FISMA
U.S. law mandating risk-based federal cybersecurity programs
WELL
Global certification for occupant health and well-being in buildings.
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates cybersecurity for US federal agencies via NIST RMF, ensuring data protection with strict oversight. WELL voluntarily certifies buildings for occupant health through performance testing. Agencies comply with FISMA legally; owners adopt WELL for productivity, retention, and ESG advantages.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step risk management process
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Enforces FIPS 199 system impact categorization
- Applies to agencies and federal contractors
- Demands annual IG independent assessments
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- 10 core concepts for health and well-being
- Mandatory preconditions and point-based optimizations
- On-site performance verification testing required
- Certification tiers Bronze to Platinum by points
- Continuous monitoring pathways for compliance
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
FISMA Details
What It Is
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) 2014 is a U.S. federal law establishing a risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It modernizes the 2002 act, mandating agency-wide security programs focused on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, primarily via NIST RMF.
Key Components
- NIST RMF 7 steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- NIST SP 800-53 controls (20 families), FIPS 199 categorization.
- Continuous monitoring, POA&Ms, SSPs.
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, IGs with maturity metrics.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for federal agencies/contractors; reduces breach risks, enables market access. Builds resilience, ensures compliance, fosters trust via standardized reporting.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF lifecycle; inventory, gap analysis, control deployment, assessments. Applies to agencies, contractors; requires ATOs, annual IG audits. Scales from small to enterprise.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard (WELL v2), administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is a performance-based certification framework for buildings and spaces. It prioritizes human health and well-being via evidence-based design, operations, and policies, focusing on indoor environmental quality and occupant outcomes rather than just sustainability.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions (mandatory pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (point-earning for tiers).
- Grounded in health science; requires documentation and on-site verification.
- Tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with concept minimums.
Why Organizations Use It
- Boosts productivity, retention, ESG reporting.
- Commands higher rents, reduces health risks.
- Complements LEED; verifies performance for trust.
- Attracts talent, enhances reputation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: enrollment, scorecard, documentation, third-party review, on-site testing.
- Suits new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries.
- Cross-functional teams; recertifies every 3 years.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Building design/ops for occupant health/well-being | |
| Industry | Real estate, offices, residential globally | |
| Nature | Voluntary performance certification | |
| Testing | On-site performance verification, documentation review | |
| Penalties | No certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and WELL
FISMA FAQ
WELL FAQ
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