Head-to-head
Coalfire vs Schellman: compared
Both are authorized FedRAMP 3PAOs — the choice is advisory-plus-assessment breadth (Coalfire) versus independent-assessment seniority (Schellman).
Side by side
| Fact | Coalfire | Schellman |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Westminster, Colorado | Tampa, Florida |
| Founded | 2001 | 2002 |
| Firm type | Cybersecurity advisory and assessment firm (Coalfire Federal for public-sector work) | Independent assessment firm (FedRAMP 3PAO, SOC, ISO, HITRUST) |
| Planning range | Not published — request a scoped quote | Not published — request a scoped quote |
| Typical timeline | Varies — confirm in proposal | Varies — confirm in proposal |
| Frameworks (per firm) | FedRAMP (authorized 3PAO), CMMC, SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, PCI DSS | FedRAMP (3PAO), SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, PCI DSS |
Choose Coalfire if…
You want an authorized 3PAO that also advises on readiness and multi-framework programs under one roof. Full Coalfire profile →
Choose Schellman if…
You want a strictly independent assessment firm with senior teams for FedRAMP, SOC, and ISO programs. Full Schellman profile →
Independent directory note. Facts compiled from the firms' public materials, verified September 2026. Not an endorsement, not a paid placement. Planning ranges are not quotes.
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