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From Prototype to ATO

Executive Literacy for Startups in the DoD Innovation Ecosystem

This 10-part virtual lecture series helps innovation-based startups understand the Department of Defense Authorization to Operate (ATO) process. The course provides practical, operational guidance on navigating RMF requirements, preparing for authorization pathways, and communicating security readiness to government stakeholders.

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About the Course

The course is grounded in conceptual rigor, practical structures, and mission-aligned decision frameworks.

Module 1: Innovation Meets Regulation

Why ATO matters for transition, funding, and mission trust.

Module 2: RMF Foundations for Nontraditional Vendors

Demystifying categorization, baselines, and scalable documentation.

Module 3: DevSecOps & Supply Chain Security

How pipelines, SBOMs, and build integrity support ATO evidence.

Module 4: Automation & Continuous Validation

How automation platforms contribute to measurable, auditable risk validation.

Module 5: Civilian vs DoD vs IC Pathways

Understanding FedRAMP, DoD RMF, and IC RMF differences and reciprocity.

Module 6: Cloud Inheritance & Zero Trust

Leveraging FedRAMP/Platform One inheritance and applying Zero-Trust overlays.

Module 7: Authorization Decisions & cATO

Continuous monitoring, dashboards, and sustaining authorization.

Module 8: AI Systems & Dual-Use Ethics

AI governance, explainability, and emerging oversight requirements.

Module 9: Securing an ATO Sponsor

Engaging AOs, building trust, and communicating mission-relevant risk.

Module 10: The ATO Pitch

Building the executive narrative for transition and funding boards.

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