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SA-9 (01)External System Services | Risk Assessments and Organizational Approvals

Moderate
High

>Control Description

(a) Conduct an organizational assessment of risk prior to the acquisition or outsourcing of information security services; and (b) Verify that the acquisition or outsourcing of dedicated information security services is approved by organization-defined personnel or roles.

>FedRAMP Baseline Requirements

No FedRAMP-specific parameter values or requirements for this baseline.

>Discussion

Information security services include the operation of security devices, such as firewalls or key management services as well as incident monitoring, analysis, and response. Risks assessed can include system, mission or business, security, privacy, or supply chain risks.

>Assessment Interview Topics

Questions assessors commonly ask

Process & Governance:

  • What acquisition policies and procedures address the requirements of SA-9(1)?
  • How are security and privacy requirements integrated into the acquisition process?
  • Who is responsible for ensuring that acquisitions comply with SA-9(1)?

Technical Implementation:

  • How are security requirements defined and documented in acquisition contracts?
  • What mechanisms ensure that acquired systems and services meet security requirements?
  • How do you validate that vendors and service providers comply with specified security controls?

Evidence & Documentation:

  • Can you provide examples of acquisition documentation that includes security requirements?
  • What evidence demonstrates that acquired systems meet security specifications?
  • Where is acquisition security documentation maintained throughout the system lifecycle?

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