Our Path to FedRAMP: What the 2026 Program Changes Mean for Your Data Security

If you manage quality operations at a defense contractor or aerospace manufacturer, cloud security isn't an abstract IT concern. It's a contract compliance requirement. The software your team uses to manage First Article Inspections (FAIs), supplier quality, and corrective actions touches controlled technical data every day. Where that data lives, and who has validated its security, matters.

Here's where Net-Inspect® stands on FedRAMP, what it means for your data, and where we're headed - including what's changing in the FedRAMP program itself.

What FedRAMP Is and Why It Applies to You

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®) is the U.S. government's standardized security framework for cloud services. It defines 325 rigorous controls at the Moderate impact level that cloud systems must meet before federal agencies can use them. FedRAMP is undergoing significant modernization: under the Consolidated Rules for 2026 (CR26), FedRAMP is relabeling the Moderate control baseline as "FedRAMP Rev5 Class C" starting July 2026. The underlying security requirements are the same. Only the label changes.

But FedRAMP isn't only a government procurement concern. Under DFARS clause 252.204-7012, defense contractors are required to ensure that any cloud service storing or processing Covered Defense Information (CDI) meets FedRAMP Moderate equivalent requirements. If your company handles controlled technical data (engineering drawings, quality records, measurement data with ITAR markings), this applies to your quality management software.

Where Net-Inspect Stands Today

Net-Inspect has maintained FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency since 2019. Each year, an accredited Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) independently audits our security controls against the full NIST 800-53 Moderate control set. That audit follows the same standard used by federal agencies: not a self-certification, but an independent third-party verification.

In 2025, we elevated our assessment process. We engaged Coalfire as our 3PAO. Coalfire has supported roughly 70% of all authorizations on the FedRAMP Marketplace and works with AWS, Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and other major cloud providers. Coalfire completed our FedRAMP Readiness Assessment in January 2026. The result: a clean review across every capability section, zero concerns flagged, and no Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs).

The outcome: Net-Inspect is now listed on the official FedRAMP Marketplace as FedRAMP Ready at the Moderate level (FR2607654741).

Being FedRAMP Ready has positioned us for Rev5 Class C Certification in the latter half of 2026. This public, government-validated designation means an independent, federally-recognized assessor has reviewed our security posture and confirmed our readiness for formal FedRAMP Certification. You can verify our status yourself at marketplace.fedramp.gov- no sales pitch required.

Our annual assessment covers penetration testing across four attack vectors, infrastructure vulnerability scanning across 120+ assets, and validation of all 325 NIST 800-53 Moderate controls. That's not compliance theater- it's the same depth of scrutiny applied to federal agency systems. Our support team consists exclusively of background-checked U.S. citizens. It's a requirement for many defense customers and a standard we've maintained throughout our 25-year history in the industry.

What's Changing in FedRAMP in 2026: What It Means for You

FedRAMP is undergoing significant modernization. The Consolidated Rules for 2026 (CR26) are being finalized in late June 2026 and if approved take effect July 1. For buyers, the important thing is this:

• The "FedRAMP Moderate" impact level is being relabeled "FedRAMP Rev5 Class C." Same 325 NIST 800-53 controls. Same requirements. Updated terminology.
• "FedRAMP Authorization" is now officially called "FedRAMP Certification." The program's statutory framework changed, and the terminology is catching up.
• The "FedRAMP Ready" designation goes legacy July 28, 2026. Existing Marketplace listings remain valid, but no new FedRAMP Ready submissions will be accepted after that date.

The DFARS 252.204-7012 requirement for FedRAMP Moderate equivalency does not go away. The underlying compliance standard remains in force. The FedRAMP Marketplace remains the authoritative source for validated listings, and Net-Inspect's listing (FR2607654741) is public and verifiable.

We're tracking these changes actively and will update our compliance communications as the new framework takes effect.

What This Means for Your Organization

For defense contractors already using Net-Inspect: your quality data is hosted on Microsoft Azure Government, which carries FedRAMP High authorization- the highest level available. Our annual Coalfire assessments validate that Net-Inspect's application controls meet Moderate requirements within that environment.

For organizations evaluating quality management software: Net-Inspect's FedRAMP posture supports compliance with the DFARS 252.204-7012 cloud service requirement. You don't need to chase a security exception or build an alternative compliance case. The independent assessment exists and the Marketplace listing is public.

Our Body of Evidence documentation, produced through the Coalfire assessment, is available to customers pursuing CMMC 2.0 certifications. Our Security Assessment Report is available to qualified organizations under NDA upon request. Net-Inspect becomes a facilitator in your compliance journey, not a barrier.

The Road Ahead

The FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency and Readiness Assessment confirmed our posture for formal certification. Under the CR26 framework, the path forward means we are positioned for FedRAMP Rev5 Class C Certification (what was previously called a full FedRAMP Moderate Authorization).

With our planned reassessment in later 2026, it will make Net-Inspect one of a small number of quality management SaaS platforms with full FedRAMP Certification at the Class C (Moderate) level.

We'll share that update when it arrives.

Conclusion

Security compliance in defense manufacturing isn't a checkbox. It's an ongoing operational commitment that must keep pace with a regulatory environment that continues to evolve. Our move to Coalfire, our FedRAMP Ready Marketplace listing, and our active engagement with the CR26 framework all reflect how seriously we take the responsibility of protecting the data your teams depend on. Trusted by 9,500+ companies across 59 countries, Net-Inspect has built its platform to meet the security standards your contracts require.

If you have questions about our security posture or want to review our compliance documentation before selecting a quality management platform, visit our Compliance page or reach out directly.

Review Net-Inspect's Security & Compliance Documentation