TX-RAMPCompliance Services
Get TX-RAMP authorization for your cloud services to qualify for Texas state agency contracts. Expert TX-RAMP compliance services including readiness assessment, System Security Plan (SSP) development, NIST 800-53 alignment, and continuous monitoring for Texas state government cloud security requirements.
Last updated: February 2026 — Reflects current TX-RAMP program requirements
Comprehensive TX-RAMP Compliance Approach
Our proven TX-RAMP compliance methodology combines readiness assessment, authorization support, and continuous monitoring for successful TX-RAMP authorization. We help Texas cloud service providers meet TX-RAMP requirements and achieve authorization for Texas state agency contracts.
TX-RAMP Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of current TX-RAMP compliance readiness
96% EffectivenessKey Capabilities
Authorization Support
Complete TX-RAMP authorization package development and submission
98% EffectivenessKey Capabilities
Continuous Monitoring
Ongoing TX-RAMP compliance monitoring and maintenance support
99% EffectivenessKey Capabilities
Why TX-RAMP Authorization for Texas Cloud Services?
Key benefits of achieving TX-RAMP authorization for your cloud services to work with Texas state agencies and local governments
Texas State Agency Access
Qualify to provide cloud services to Texas state agencies and local governments
Streamlined Authorization
Single authorization accepted across all Texas state agencies
Competitive Advantage
Demonstrate commitment to security and compliance for Texas market
Cost Efficiency
Avoid multiple agency-specific security assessments and authorizations
TX-RAMP for Texas State Agencies and Local Governments
Understanding TX-RAMP requirements for Texas government cloud security
The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) manages the TX-RAMP program, which establishes security authorization requirements for cloud services used by Texas state agencies and local governments. TX-RAMP ensures that cloud service providers meet rigorous security standards based on NIST 800-53 controls before handling Texas government data.
TX-RAMP authorization is mandatory for any cloud service provider seeking to work with Texas state agencies. A single TX-RAMP authorization is accepted across all Texas state agencies, streamlining the procurement process and eliminating the need for multiple agency-specific security assessments.
Key TX-RAMP Requirements:
- Compliance with NIST 800-53 security controls
- Comprehensive System Security Plan (SSP) documentation
- Independent third-party security assessment
- Continuous monitoring and annual assessments
- Incident response and reporting procedures
- Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) management
TX-RAMP Level 1 applies to cloud services that handle low-impact information for Texas state agencies. These services require basic security controls and fewer NIST 800-53 control implementations.
Typical use cases: Public-facing websites, non-sensitive data storage, general productivity tools
TX-RAMP Level 2 applies to cloud services handling moderate-impact information, requiring enhanced security controls and comprehensive NIST 800-53 control implementations.
Typical use cases: Financial systems, healthcare data, personally identifiable information (PII), critical infrastructure
TX-RAMP Program Components and Requirements
Key elements of the TX-RAMP authorization and continuous monitoring program for Texas state government cloud security compliance
Level 1
Low impact cloud services - basic security requirements
Level 2
Moderate impact cloud services - enhanced security controls
Authorization Package
System Security Plan (SSP) documentation
Security Assessment
Independent third-party assessment
Continuous Monitoring
Ongoing security control monitoring
Annual Assessment
Yearly security control validation
Incident Response
Security incident reporting and response
POA&M Management
Plan of Action & Milestones tracking
TX-RAMP Dashboard
Real-time monitoring of TX-RAMP compliance status and security controls
Readiness Assessment
Detailed evaluation of TX-RAMP readiness and compliance gaps
Authorization Roadmap
Step-by-step plan to achieve TX-RAMP authorization
SSP Template
Complete System Security Plan template compliant with TX-RAMP requirements
Ready for TX-RAMP Authorization?
Start with our comprehensive readiness assessment to evaluate your current compliance status and create your authorization roadmap.
Related Services
Other Compliance Services
TX-RAMP vs FedRAMP: Key Differences
While both programs are based on NIST 800-53, TX-RAMP is specifically tailored for the Texas state government market with its own authorization process
| Criteria | TX-RAMP | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | Texas DIR | GSA / FedRAMP PMO |
| Scope | Texas state agencies & local governments | All U.S. federal agencies |
| Security Framework | NIST 800-53 (subset of controls) | NIST 800-53 (full control baseline) |
| Impact Levels | Level 1 (Low), Level 2 (Moderate) | Low, Moderate, High |
| Authorization Timeline | 3–6 months | 12–18 months |
| Estimated Cost | $50K–$200K | $500K–$3M+ |
| Reciprocity | Accepted across all Texas agencies | Accepted across all federal agencies |
| FedRAMP Reciprocity | FedRAMP authorized = TX-RAMP Level 2 eligible | TX-RAMP does not grant FedRAMP |
| Continuous Monitoring | Annual assessment + ongoing monitoring | Monthly reporting + annual assessment |
| 3PAO Requirement | Independent assessor (not required to be 3PAO) | FedRAMP-accredited 3PAO required |
Already FedRAMP authorized? Your existing authorization can fast-track TX-RAMP Level 2 certification — contact us to learn how.
TX-RAMP Certification Timeline
A typical TX-RAMP authorization takes 3–6 months. Here is the phase-by-phase breakdown so you know what to expect.
Phase 1: Readiness Assessment
2–3 weeksEvaluate current security posture against TX-RAMP requirements. Identify gaps in NIST 800-53 controls, documentation, and processes. Produce a gap analysis report with prioritized remediation plan.
Phase 2: Remediation & SSP Development
4–8 weeksAddress identified security gaps. Implement required controls, develop the System Security Plan (SSP), and create supporting policies and procedures. This is typically the longest phase.
Phase 3: Independent Security Assessment
3–4 weeksEngage an independent assessor to evaluate your controls against TX-RAMP requirements. Includes penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and control validation.
Phase 4: POA&M Development
1–2 weeksDocument any remaining findings in a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) with clear remediation timelines and responsible parties.
Phase 5: Authorization Package Submission
1–2 weeksCompile and submit the complete authorization package — SSP, assessment results, POA&M, and supporting documentation — to Texas DIR for review.
Phase 6: DIR Review & Authorization
2–4 weeksTexas DIR reviews your authorization package. May request additional information or clarifications. Upon approval, you receive TX-RAMP authorization.
Total estimated timeline: 3–6 months depending on current security posture
TX-RAMP Requirements Checklist
Use this step-by-step checklist to track your TX-RAMP readiness. Each item is required for successful authorization.
Not sure where you stand? Our free readiness assessment evaluates your current compliance against every item on this checklist.
TX-RAMP Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TX-RAMP requirements, authorization process, and compliance
TX-RAMP (Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a security authorization program for cloud services used by Texas state agencies and local governments. It ensures cloud services meet security requirements based on NIST 800-53 standards before they can be used by Texas government entities. TX-RAMP authorization is required for any cloud service provider seeking to work with Texas state agencies.
TX-RAMP requirements include two authorization levels:
- Level 1: Low-impact cloud services with basic security requirements
- Level 2: Moderate-impact services with enhanced security controls
Both levels require a System Security Plan (SSP), independent security assessment, continuous monitoring, compliance with NIST 800-53 controls, and annual assessments. The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) manages the TX-RAMP program.
To get TX-RAMP authorization, follow these steps:
- Complete a TX-RAMP readiness assessment to identify gaps
- Develop a System Security Plan (SSP) compliant with TX-RAMP and NIST 800-53 requirements
- Undergo an independent third-party security assessment
- Create a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) for any identified issues
- Submit your authorization package to Texas DIR
- Implement continuous monitoring and annual assessments
Our TX-RAMP compliance services guide you through each step of the authorization process.
TX-RAMP Level 1 applies to low-impact cloud services with basic security requirements and fewer NIST 800-53 controls. Level 2 applies to moderate-impact cloud services and requires enhanced security controls, more comprehensive documentation, and additional NIST 800-53 control implementations. The level required depends on the sensitivity and criticality of the data your cloud service handles for Texas state agencies.
TX-RAMP authorization typically takes 3-6 months from readiness assessment to final authorization, depending on your current security posture, the complexity of your cloud service, and how quickly you can address any identified gaps. Our TX-RAMP readiness assessment provides an accurate timeline estimate based on your specific situation.
Yes, if you provide cloud services to Texas state agencies or local governments, you must obtain TX-RAMP authorization. A single TX-RAMP authorization is accepted across all Texas state agencies, making it more efficient than agency-specific security assessments. Without TX-RAMP authorization, you cannot provide cloud services to Texas government entities.
A TX-RAMP System Security Plan (SSP) must document:
- System boundaries and architecture
- Security controls implementation (NIST 800-53)
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Incident response procedures
- Continuous monitoring processes
- Personnel security and training
- Data protection and encryption methods
- Third-party risk management
Our TX-RAMP services include complete SSP development and documentation support.