Authorization to Operate (ATO)
An ATO is the formal decision by an Authorizing Official (AO) to accept the risk of operating a system, based on its security posture and evidence.
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An ATO is the formal decision by an Authorizing Official (AO) to accept the risk of operating a system, based on its security posture and evidence.
What is an ATO (Authorization to Operate)?
It's the output of the RMF process. Traditional ATOs are point-in-time and can take years to earn, then go stale as the system changes.
Why It Matters
No ATO, no operations — and the slow cycle is a major drag on federal delivery.
How Advisedly Helps
Advisedly shortens the path to authorization with automated evidence and narratives, and supports continuous authorization (cATO) so the ATO stays current — but the AO decision is always human. Learn more.