SAFe
Framework for scaling Lean-Agile in enterprises
FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based information security programs
Quick Verdict
SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery, while FISMA mandates risk-based security for US federal systems. Enterprises adopt SAFe voluntarily for agility; agencies and contractors follow FISMA legally for compliance and resilience.
SAFe
Scaled Agile Framework 6.0
Key Features
- Synchronizes 50-125 people in Agile Release Trains
- Aligns via 8-12 week Program Increments and PI Planning
- Guided by 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles
- Drives Business Agility with seven core competencies
- Scales configurably from Essential to Full SAFe
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)
Key Features
- NIST RMF 7-step risk management process
- Continuous monitoring and diagnostics requirements
- FIPS 199 system impact categorization
- Annual OMB/Congress reporting and IG audits
- DHS/CISA operational oversight and metrics
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SAFe Details
What It Is
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 6.0 is a comprehensive knowledge base of organizational and workflow patterns for scaling Lean-Agile practices across enterprises. It integrates Agile, Lean, systems thinking, and DevOps to achieve Business Agility, focusing on aligning strategy, execution, and operations in large-scale software and IT environments through configurable levels from Essential to Full SAFe.
Key Components
- **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 cross-functional teams delivering value.
- **10 immutable Lean-Agile principlesEconomic view, systems thinking, value flow.
- **Seven core competenciesLean-Agile Leadership, Team Agility, Portfolio Management, etc.
- **Program Increments (PIs)8-12 week cadences with PI Planning and Inspect & Adapt. No formal certification for organizations, but individual roles like RTE via Scaled Agile Academy.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives faster time-to-market (20-50%), productivity gains (30-75%), quality improvements. Enables compliance in regulated industries (GDPR, SOC 2) via embedded roles. Builds trust through predictable delivery, employee engagement, and competitive agility in digital transformation.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: Value stream mapping, leadership training (SAFe Agilist), ART launches. Applies to large enterprises in software/IT; tools like Jira Align, Vanta. Tailor configurations; success via SPC coaching, metrics-driven continuous improvement. (178 words)
FISMA Details
What It Is
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014 is a U.S. federal law mandating risk-based frameworks for protecting federal information and systems. It requires agency-wide security programs emphasizing confidentiality, integrity, and availability via NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).
Key Components
- **NIST RMF 7 stepsPrepare, Categorize (FIPS 199), Select/Implement/Assess (NIST SP 800-53 controls), Authorize, Monitor.
- Hundreds of tailored controls across 20 families.
- Continuous monitoring, POA&Ms, ATOs; annual IG assessments and CISA metrics.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal agencies/contractors handling federal data.
- Reduces breach risks, ensures resilience, enables federal contracts/FedRAMP.
- Builds trust, operational efficiency, competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF: governance/inventory, categorization, control deployment, assessments, continuous monitoring. Applies to agencies, contractors; requires audits, reporting. Scalable across sizes/industries with federal ties. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | SAFe | FISMA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Scaling Agile for enterprise software/IT | Federal information security risk management |
| Industry | Software, IT ops, all enterprises globally | US federal agencies and contractors |
| Nature | Voluntary agile scaling framework | Mandatory US federal law/regulation |
| Testing | PI planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops | Continuous monitoring, IG annual audits |
| Penalties | None (implementation failure risks) | Contract loss, debarment, fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SAFe and FISMA
SAFe FAQ
FISMA FAQ
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