ATO Support Built Into Every Implementation
When federal agencies choose Thalen Technologies to implement cloud migrations, automation platforms, or data systems, they get more than technical expertise—they get a contractor who navigates the entire ATO process from day one, ensuring your system goes live on schedule.
Our ATO Methodology
Our methodology integrates security authorization into every implementation project from day one, ensuring your system achieves ATO on schedule without delays.
Authorization frameworks built into architecture from day one
During initial project planning, Thalen Technologies conducts a security requirements assessment to determine the appropriate authorization framework (FedRAMP, FISMA Moderate/High, DoD IL-4/5). We architect the system with security controls built in from the start, not bolted on later.
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Security documentation progresses alongside technical development
As Thalen Technologies develops and configures the system, our security team simultaneously documents security controls in the System Security Plan (SSP). We implement required controls using Infrastructure as Code, creating auditable evidence of compliance.
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Expert navigation of 3PAO testing and remediation
Thalen Technologies coordinates with third-party assessment organizations (3PAO) to validate security control effectiveness. We prepare the environment for assessment, manage the testing process, and rapidly remediate any findings.
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Seamless transition from ATO approval to production
Thalen Technologies prepares the authorization package and coordinates with the agency's Authorizing Official (AO) to secure final ATO approval. We establish continuous monitoring capabilities to maintain authorization and provide ongoing compliance support.
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Authorization Expertise
Deep expertise across the authorization and compliance landscape for government and regulated industries.
FedRAMP
Federal
StateRAMP
State
TX-RAMP
State
CMMC
Defense
FISMA
Federal
NIST 800-53
All Sectors
DoD IL-4/5
Defense
HIPAA
Healthcare
CJIS
Law Enforcement
IRS 1075
Tax/Revenue
SOC 2
Enterprise
PCI-DSS
Financial
Implementation Process
Thalen Technologies integrates ATO activities into every phase of system implementation, ensuring security authorization progresses in parallel with technical development.
Conduct security requirements assessment to determine the appropriate authorization framework. Architect the system with security controls built in from the start.
1-2 weeksKey Deliverables
Document security controls in the System Security Plan (SSP) while development progresses. Implement controls using Infrastructure as Code for auditable compliance.
8-12 weeksKey Deliverables
Coordinate with 3PAO to validate security control effectiveness. Prepare the environment, manage testing, and rapidly remediate any findings.
4-6 weeksKey Deliverables
Prepare authorization package and coordinate with the Authorizing Official (AO). Establish continuous monitoring and provide ongoing compliance support.
2-4 weeksKey Deliverables
Platform Strategy
Thalen Technologies leverages FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorized platforms to accelerate ATO timelines when appropriate. Using a FedRAMP-authorized platform does not automatically grant your agency ATO—your specific implementation still requires authorization.
Understanding Control Inheritance
FedRAMP authorization means the cloud platform infrastructure (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, Salesforce Government Cloud) has been pre-authorized by the vendor. This provides inherited controls that reduce the number of controls your agency must implement and document.
However, customer-managed controls remain your responsibility: platform configuration, user access management, system integration, and data handling all require documentation and validation. Thalen Technologies manages this inheritance model by documenting which controls are inherited versus agency-managed, and implementing customer-managed controls correctly.
Regulatory Compliance
Federal Acquisition Regulation requirements are integrated into our ATO methodology, ensuring contract compliance throughout the security authorization lifecycle.
Privacy and security protections for federal IT systems
Our ATO process ensures compliance with FAR 52.239-1 Privacy or Security Safeguards, documenting security controls and privacy protections required for federal IT systems.
Basic safeguarding for Covered Contractor Information Systems
ATO implementations include FAR 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding requirements for Covered Contractor Information Systems, protecting federal information throughout the project lifecycle.
Pre-established FAR compliance frameworks reduce contract negotiation time and enable faster project initiation.
Documented compliance with FAR security requirements minimizes agency oversight and contractor management effort.
Maintained compliance records support agency audits and CPARS evaluations with evidence of regulatory adherence.
Partner with Thalen Technologies for implementation expertise that includes security authorization from day one. Your systems go live on schedule with full ATO in place.