NIST RMF Consulting Services
The NIST Risk Management Framework is the foundation of federal cybersecurity. Whether you're a federal agency pursuing an Authority to Operate or a contractor supporting government missions, our team has implemented RMF across DoD, civilian agencies, and the defense industrial base. We bring 50+ years of combined experience to every engagement.
The Challenge: Risk Management at Scale
The NIST Risk Management Framework provides a structured approach to managing cybersecurity risk, but implementation is anything but simple. Organizations struggle with control selection, documentation requirements, and the continuous monitoring burden that follows authorization. Without experienced guidance, the path to ATO can stretch to 18 months or longer.
Documentation Overload
System Security Plans, security assessment reports, and POA&Ms require precise language that satisfies Authorizing Officials. Generic templates won't cut it.
Control Selection Complexity
NIST 800-53 Rev 5 contains over 1,000 controls. Selecting the right baseline and tailoring it to your system requires deep expertise in both the framework and your mission.
Continuous Monitoring Burden
Authorization is not the finish line. Ongoing assessment, POA&M management, and annual reviews demand sustained attention and resources.
The RMF Lifecycle
We provide consulting services across all seven steps of the NIST Risk Management Framework, from initial system categorization through ongoing authorization.
Organization and System Prep
Establish context and priorities for managing security and privacy risk. Define roles, identify stakeholders, and conduct organization-wide risk assessments.
System Categorization
Determine the impact level of your information system based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This drives your control baseline selection.
Control Selection
Choose and tailor security controls from NIST 800-53 Rev 5. Document control baselines, overlays, and any organization-defined parameters.
Control Implementation
Deploy security controls and document how each control is implemented within your system environment. Engineering meets compliance.
Control Assessment
Evaluate whether controls are implemented correctly, operating as intended, and producing the desired outcome. Identify gaps and weaknesses.
System Authorization
Present the security package to the Authorizing Official for risk acceptance. Achieve your Authority to Operate, Interim ATO, or Denial.
Continuous Monitoring
Maintain ongoing awareness of security posture, manage changes, and conduct periodic reassessments. Authorization is continuous, not a one-time event.
Why Traverge for NIST RMF
Our team has implemented RMF for systems at every impact level, from Low to High, across DoD and civilian agencies. We know what Authorizing Officials expect.
DoD and Civilian Experience
We've supported RMF implementations for US-SOCOM, Air Force Global Strike Command, Space Force, and civilian agencies. We understand the nuances of different AO expectations.
Assessor Perspective
With three former 3PAO Lead Assessors on staff, we know how independent assessors evaluate controls. We prepare documentation that withstands scrutiny.
Framework Integration
RMF doesn't exist in isolation. We help you align RMF with FedRAMP, CMMC, and DoD SRG requirements, eliminating duplicative effort across compliance programs.
Accelerated Timelines
Our proven methodology and documentation templates reduce the path to ATO. We've helped clients achieve authorization in half the typical timeline.
NIST RMF Services
RMF Readiness Assessment
2 to 4 WeeksComprehensive evaluation of your current security posture against RMF requirements. We assess existing documentation, identify control gaps, and deliver a prioritized roadmap to authorization.
System Categorization Support
1 to 2 WeeksProper categorization is the foundation of RMF. We guide you through FIPS 199 categorization, helping you document information types and determine appropriate impact levels.
Security Documentation Development
8 to 16 WeeksDevelopment of your complete authorization package including System Security Plan, security assessment procedures, contingency plans, and configuration management documentation.
Control Implementation Support
VariesTechnical guidance for implementing security controls in your environment. We bridge the gap between compliance requirements and engineering reality, ensuring controls work in practice.
Assessment Preparation
4 to 6 WeeksPrepare your team for independent assessment with mock interviews, evidence collection support, and documentation review. We identify issues before assessors do.
Continuous Monitoring Program
OngoingEstablish and operationalize your continuous monitoring strategy. Includes POA&M management, ongoing authorization support, and annual assessment coordination.
Meet Your RMF Advisors
When you engage Traverge for NIST RMF, you work directly with practitioners who have implemented the framework across DoD and civilian environments.
Federal Experience
Expertise
Lead Assessors
Clearances
Relevant Credentials
Ready to Achieve Your ATO?
Whether you're starting a new system authorization or struggling with an existing RMF program, our team has the experience to accelerate your path to ATO. Let's discuss your mission.