CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

Where should compliance be integrated in a project to meet FedRAMP requirements?

1. Handoff

2. Design

3. Implementation

4. Automation rollout

The correct answer is: Design

Integrating compliance at the design phase is critical for meeting FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) requirements because this stage sets the groundwork for how the system will be developed and operated. At the design stage, you can identify security controls, establish policies and procedures, and ensure that the architecture aligns with required compliance frameworks. This approach ensures that security considerations are woven into the very fabric of the system, rather than being an afterthought or a series of add-ons later in the project lifecycle. By addressing compliance during the design phase, organizations can systematically evaluate the risks associated with the proposed architecture, select appropriate safeguards, and develop a comprehensive strategy for monitoring and assessing compliance throughout the application’s lifecycle. This proactive stance helps to avoid costly rework or potential compliance failures later on during implementation or rollout phases. The other stages—handoff, implementation, and automation rollout—are important, but they typically involve executing a plan that has already been established. If compliance is not integrated into the design phase, it can lead to challenges in meeting the stringent FedRAMP requirements during these later stages, where adjustments may be harder and more resource-intensive to align with compliance needs.