultimately slowing innovation. Lastly, in many ways, it was a poor fit for modern, cloud-native, agile environments that didn’t align with dynamic, frequently updated cloud deployments.
FedRAMP 20x was built to address these shortcomings. One of the most important improvements is speed. Under 20x, the goal is for authorization to be achieved in a much shorter time frame. The new update also streamlines the journey by allowing CSPs to lean on current independent assessments from accredited auditors for different commercial security frameworks (e.g. SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, etc.) as opposed to only accepting FedRAMP 3PAO assessments and FedRAMP Bodies of Evidence. CSPs will still need to supply minimal additional documentation, but, overall, this reduces the barrier to entry as many vendors have already pursued other security validations that will work for the new program.
The new process also emphasizes continuous validation. Security posture is measured and monitored in real time through automated controls and Key Security Indicators. Lastly, 20x is being shaped by working groups, community feedback, and stakeholders which will hopefully improve the quality of the program and allow for a multitude of real experiences to be considered.
20x opens the federal cloud marketplace, unlocking innovation. For agencies, this means access to a broader set of tools, services, and innovations, without sacrificing security.
Why FedRAMP 20x is Important for Now and the Future
FedRAMP 20x scales federal cloud strategy without long delays. The old model couldn’t keep up, whereas 20x offers a more dynamic, responsive cloud strategy. The new model is built to evolve with the cloud industry, not to be static, cumbersome, and manual. It uses a continuous, adaptive, and code-aware security model. This model also fosters innovation and specialized solutions to agencies, opening competition. FedRAMP 20x encourages shared responsibility and a modern compliance culture with a focus on automation and continuous monitoring, which could yield long-term gains in risk posture and agility. With how fast cloud technology evolves, any compliance or security program that remains static risks becoming obsolete. The new model is better suited to adapt to new threats, architectures, and innovations over time.
FedRAMP 20x Aligns with IntelliGRC
The new FedRAMP 20x model represents a shift toward intelligence-driven, automated, practitioner-validated compliance, which aligns with IntelliGRC’s philosophy. Since we were selected as an early participant in the Phase One pilot and achieved a limited FedRAMP 20x Low Authorization, our customers now gain early, practical, and strategic advantages in a compliance landscape poised to change.
20x flips the script on the old model through iterative authorization lifecycles, risk-adaptive control implementation, continuous maturity expectations, automated evidence and intelligence as the core of assurance, and a modern, responsive relationship between vendors and FedRAMP.
This is exactly the space IntelliGRC was built for, and why our early inclusion in the pilot matters so much.
Why FedRAMP 20x is Important for IntelliGRC Customers
IntelliGRC is already required to demonstrate measurable progress, continuous evidence, and iterative compliance to maintain our limited 20x authorization.
FedRAMP explicitly states that IntelliGRC must regularly collaborate, report, and show rising control maturity. That means our customers are receiving features, automation, and methodologies shaped directly by real-time engagement with FedRAMP’s newest standards.
Our goals is that our customers won’t be waiting for the market to catch up; they will be ahead of it.
A customer benefits through our first-hand insights into changing requirements. This reduces risk, rework, and uncertainty for customers operating in or entering federal markets.
Our Platform Aligns Naturally With 20x’s Automation-First Model
20x is rooted in automation, continuous improvement, and machine-readable evidence, precisely what IntelliGRC’s Intelligent Control Library was built to support.
At IntelliGRC, we want to learn, feel the pain firsthand, and continue to develop and deliver forward-thinking solutions. This matters for customers because FedRAMP 20x values real operational maturity, not just documentation. Since the core of 20x program is improving transparency and continuous improvement, our customers will use a platform that meets the same expectations placed on 20x-authorized vendors. In return, a customer’s compliance program becomes more measurable, auditable, and defensible.
What This Means for IntelliGRC Customers Long Term
FedRAMP 20x is redefining what secure, continuous, automated, measurable cloud compliance looks like. As the federal landscape evolves, IntelliGRC will continue to evolve alongside it.
