Coalfire is a cybersecurity and compliance advisory firm that helps organizations achieve and maintain regulatory compliance, security certifications, and risk management frameworks. Unlike traditional SaaS platforms, Coalfire delivers professional services—assessments, audits, advisory, and managed compliance programs—tailored to frameworks including SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, HITRUST, PCI DSS, and NIST.
Coalfire's pricing is project-based and customized to each engagement's scope, complexity, and timeline. There is no published rate card or standardized tier structure. Costs depend on the certification or framework, the size and maturity of your organization, the number of systems or environments in scope, and whether you need a one-time assessment or ongoing advisory support.
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This guide combines Coalfire's service model with Vendr's dataset and analysis to break down Coalfire pricing in 2026, including:
Whether you're evaluating Coalfire for the first time or preparing for renewal, this guide is designed to help you budget accurately and negotiate with clearer market context.
Coalfire pricing is engagement-based and varies widely depending on the compliance framework, organizational complexity, and scope of work. Unlike subscription software, Coalfire quotes each project individually after a scoping call or RFP process.
Pricing Structure:
Coalfire typically structures engagements in one of three ways:
Key cost drivers:
Observed Outcomes:
Based on Vendr transaction data, buyers often achieve below-list pricing through multi-year commitments, bundled frameworks, or competitive pressure. Volume and scope clarity commonly yield discounts.
Benchmarking context:
See what similar companies pay for Coalfire to access percentile-based ranges by framework, company size, and scope.
Coalfire's pricing varies by the compliance framework and the nature of the engagement. Below are the most common service categories and observed pricing patterns.
Pricing Structure:
SOC 2 Type II audits are Coalfire's most frequently purchased service. Pricing depends on the number of trust service criteria (TSCs) in scope, the size of the organization, and whether readiness assessment or gap remediation is included.
Observed Outcomes:
Based on Vendr's dataset, buyers often achieve below-list pricing for SOC 2 engagements, particularly when bundling readiness and audit phases or committing to multi-year cycles.
Benchmarking context:
Compare your SOC 2 quote with Vendr to see how it aligns with recent market outcomes for mid-sized companies with standard cloud infrastructure.
Pricing Structure:
ISO 27001 certification engagements include gap assessment, remediation advisory, and the formal certification audit. Coalfire often bundles these phases into a single fixed-fee engagement.
Observed Outcomes:
In Vendr's database, buyers often achieve below-list pricing when combining ISO 27001 with SOC 2 or other frameworks. Multi-year commitments and clear scope definition commonly yield discounts.
Benchmarking context:
Get your custom ISO 27001 price estimate to understand how organizational complexity and maturity impact pricing.
Pricing Structure:
FedRAMP is Coalfire's most complex and expensive service line. Engagements include readiness assessment, gap remediation, 3PAO assessment, and ongoing continuous monitoring. Coalfire typically structures FedRAMP as a multi-phase, multi-year engagement.
Observed Outcomes:
Based on Vendr transaction data, FedRAMP engagements are highly customized and represent significant investment. Buyers often achieve better pricing through phased commitments, clear scope boundaries, and competitive evaluation.
Benchmarking context:
Explore FedRAMP pricing benchmarks to understand typical ranges by authorization level (Low, Moderate, High) and cloud environment complexity.
Pricing Structure:
HITRUST CSF certification is a rigorous, multi-month engagement that includes gap assessment, remediation support, and validated assessment. Coalfire structures HITRUST engagements as fixed-fee projects or retainer-based programs.
Observed Outcomes:
Vendr data shows buyers often achieve below-list pricing through multi-year commitments or bundling HITRUST with SOC 2 or HIPAA assessments.
Benchmarking context:
See what similar companies pay for HITRUST to assess whether a given Coalfire quote aligns with recent market outcomes by organization size and scope.
Pricing Structure:
PCI DSS assessments are scoped based on the number of cardholder data environments (CDEs), transaction volume, and merchant level. Coalfire typically quotes PCI engagements as fixed-fee projects.
Observed Outcomes:
In Vendr's platform, buyers often achieve below-list pricing for PCI assessments when bundling with other compliance frameworks or committing to annual reassessments.
Benchmarking context:
Compare your PCI quote with Vendr to see how it aligns with recent market outcomes by merchant level and CDE complexity.
Understanding the variables that influence Coalfire pricing helps buyers scope engagements accurately and avoid unexpected cost increases.
Framework complexity and rigor
FedRAMP, HITRUST, and PCI DSS engagements require significantly more effort and documentation than SOC 2 or ISO 27001. The number of controls, evidence requirements, and testing depth directly impact cost.
Organizational size and infrastructure
Larger organizations with more employees, systems, cloud environments, and third-party integrations require more sampling, testing, and documentation review. Coalfire scopes engagements based on the number of in-scope systems and environments.
Maturity and readiness
Organizations with mature security programs, existing documentation, and prior audit experience require less remediation and advisory time. Buyers with gaps or immature controls should expect higher costs for readiness and gap remediation phases.
Timeline and urgency
Compressed timelines (e.g., achieving SOC 2 in 90 days) may require additional resources and increase costs. Coalfire typically recommends 6–12 months for first-time certifications.
Multi-framework or bundled engagements
Bundling multiple frameworks (e.g., SOC 2 + ISO 27001) or adding penetration testing, risk assessments, or managed services can yield economies of scale and lower per-framework costs.
Ongoing vs. one-time engagements
Annual recertification or continuous monitoring programs are typically priced lower per cycle than one-time assessments. Multi-year commitments often unlock better pricing.
Coalfire's quoted engagement fees are typically comprehensive, but buyers should clarify scope boundaries and potential add-ons during contracting.
Scope creep and change orders
If your organization adds systems, environments, or controls mid-engagement, Coalfire may issue change orders with additional fees. Clearly define scope boundaries upfront and establish a change control process.
Remediation and gap closure support
Coalfire's initial quote may cover assessment and audit only. If you need hands-on remediation support (e.g., policy writing, control implementation, vendor risk management), expect additional advisory fees.
Penetration testing and technical assessments
Many frameworks (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS) require penetration testing. Coalfire offers penetration testing as an add-on service; confirm whether it's included in your quote or priced separately.
Surveillance audits and recertification
ISO 27001 requires annual surveillance audits, and most frameworks require recertification on a 1–3 year cycle. Confirm whether your quote includes only the initial certification or covers ongoing cycles.
Travel and on-site expenses
If your engagement requires on-site visits (less common post-COVID but still relevant for certain frameworks or industries), travel expenses may be billed separately.
Third-party tool or platform fees
Coalfire may recommend or require specific GRC platforms (e.g., Vanta, Drata, Secureframe) for evidence collection and continuous monitoring. These tools are typically billed separately by the vendor.
Benchmarking context:
Based on Vendr transaction data, buyers who clearly define scope, establish change control processes, and bundle multi-year commitments often avoid unexpected cost increases. Explore Coalfire pricing with Vendr to identify common scope drivers and negotiate clearer boundaries.
Coalfire pricing varies widely by framework, organizational complexity, and engagement scope. Below are high-level observations based on Vendr's dataset.
By framework:
By organizational size:
By engagement type:
Benchmarking context:
Get your custom Coalfire price estimate to access percentile-based ranges by framework, company size, and scope.
Coalfire engagements are highly customized, but buyers can apply proven negotiation strategies to achieve better outcomes. These insights are based on anonymized Coalfire deals in Vendr's dataset across a wide range of company sizes and frameworks.
Coalfire pricing is driven by scope. The earlier you engage and the more clearly you define in-scope systems, environments, and controls, the more accurate your quote will be—and the less room for scope creep and change orders.
Work with Coalfire to document scope boundaries, exclusions, and assumptions in the statement of work (SOW). Establish a change control process to manage any mid-engagement scope changes.
Based on Vendr transaction data, buyers who invest time in scoping and documentation upfront often avoid unexpected cost increases and achieve better overall outcomes.
Coalfire operates in a competitive market alongside A-LIGN, Schellman, Prescient Assurance, and others. Anchoring your negotiation to budget constraints and competitive quotes creates leverage.
Frame your ask around budget reality, not just price preference. For example: "Our budget for SOC 2 is $X based on competitive quotes and internal approval. Can you work within that range?"
Vendr data shows that buyers who evaluate multiple providers and anchor to budget often achieve meaningfully better pricing.
Coalfire often offers better per-framework pricing when buyers bundle multiple certifications (e.g., SOC 2 + ISO 27001) or commit to multi-year recertification cycles.
If you need multiple frameworks or plan to recertify annually, negotiate bundled pricing upfront. Multi-year commitments reduce Coalfire's sales and onboarding costs and often unlock discounts.
Based on Vendr transaction data, buyers who bundle frameworks or commit to multi-year programs often achieve 15–30% lower per-framework pricing compared to one-time engagements.
Coalfire typically invoices in phases (e.g., 50% upfront, 50% upon completion) or based on milestones. Negotiating payment terms can improve cash flow and reduce risk.
Consider proposing milestone-based payments tied to deliverables (e.g., readiness assessment, gap remediation, final audit report). This aligns payment with value delivery and reduces upfront cash outlay.
Vendr data shows that buyers who negotiate milestone-based payment terms often achieve better cash flow management and clearer accountability.
Coalfire quotes may or may not include penetration testing, remediation support, surveillance audits, or travel expenses. Clarify inclusions and exclusions upfront to avoid surprises.
Ask explicitly:
Based on Vendr's dataset, buyers who clarify scope and inclusions upfront often avoid unexpected cost increases and achieve better overall outcomes.
Coalfire, like most professional services firms, has quarterly and annual revenue targets. Engaging near quarter-end or year-end can create urgency and unlock better pricing or concessions.
If your timeline allows, consider timing your RFP or final negotiation to align with Coalfire's fiscal calendar (typically calendar year-end).
Vendr data shows that buyers who time negotiations strategically often achieve better pricing and more favorable terms.
These insights are based on anonymized Coalfire deals in Vendr's dataset across a wide range of company sizes and contract structures. Buyers can explore these insights directly using Vendr's free pricing and negotiation tools:
Coalfire operates in a competitive market for cybersecurity and compliance advisory services. Below are pricing-focused comparisons with key alternatives.
| Pricing component | Coalfire | A-LIGN |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 2 Type II (mid-market) | Vendr data shows buyers often achieve below-list pricing through bundling or multi-year commitments | Typically competitive with Coalfire; buyers often achieve similar outcomes through volume or multi-framework commitments |
| ISO 27001 certification | Pricing varies by organizational complexity; bundling with SOC 2 commonly yields discounts | Generally competitive; A-LIGN often positions as a lower-cost alternative for ISO engagements |
| FedRAMP authorization | Highly customized; pricing varies by authorization level and cloud complexity | A-LIGN is an approved 3PAO; pricing is typically competitive with Coalfire for FedRAMP engagements |
| Multi-framework bundles | Coalfire often offers economies of scale for bundled frameworks | A-LIGN similarly offers bundled pricing; buyers often achieve comparable outcomes |
| Pricing component | Coalfire | Schellman |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 2 Type II (mid-market) | Vendr data shows buyers often achieve below-list pricing through bundling or multi-year commitments | Typically competitive with Coalfire; Schellman often emphasizes customer service and responsiveness |
| ISO 27001 certification | Pricing varies by organizational complexity; bundling with SOC 2 commonly yields discounts | Generally competitive; Schellman often positions as a premium provider with deep ISO expertise |
| PCI DSS assessment | Pricing varies by merchant level and CDE complexity | Schellman is a leading PCI QSA; pricing is typically competitive with Coalfire |
| Multi-framework bundles | Coalfire often offers economies of scale for bundled frameworks | Schellman similarly offers bundled pricing; buyers often achieve comparable outcomes |
| Pricing component | Coalfire | Prescient Assurance |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 2 Type II (mid-market) | Vendr data shows buyers often achieve below-list pricing through bundling or multi-year commitments | Prescient often positions as a lower-cost, high-touch alternative for SOC 2 and ISO engagements |
| ISO 27001 certification | Pricing varies by organizational complexity; bundling with SOC 2 commonly yields discounts | Typically lower than Coalfire for ISO engagements; Prescient emphasizes efficiency and customer service |
| FedRAMP authorization | Highly customized; pricing varies by authorization level and cloud complexity | Prescient is an approved 3PAO but has less FedRAMP market share than Coalfire; pricing may be competitive for smaller or less complex FedRAMP engagements |
| Multi-framework bundles | Coalfire often offers economies of scale for bundled frameworks | Prescient similarly offers bundled pricing; buyers often achieve lower per-framework costs with Prescient |
Based on anonymized Coalfire transactions in Vendr's database over the past 12 months:
Vendr's dataset shows teams with clear scope definition and competitive evaluation often achieved 20–35% lower pricing compared to buyers who accepted initial quotes without negotiation.
Benchmarking context:
See what similar companies pay for SOC 2 audits to access percentile-based ranges by company size and scope.
Based on Coalfire transactions in Vendr's database over the past 12 months:
Negotiation guidance:
Access Coalfire-specific negotiation playbooks to unlock supplier-specific strategies for discounts and favorable terms.
Based on anonymized Coalfire transactions in Vendr's platform:
Vendr data shows that buyers who apply these strategies often achieve 20–35% better pricing compared to buyers who accept initial quotes without negotiation.
Negotiation guidance:
Get Coalfire-specific negotiation strategies for detailed playbooks, timing, and leverage by deal type.
Based on Coalfire transactions in Vendr's database:
Vendr's dataset shows buyers who clarify scope and inclusions upfront often avoid 10–25% unexpected cost increases.
Benchmarking context:
Explore Coalfire pricing with Vendr to identify common scope drivers and negotiate clearer boundaries.
Based on Coalfire, A-LIGN, and Schellman transactions in Vendr's platform:
In Vendr's dataset, buyers who evaluate multiple providers and anchor to competitive quotes often achieve 10–20% better pricing compared to single-vendor negotiations.
Competitive benchmarks:
Compare Coalfire to alternatives to see how pricing and terms compare for your specific framework and scope.
Yes. Based on Coalfire transactions in Vendr's database:
Vendr data shows that buyers who negotiate milestone-based payment terms often achieve better cash flow management and clearer accountability.
Negotiation guidance:
Access Coalfire-specific playbooks for strategies on negotiating payment terms and other contract provisions.
Many buyers bundle readiness and audit into a single engagement for better pricing and continuity.
Coalfire offers both one-time assessments and ongoing managed compliance programs. Managed services include continuous monitoring, gap remediation, vendor risk management, and multi-framework compliance support. These are typically structured as monthly or quarterly retainers.
Coalfire supports a wide range of compliance frameworks and certifications, including:
Yes. Coalfire offers penetration testing as an add-on service or standalone engagement. Penetration testing is often required for SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and other frameworks. Confirm whether penetration testing is included in your quote or priced separately.
Engagement timelines vary by framework and organizational readiness:
Compressed timelines may increase costs.
Based on analysis of anonymized Coalfire deals in Vendr's dataset, buyers who clearly define scope, evaluate competitive alternatives, and negotiate strategically often achieve meaningfully better pricing and terms.
Key takeaways:
Regardless of platform choice, the most important step is clearly defining requirements, understanding total cost drivers, and benchmarking pricing against comparable deals before committing.
Explore Coalfire pricing with Vendr to access percentile-based benchmarks, competitive comparisons, and negotiation patterns for similar scope.
This guide is updated regularly to reflect recent Coalfire pricing and negotiation trends. Consider revisiting it ahead of any new purchase or renewal to account for changing market conditions. Last updated: February 2026.