CUI Compliant
0 NIST 800-171 gaps detected. FedRAMP authorized at Moderate impact level. Approved for CUI handling in DoD environments.
Slack GovSlack
by Salesforce
FedRAMP Status
FedRAMP Authorized
Impact Level
Moderate
Category
Collaboration
Authorized: August 9, 2022 | Sponsor: Department of Veterans Affairs
Overview
GovSlack is the FedRAMP Moderate authorized version of Slack built on AWS GovCloud. It provides government-grade messaging and collaboration with data residency in US government infrastructure.
CUI Risk Assessment
FedRAMP authorized at Moderate impact level. Approved for CUI handling in DoD environments.
Using Slack GovSlack in a Defense Contractor Environment
Slack GovSlack represents a mature collaboration solution for defense contractors handling CUI within CMMC Level 2 environments. This tool typically processes technical specifications, engineering drawings, program schedules, financial performance data, and export-controlled technical information in DoD contracts. Within CMMC authorization boundaries, GovSlack serves as the primary real-time messaging platform for cross-functional teams, integrating with other FedRAMP Moderate tools like Microsoft 365 GCC High and Adobe Acrobat for document workflows. Its AWS GovCloud hosting ensures data residency compliance while maintaining separation from commercial Slack instances. Compensating controls include mandatory encryption in transit/rest, user access reviews every 90 days, and integration with enterprise identity providers supporting MFA. DCMA and DIBCAC assessors consistently evaluate GovSlack's message retention policies, particularly for CUI marking requirements and automated data loss prevention configurations. Recent assessments focus on ensuring proper channel governance, guest access restrictions, and compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 data protection requirements. The tool has received positive evaluation in DCMA reviews due to its FedRAMP authorization and clear separation from commercial infrastructure. However, assessors scrutinize configuration management, particularly around third-party app integrations and external sharing controls that could create inadvertent CUI exposure paths.
Deployment & Architecture
Deployment Model: Government Cloud (FedRAMP boundary)
Slack GovSlack 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.
Implementation Guide
Defense contractors implementing GovSlack for CUI environments should plan a 12-16 week deployment timeline across three phases. Phase 1 (weeks 1-4) involves architectural planning, including integration with existing Active Directory, SSO configuration, and channel governance framework development. Phase 2 (weeks 5-12) covers user onboarding with mandatory CUI handling training, data migration from legacy communication tools, and implementation of DLP policies. Phase 3 (weeks 13-16) focuses on compliance documentation updates and go-live activities. CUI data handling during migration requires encrypted export utilities and documented chain of custody procedures. User training must emphasize CUI marking requirements within messages, proper channel classification, and incident response procedures for potential data spillage. SSP updates should include GovSlack within the authorization boundary diagram, documenting data flows and integration points. POA&M entries may be required for any delayed security control implementations. Cost estimates range from $150,000-$400,000 annually for mid-sized contractors (500-2000 users), including licensing, professional services, and compliance activities. Organizations requiring enhanced security may consider Microsoft Teams GCC High as an alternative, particularly those already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Implementation success depends on robust governance policies and continuous monitoring of CUI handling practices.
Configuration Checklist
- 1ISSO must update the System Security Plan to include GovSlack within the authorization boundary and document all data flows with other FedRAMP systems.
- 2System administrator should configure enterprise SSO integration with existing Active Directory to enforce MFA requirements per NIST 800-171 IA-2.
- 3ISSO must implement data loss prevention policies to automatically detect and prevent unauthorized CUI sharing outside approved channels.
- 4System administrator should establish channel governance procedures requiring CUI marking in channel names and mandatory encryption for all external communications.
- 5ISSO must configure audit logging to capture all user activities, message retention, and file sharing events to satisfy NIST 800-171 AU control family.
- 6Legal team should review and approve data processing addendum with Salesforce to ensure DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance requirements are met.
- 7System administrator must disable all third-party app integrations and establish approval workflow for future integration requests per SC-7 boundary protection.
- 8ISSO should establish incident response procedures specific to potential CUI spillage events and integrate with existing security incident workflows.
- 9Contracts officer must verify GovSlack inclusion in existing DFARS 252.204-7021 contractor compliance certifications.
- 10System administrator should implement automated backup procedures for CUI data retention requirements and establish recovery testing schedule.
Compliance Cross-References
Slack GovSlack's FedRAMP Moderate authorization directly supports NIST 800-171 control families including Access Control (AC) through enterprise SSO integration and role-based channel access, System and Communications Protection (SC) via encryption in transit/rest and boundary protection controls, and Audit and Accountability (AU) through comprehensive logging capabilities. The tool's compliance status satisfies DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements for adequate security and 252.204-7021 cybersecurity maturity model certification. Within CMMC Level 2 assessments, GovSlack affects Access Control, System and Information Integrity, and Configuration Management domains. The FedRAMP authorization provides inherited controls that reduce contractor assessment scope, particularly for cloud security architecture and continuous monitoring. Non-compliance or misconfiguration creates direct findings in SC-8 (transmission confidentiality), AC-6 (least privilege), and AU-3 (audit content), potentially resulting in CMMC assessment failures and contract performance issues under DFARS cybersecurity requirements.
Other FedRAMP Authorized Collaboration Tools
Related Compliance Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GovSlack FedRAMP authorized?
Yes. GovSlack holds FedRAMP Moderate authorization and runs on AWS GovCloud infrastructure.
Can I use GovSlack with CUI?
GovSlack is authorized at Moderate. It is suitable for many CUI workloads. For High-impact requirements, consider Microsoft Teams GCC High.
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