Standards Comparison

    AS9100

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace quality management system extending ISO 9001 requirements

    VS

    FedRAMP

    Mandatory
    2011

    U.S. program standardizing cloud security assessments for federal agencies.

    Quick Verdict

    AS9100 ensures aerospace quality and safety via QMS certification for global suppliers, while FedRAMP authorizes secure cloud services for US federal agencies through rigorous NIST-based assessments. Organizations adopt AS9100 for market access; FedRAMP for government contracts.

    Quality Management

    AS9100

    AS9100D:2016 Quality Management Systems for Aviation, Space, Defense

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Configuration management ensuring product integrity throughout lifecycle
    • Product safety planning and controls across entire lifecycle
    • Counterfeit parts prevention, detection, and mitigation processes
    • Operational risk management embedded in Clause 8.1.1
    • Enhanced supplier controls and supply chain traceability
    Cloud Security

    FedRAMP

    Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Reusable authorizations across federal agencies
    • NIST SP 800-53 baselines at Low/Moderate/High levels
    • Independent 3PAO security assessments
    • Continuous monitoring with monthly deliverables
    • FedRAMP Marketplace for visibility and reuse

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    AS9100 Details

    What It Is

    AS9100D:2016 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation, space, and defense organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a process-based, risk-focused approach across 10 clauses aligned to Annex SL structure.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risks (8.1.1).
    • Built on PDCA cycle with dual risk layers (strategic/operational).
    • Third-party certification via Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables market access as OEM prerequisite.
    • Reduces defects, improves delivery via traceability and supplier controls.
    • Manages safety-critical risks, enhances reputation.
    • Drives cost savings, continual improvement.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification. Applies to all sizes in ASD sectors globally; 6-18 months typical timeline.

    FedRAMP Details

    What It Is

    FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide standardized framework for security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is to enable secure, reusable cloud adoption via NIST SP 800-53-derived baselines tailored to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High), reducing duplication across agencies.

    Key Components

    • Baselines with ~156-410 controls across 20 families, including specialized LI-SaaS for low-risk SaaS.
    • Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, assessed by accredited 3PAOs.
    • Built on NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5; paths include Agency and Program Authorizations.
    • Continuous monitoring via monthly/annual reporting and automation (FedRAMP 20x).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for federal cloud procurement, unlocking multi-billion contracts.
    • Enhances security posture, reuse, and market access/credibility.
    • Mitigates risks, builds stakeholder trust; competitive edge for CSPs.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, documentation, 3PAO assessment, authorization, ConMon.
    • Applies to CSPs globally serving U.S. federal; high resource needs.
    • No central certification; agency/program ATOs via Marketplace listing. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    AS9100
    Aerospace QMS with safety, configuration, counterfeit controls
    FedRAMP
    Cloud security assessment, authorization, monitoring

    Industry

    AS9100
    Aviation, space, defense globally
    FedRAMP
    US federal cloud services only

    Nature

    AS9100
    Voluntary IAQG certification standard
    FedRAMP
    Mandatory US government authorization program

    Testing

    AS9100
    Third-party audits, Stage 1/2, surveillance
    FedRAMP
    3PAO assessments, SSP/SAR, continuous monitoring

    Penalties

    AS9100
    Loss of certification, market exclusion
    FedRAMP
    Revocation, contract ineligibility, legal exposure

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about AS9100 and FedRAMP

    AS9100 FAQ

    FedRAMP FAQ

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