Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP)

Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) developed the Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP) to standardize the risk management and authorization process for cloud services used by Texas state agencies, universities, and public institutions.

At GTIS, we help cloud service providers (CSPs) and public sector organizations successfully navigate TX-RAMP requirements—efficiently, confidently, and with long-term compliance in mind.

TX-RAMP 3.0 — What It Means for Your Organization

Released in October 2023 and effective December 2023, TX-RAMP 3.0 introduces streamlined workflows, stronger security controls, and clearer compliance pathways. At GTIS, we guide clients through these updates to ensure readiness and reduce certification timelines.

Key Enhancements in TX-RAMP 3.0

1️⃣ Fast Track Assessment Process

TX-RAMP 3.0 allows CSPs to leverage approved third-party assessments to accelerate certification.

Eligible reports may include:

  • SOC 2 Type II
  • PCI DSS
  • HITRUST

How GTIS Helps:

We analyze your existing audit reports, map them to TX-RAMP Level 1 or Level 2 controls, and manage submission through the Fast Track pathway—minimizing duplication and cost.

2️⃣ Transitional Grace Period

If a compliant solution's certification lapses or is revoked, agencies may implement a structured transition plan (up to 24 months).

How GTIS Helps:

We develop remediation roadmaps, manage corrective action plans, and support agencies or CSPs during transitional compliance phases.

3️⃣ Clarified Scope & Exemptions

TX-RAMP 3.0 clarifies which services are not subject to certification, including:

  • Certain low-risk or non-substantive data uses
  • Custom-developed applications in defined scenarios

How GTIS Helps:

We conduct scoping assessments to determine:

  • Whether your service is in scope
  • Which certification level applies
  • Whether exemptions apply

Who Must Comply with TX-RAMP?

TX-RAMP applies to:

  • Texas state agencies
  • Institutions of higher education
  • Public community colleges
  • Entities defined under Texas Government Code Section 2054
  • Cloud service providers handling confidential or sensitive state data

Our Role at GTIS

We support both sides of the compliance equation:

For State Agencies & Institutions

  • Determine TX-RAMP applicability
  • Validate appropriate certification levels
  • Conduct vendor due diligence
  • Ensure compliant cloud contracting

For Cloud Service Providers

  • Readiness assessments
  • Control implementation guidance
  • Documentation development
  • DIR submission support
  • Continuous monitoring & annual review preparation

TX-RAMP Certification Levels & Validity

Certification TypeValidity PeriodGTIS Support
Level 13 YearsFull lifecycle compliance management
Level 23 YearsAdvanced security control implementation & audit support
Provisional18 MonthsGap remediation & transition to full certification

To maintain certification, CSPs must:

  • Undergo annual reviews
  • Update documentation
  • Maintain continuous monitoring
  • Address emerging threats

GTIS provides ongoing managed compliance services, ensuring your certification remains active and audit-ready year-round.

Our TX-RAMP Service Offering at GTIS

At GTIS, we provide end-to-end TX-RAMP consulting services:

  • ✔ TX-RAMP readiness assessments
  • ✔ Gap analysis & remediation planning
  • ✔ Fast Track eligibility evaluation
  • ✔ Policy & control documentation development
  • ✔ Third-party audit coordination
  • ✔ DIR submission management
  • ✔ Continuous compliance monitoring
  • ✔ Recertification management

Why Partner with GTIS?

  • Deep expertise in Texas regulatory requirements
  • Experience aligning SOC 2, HITRUST, PCI DSS with TX-RAMP
  • Streamlined certification pathways
  • Reduced time to authorization
  • Ongoing compliance assurance

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