Can we afford the trust infrastructure?
The Risk-Proof stage is about building trust through compliance, authorization, and survivable architecture. Compliance is not a phase you complete -- it is an operating discipline you maintain. Authorization provides the trust mechanism that allows agencies to buy without betting their careers. Architecture determines whether your product survives contact with federal requirements.
Stage Objectives
- Establish compliance as an ongoing operating discipline, not a one-time phase
- Select the right authorization pathway and level (LI-SaaS, Moderate, High)
- Design architecture for survivability and continuous monitoring
- Model authorization economics and break-even timeline
- Plan ConMon operations and ongoing compliance costs
Key Activities
Compliance as Discipline
Establish compliance as an operating discipline you maintain indefinitely. ConMon fundamentals: monthly scans, quarterly sampling, annual assessment.
Authorization Pathway
Select the right authorization mechanism (FedRAMP Agency Path, CMMC, agency ATO) and level based on your product and customer requirements.
Architecture for Survivability
Design architecture that survives authorization and continuous monitoring. Five survivable principles: minimal boundary, layered design, configuration over customization, API-first, environment parity.
Authorization Economics
Model your FedRAMP investment, break-even ARR, and time to profitability. Ensure compliance costs fit within your capital structure.