What is TX-RAMP?
The Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP) is a standardized approach for security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud computing services used by Texas state agencies.
Established by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), TX-RAMP ensures that all Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) processing state data adhere to strict, unified cybersecurity controls, heavily mirroring NIST 800-53 and FedRAMP frameworks.
Without TX-RAMP certification, state agencies, public higher education institutions, and other Texas government entities are legally prohibited from contracting with your cloud service.
Key Program Elements
Why TX-RAMP Matters.
Texas has one of the largest economies and public sector budgets in the world. TX-RAMP certification is the mandatory key to unlocking this massive revenue channel.
Unlock Public Contracts
TX-RAMP is legally required to sell cloud services to any Texas state agency.
FedRAMP Stepping Stone
Controls align heavily with FedRAMP. Getting TX-RAMP makes federal compliance vastly easier.
StateRAMP Reciprocity
Texas DIR often recognizes StateRAMP authorizations, enabling multi-state compliance pathways.
Higher Education Access
Required not just for government, but also to sell SaaS to Texas public universities and colleges.
Competitive Differentiation
Many competitors lack TX-RAMP certification, creating an immediate barrier to entry in your favor.
Enterprise Trust
The strict NIST-based controls inherently improve your security posture for commercial clients.
Streamlined Procurement
Once certified, your product is listed on the DIR registry, drastically speeding up sales cycles.
Data Sovereignty
Ensures state-owned data is properly segmented, encrypted, and monitored within authorized boundaries.
TX-RAMP
Certification Levels.
The Department of Information Resources (DIR) classifies cloud services into two primary levels based on the sensitivity and impact of the data being processed.
Level 1 Low Impact
For cloud services processing non-confidential, public, or low-impact state data.
Level 2 Moderate/High
For cloud services processing confidential, sensitive, or high-impact regulated data (e.g. HIPAA, CJIS).
TX-RAMP
Roadmap.
A clear, methodical pathway from initial architecture review to full listing on the DIR certified cloud products registry.
Assess the sensitivity of the state data your cloud service will process to determine if Level 1 or Level 2 is required.
Partner with a Texas state agency willing to sponsor your cloud service, or apply directly through DIR for provisional status.
Map your existing controls against the required NIST 800-53 baseline. Remediate any identified architectural or policy gaps.
Develop a highly detailed System Security Plan documenting exactly how your environment meets every single required control.
Engage an authorized independent third-party assessment organization to rigorously test and audit your described controls.
Submit your SSP, assessment results, and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) to the Texas Department of Information Resources for review.
Maintain compliance through monthly/annual continuous monitoring reports, vulnerability scans, and updated POA&Ms.
TX-RAMP Services.
We provide end-to-end consulting—from gap analysis to final DIR submission—to guarantee your certification success.
Pre-Assessment & Gap Analysis
Detailed evaluation of your cloud environment against TX-RAMP Level 1 or 2 requirements.
System Security Plan (SSP)
Expert drafting of the massive SSP and supporting documentation required for submission.
FedRAMP Reciprocity
Guiding organizations with existing FedRAMP or StateRAMP status into the Fast Track TX-RAMP lane.
3PAO Assessment Support
We act as your liaison during the independent third-party assessment organization audit.
Architecture Remediation
Technical consulting to implement NIST 800-53 controls (FIPS encryption, boundary defense).
Provisional Registration
Assistance in securing 18-month provisional status to quickly unlock state contracts.
Continuous Monitoring
Automated vulnerability scanning and POA&M management to maintain certification.
Agency Sponsorship
Strategic guidance on securing a Texas State Agency to sponsor your cloud product.
Why Companies
Fail Audits.
Because TX-RAMP closely aligns with StateRAMP and FedRAMP, the technical and documentation thresholds are exceedingly high. Small gaps lead to immediate disqualification.
Rigorous NIST Baselines
Mapping existing commercial SaaS controls to the rigid, highly specific NIST 800-53 Federal baselines requires significant engineering effort.
FIPS 140-2 Encryption
TX-RAMP requires all cryptography to utilize FIPS 140-2 validated modules. Upgrading non-compliant encryption can break existing architectures.
Massive Documentation
The System Security Plan (SSP) alone can span hundreds of pages, not including disaster recovery plans, policies, and continuous monitoring artifacts.
Continuous Monitoring
Certification is not a one-time event. You must provide DIR with ongoing vulnerability scans, updated POA&Ms, and evidence of continuous compliance.
Why Choose Us
We don't just check boxes. We architect resilient compliance frameworks designed to scale with your infrastructure, completely removing the guesswork.
Certified Assessors
Work directly with certified QSAs, not junior analysts.
Fast Certification Process
Our streamlined methodology cuts compliance time by up to 40%.
End-to-End Support
From initial scoping to the final Report on Compliance.
Industry Expertise
We understand modern stacks (AWS, Kubernetes, Serverless).
Global Experience
Navigating complex international payment environments.
Common Inquiries
Related Compliance.
Achieving TX-RAMP establishes a massive baseline of security controls. Leverage this effort to quickly acquire other high-value commercial certifications like SOC 2 and ISO.
SOC 2
Service Organization Control 2 (Trust Services Criteria)
ISO 27001
International standard for Information Security Management Systems
PCI-DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
CCPA
California Consumer Privacy Act
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation