The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing
Also known as
Establishes the canonical definition of cloud computing used across the federal government. Defines five essential characteristics, three service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and four deployment models (public, private, hybrid, community). Federal procurement uses these exact definitions to classify cloud services. FedRAMP authorization levels, contract vehicles (like cloud GWACs), and agency cloud strategies all reference this definition. Misclassifying a service model can affect contract eligibility.
Meaning in practice
SP 800-145 is part of the federal rule set that governs procurement, compliance, or program administration.
Where you’ll see it
You will see it in the FAR, DFARS, the Federal Register, clauses, and compliance checklists. Example: SP 800.
Common confusion
People often confuse a regulation with agency guidance or with a checklist that merely references the rule.
What to do next
Find the exact citation and confirm whether the page links to a part, clause, or agency interpretation.
(The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing) is a regulation concept federal contractors and grant writers run into across solicitations, regulations, and award filings
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SP 800-145 is part of the federal regulatory framework that governs procurement, performance, or compliance. For example: SP 800 For contractors, SP 800-145 is not just background — it shapes solicitation language, evaluation criteria, source-selection authority, and what counts as compliant performance. Understanding when SP 800-145 applies and (more importantly) when it doesn't apply is the difference between a proposal that's competitive within its actual constraint set and one that over-engineers compliance. Contracting officers use SP 800-145 as common vocabulary, so reading their decisions, modifications, and source-selection memoranda gets easier when the regulation is in your working memory. Pair SP 800-145 with the related terms above to see how it interacts with adjacent regulatory mechanisms.
Get notified when usage of SP 800-145 changes in contracts or guidance.
SP 800
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