DoD Cloud Authorization, Built on STIG-Hardened Infrastructure
DoDI 8510.01 codifies how the Department of Defense applies the NIST Risk Management Framework. Combined with the DoD Cloud Computing SRG, it defines what cloud services qualify for DoD workloads at each Impact Level. Our IL2-authorized platform inherits DoD-specific requirements — DISA STIG hardening, US persons support, CAC/PIV identity — out of the box.
What DoD RMF Means for Your Organization
The Department of Defense applies the NIST Risk Management Framework through its own implementing instruction — DoDI 8510.01 — which adds DoD-specific roles, tooling, categorization standards, and control overlays. Combined with the DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide, these documents define the rules of the road for DoD cloud authorization.
Replaces DIACAP
DoDI 8510.01 fully replaced the legacy DIACAP process. RMF transition completed in 2017, and all new DoD systems must follow RMF; legacy systems migrate at reauthorization.
DISA STIGs Are Mandatory
DoD systems must implement applicable DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides. STIG compliance is checked continuously and reported through automated tooling.
Documentation in eMASS
Most DoD components use Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service for RMF documentation, ATO packages, POA&M tracking, and continuous monitoring artifact submission.
Reciprocity Across Components
DoD policy explicitly favors reciprocity. An authorization issued by one component’s AO can be accepted by another component’s AO without commissioning a new assessment, when impact levels align.
Four Cloud Impact Levels for DoD Workloads
The DoD CC SRG layers DoD-specific requirements on top of the FedRAMP baseline. Cloud Service Offerings supporting DoD missions must be authorized at the appropriate Impact Level based on the sensitivity of the data they process.
Public & Non-CUI
- Public-facing & non-CUI workloads
- FedRAMP Moderate as the baseline
- US-only data centers required
- US persons-only support required
CUI & Mission Support
- CUI, export-controlled, FOUO data
- Mission support & non-NSS workloads
- Available through partner platforms
- CAC/PIV authentication required
NSS & Higher Sensitivity CUI
- National Security Systems (unclassified)
- Higher sensitivity CUI & mission systems
- Available through partner platforms
- Dedicated infrastructure required
Classified — SECRET
- Information classified up to SECRET
- Operates on dedicated SIPRNet enclave
- Outside the scope of commercial cloud offerings
- Requires cleared personnel & facilities
The 7-Step DoD Risk Management Framework
DoDI 8510.01 implements the NIST RMF for DoD information systems and Platform IT, replacing the legacy DIACAP process. The DoD adds its own categorization standard (CNSSI 1253), tooling (eMASS), and overlays (Privacy, Classified, Cross Domain, Tactical, Space).
DoD-Ready Infrastructure with STIG Hardening
Our IL2-authorized platform is engineered to inherit DoD-specific requirements: DISA STIG-hardened images, US-only data residency, US citizen support staff, FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography, and CAC/PIV-compatible authentication. For IL4 and IL5 workloads we partner with AWS GovCloud and Azure Government cloud platforms.
Your Path to DoD RMF Compliance
Our proven methodology shortens timelines and reduces risk by combining inheritable controls, dedicated compliance staff, and direct experience with DoD RMF-aligned authorizations.
Categorize per CNSSI 1253
Determine system impact and identify required DoD overlays (Privacy, Classified, Cross Domain, Tactical, Space).
Inherit from FedRAMP High
Map system to GovDataHosting’s FedRAMP High + IL2 baseline. Apply DoD overlays where required by program.
STIG & Implement
Deploy on STIG-hardened infrastructure. Implement DoD-specific application controls. Document everything in eMASS.
SCA & Authorize
Coordinate Security Control Assessor activities, support AO decision, transition to continuous monitoring with STIG drift tracking.
DoD RMF Solutions by Audience
DoD RMF applies to every DoD information system and Platform IT, plus any contractor system operating in support of a DoD program.
Defense Agencies
Military services, combatant commands, defense agencies, and DoD field activities running RMF-authorized information systems and Platform IT.
Defense Contractors
Defense contractors operating systems on behalf of a DoD program — government-furnished systems, contractor-owned-contractor-operated, or hybrid.
FedRAMP
FedRAMP High is the baseline that DoD CC SRG IL4/IL5 build upon. Cloud services targeting DoD typically pursue FedRAMP first, then layer DoD overlays.
DoD RMF FAQs
What is the difference between FedRAMP High and DoD CC SRG IL4?
FedRAMP High is the foundation; IL4 builds on it. To reach IL4, a Cloud Service Offering must hold a FedRAMP High authorization, then satisfy additional DoD-specific requirements: US persons-only access for privileged operations, additional CUI handling controls, CAC/PIV authentication, and a DoD-specific assessment by DISA. IL5 layers further requirements for National Security System workloads.
Do I need IL4 or can I run on IL2?
It depends entirely on the data your system handles. If your workload contains no CUI — public information, agency operational data without sensitive content, training environments with synthetic data — IL2 may be sufficient. The moment Controlled Unclassified Information enters the system, you typically need IL4 (or higher for export-controlled or NSS data). Your sponsoring component’s AO makes the final determination.
How does eMASS fit into the RMF process?
Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service is the DoD’s system of record for RMF artifacts. The SSP, control implementation evidence, SAR, POA&M, and ATO letter live in eMASS. Continuous monitoring data feeds in through automated and manual submissions. We provide content for eMASS sections — control narratives, inheritance language, evidence references — but eMASS package authorship and submission stay with your government program team.
Can a contractor get an ATO, or only the government?
ATOs are issued by government Authorizing Officials, not by contractors. However, contractor-operated systems often hold an ATO issued by the sponsoring government program’s AO, with the contractor responsible for implementation, evidence, and continuous monitoring. The system holds the ATO; the contractor operates under it. Our role is to provide the underlying infrastructure with inheritable controls and documentation that supports the contractor’s evidence package.
Ready to Pursue a DoD ATO?
Schedule a free DoD authorization review. We will help map impact levels, identify applicable overlays, and project a path to ATO with maximum control inheritance.