CMMI
Process improvement framework with maturity levels for capability benchmarking
FedRAMP
U.S. government framework standardizing federal cloud security authorization
Quick Verdict
CMMI drives process maturity for predictable delivery across industries, while FedRAMP mandates cloud security for US federal use. Companies adopt CMMI for performance gains and FedRAMP to access government contracts.
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- 25 Practice Areas in 4 Categories
- Six Maturity Levels (0-5)
- Generic practices institutionalize processes
- SCAMPI appraisals benchmark maturity
- Agile-compatible unified model
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Assess once, use many times across agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 baselines with impact levels
- Independent 3PAO security assessments
- Continuous monitoring with monthly deliverables
- FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized CSOs
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework for process institutionalization. Primarily a certification model, it focuses on enhancing organizational capability in development, services, and acquisition through structured practices and maturity progression. Its outcome-oriented approach uses maturity levels and capability profiles to drive predictable, measurable performance.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 (Incomplete to Optimizing) and capability levels 0-3 per area.
- Generic practices for institutionalization (policy, planning, monitoring, evaluation).
- SCAMPI appraisals (Class A/B/C) for formal benchmarking and certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Achieves predictability, quality improvement, reduced rework (up to 50% gains).
- Meets contractual requirements in defense, regulated sectors.
- Builds stakeholder trust via published ratings; supports Agile/DevOps integration.
- Delivers ROI through data-driven management and competitive positioning.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, piloting, training, appraisal, sustainment.
- Applies to mid-to-large organizations in IT, software, services globally.
- Involves process tailoring, evidence capture, SCAMPI Class A for certification.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework that standardizes security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud service offerings (CSOs) used by federal agencies. Its core purpose is the "assess once, use many times" model to reduce duplication, accelerate cloud adoption, and ensure consistent security. It uses a risk-based, control-based approach aligned with NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 and FIPS 199 impact levels.
Key Components
- Baselines: Low (~156 controls), Moderate (~323), High (~410), plus Low-Impact SaaS (LI-SaaS)
- Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP), Security Assessment Report (SAR), Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
- Independent 3PAO assessments and continuous monitoring
- Built on NIST standards with FedRAMP overlays
Why Organizations Use It
- Unlocks federal contracts worth $20M+ and CMMC compliance
- Meets mandatory agency procurement requirements
- Mitigates cloud risks, builds stakeholder trust
- Provides competitive "FedRAMP-authorized" badge for commercial sales
Implementation Overview
- Phased: sponsor/preparation, 3PAO assessment, authorization, monitoring
- Key activities: FIPS 199 categorization, SSP drafting, remediation
- Targets cloud providers (CSPs) for U.S. federal market
- Agency/Program ATOs via 3PAOs; ongoing quarterly/annual audits (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMI | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Process improvement across development/services | Cloud security assessment/authorization |
| Industry | Software, defense, global cross-industry | US federal cloud providers/agencies |
| Nature | Voluntary maturity model/appraisal | Mandatory FISMA program for federal |
| Testing | SCAMPI appraisals by certified appraisers | 3PAO assessments, continuous monitoring |
| Penalties | Loss of certification/reputation | Revocation, contract ineligibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMI and FedRAMP
CMMI FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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