Got a question about the FedRAMP cloud security program?

Let us know and we’ll ask the folks who have the answers.

Today, federal officials began accepting applications for security certification under the Federal Risk and Authorization management Program. By establishing industry-wide security standards for vendors offering Web-based software services and data storage, officials believe FedRAMP will significantly improve data protections and simplify the process for purchasing cloud services.

While the program has been widely anticipated by both federal managers and vendors, some questions remain. Will agencies demand that vendors take additional steps beyond FedRAMP certification to demonstrate the security of their offerings? Will small businesses get a fair shake in the accreditation process?

We’ve been reporting on these issues for months, but next week, we’ll have at least two experts on hand to discuss FedRAMP with our audience at an exclusive event in Washington exploring this vital program. Dave McClure, associate administrator at the General Services Administration, and Mark Weatherford, the top cybersecurity official at Homeland Security, will discuss the next steps in making FedRAMP fully operational by the end of the year. If you’ve got questions, please send them to events@govexec.com and we’ll do our best to ask them.

Even better, plan to attend the event yourself. You can register here.