Partial CUI Compliance
6 NIST 800-171 gaps detected. Slack Technologies holds a certified marketplace record for the offering named simply 'Slack' (FR1823447014, Class C (Moderate), certified since 2020-05-20, read 2026-07-27). That does not mean every Slack plan sits inside it — confirm in writing that your workspace is provisioned into the authorized environment, and note GovSlack (FR2230252267, High) is a separate offering.
Slack (Commercial)
by Salesforce
FedRAMP Status
FedRAMP Authorized
Impact Level
Moderate
Category
Collaboration
Authorized: May 20, 2020
Overview
Slack (Commercial) is covered by a certified FedRAMP Marketplace record. The FedRAMP Marketplace record behind this is Slack, held by Slack Technologies: Class C (Moderate), certified since 2020-05-20, read 2026-07-27 (https://www.fedramp.gov/marketplace/products/FR1823447014/). A certification covers that named offering, not the brand — confirm the plan, region and tenancy you are buying sit inside it before placing CUI there.
CUI Risk Assessment
Slack Technologies holds a certified marketplace record for the offering named simply 'Slack' (FR1823447014, Class C (Moderate), certified since 2020-05-20, read 2026-07-27). That does not mean every Slack plan sits inside it — confirm in writing that your workspace is provisioned into the authorized environment, and note GovSlack (FR2230252267, High) is a separate offering.
Deployment & Architecture
Deployment Model: Cloud SaaS (vendor-hosted)
Slack (Commercial) operates within a FedRAMP-authorized boundary. CUI can be processed within the authorization scope, but contractors must verify their specific use case falls within the system's security boundary as documented in the SSP.
Migration Checklist
- 1ISSO must immediately add Slack (Commercial) usage to the POA&M as a critical finding requiring remediation within 30 days per DFARS 252.204-7012.
- 2Contracts officer must review all active DoD contracts to identify CUI handling requirements and notify program offices of collaboration tool non-compliance.
- 3ISSO must conduct comprehensive data inventory of all Slack workspaces to identify and catalog CUI exposure using Slack's data export API.
- 4Sysadmin must implement immediate technical controls blocking new Slack (Commercial) account creation through firewall rules and endpoint management policies.
- 5Legal team must review data retention obligations and coordinate with ISSO on compliant CUI data destruction procedures for exported Slack content.
- 6ISSO must evaluate and procure GovSlack licenses or alternative FedRAMP-authorized collaboration platforms within authorization boundary requirements.
- 7Sysadmin must configure new collaboration platform with FIPS 140-2 encryption settings and integrate with existing identity management systems.
- 8ISSO must update System Security Plan Section 2 to remove Slack (Commercial) external connections and document new collaboration tool within authorization boundary.
- 9Training coordinator must develop and deliver CUI handling training specific to new collaboration platform marking and sharing requirements.
- 10ISSO must update authorization boundary diagram removing external SaaS connections and submit updated documentation to authorizing official for approval.
NIST 800-171 Violations
Using Slack (Commercial) for CUI without FedRAMP authorization may violate these NIST 800-171 controls:
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Related Compliance Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is commercial Slack compliant for defense work?
The FedRAMP Marketplace record behind this is Slack, held by Slack Technologies: Class C (Moderate), certified since 2020-05-20, read 2026-07-27 (https://www.fedramp.gov/marketplace/products/FR1823447014/). A certification covers that named offering, not the brand — confirm the plan, region and tenancy you are buying sit inside it before placing CUI there.
What if CUI ends up in commercial Slack?
This is a security incident and DFARS 7012 violation. You must report it, remediate, and migrate CUI communications to GovSlack or Microsoft Teams GCC High.
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