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# Independent Assessment Service Responsibilities

FedRAMP relies on independent assessment services (also known as independent assessors, formerly referred to as Third-Party Assessment Organizations or 3PAOs) to analyze, validate, and attest to the quality and compliance of security assessment materials provided by cloud service providers seeking to obtain or maintain FedRAMP Certification. Independent assessors are contracted by cloud service providers to perform the bulk of the verification and validation necessary for FedRAMP to complete the assessment.

Throughout the lifecycle of a FedRAMP Certification for a cloud service provider, independent assessors are responsible for:

1. Verifying that the security materials provided by a cloud service provider meet the rules set by FedRAMP.
2. Validating that the operation of the cloud service offering aligns with the security materials provided by a cloud service provider.
3. Attesting to the general quality and completeness of the security materials after verification and validation.
4. Providing credible and meaningful inputs to the cloud service provider by documenting gaps, inconsistencies, or deficiencies in the operation of the cloud service or their security materials and identifying potential risks.
5. Document, summarize, and provide evidence of the above activities to the cloud service provider and FedRAMP following rules set by FedRAMP.
6. In the case of an agency sponsored FedRAMP Rev5 Certification, providing all materials to the sponsoring agency along with a recommendation or determination as required by the sponsoring agency.

## FedRAMP Recognition

Independent assessors must be [FedRAMP Recognized](../definitions/#fedramp-recognized){ data-preview } for their assessment to qualify for FedRAMP Certification. It is the responsibility of FedRAMP Recognized independent assessment services to meet all necessary requirements to maintain FedRAMP Recognition.

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[Learn more about Assessors :fontawesome-solid-paper-plane:](../assessors/index.md){ .md-button .md-button--primary}
