Navigating Government Sector Compliance: CMMC and GCC High

In the world of government sector compliance there are two acronyms that have received a lot of attention – CMMC and GCC High. These acronyms are not just industry jargon; they hold importance for government agencies as they navigate their operations.

In this blog post we aim to provide an understanding of what CMMC compliance entails and also address any concerns regarding the costs associated with Microsoft GCC licenses. So lets explore the realm of government sector compliance, where data security and regulatory adherence play a role.

To make it even simpler for you to grasp these terms take a look, at the image, below which provides an overview:

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Table of Contents hide

1 What is GCC High and What Does it Stand for?

2 Is there a difference between GCC and GCC High?

2.1 What is CMMC?

2.1.1 Do you have any CMMC compliance inquiries?

2.1.2 Does CMMC require GCC High?

2.1.3 How to get GCC license?

What is GCC High and What Does it Stand for?

Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) High is a cloud platform developed by Microsoft. This means that Microsoft operates this cloud solution, within its data centers spread across the United States. Moreover it offers capabilities to ensure compliance requirements when handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

The Microsoft 365 suite includes GCC High. It acts as a complement to Microsoft Azure Government, which serves as the foundation for building IT infrastructures.

DoD contractors and members of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) use GCC High to protect government data. It effectively manages Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Critical Technical Information (CTI), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Is there a difference between GCC and GCC High?

The key contrast between Microsoft GCC and GCC High boils down to where they keep your important data or CUI. Microsoft GCC High relies on Microsoft’s US Sovereign Cloud. It’s located in the US and can only be accessed by Microsoft staff who are US citizens with special clearances. In contrast, GCC shares the same cloud as Microsoft’s regular commercial services and is accessible to Microsoft personnel worldwide.

Microsoft GCC and GCC High are more secure versions of the standard Microsoft 365 for everyday office use. These options help meet regulations like DFARS 7012 and CMMC. Grasping rasp the differences between them and how they affect DoD contractors aiming to stay compliant are crucial.

What is CMMC?

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification or (CMMC) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) initiative that is relevant to Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors. It acts as a cohesive standard and certification framework to make sure that DoD contractors correctly safeguard sensitive information.

CMMC ensures your cybersecurity plan includes continuous monitoring and improvements to prevent potential cyber threats. Following CMMC’s risk management procedures validates crucial cybersecurity compliance measures, essential for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI).

At present, only DoD contractors must follow CMMC requirements. However, the DoD is gradually introducing certification mandates for certain contracts. In the future, CMMC may expand to cover all government contractors beyond the DoD.

Do you have any CMMC compliance inquiries?

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Does CMMC require GCC High?

A simple answer to that question is no.

But you will require GCC High if you handle, generate, or possess any of the following types of information:

• Specified CUI mandating US Sovereignty

• Controlled Defense Information

• CUI marked NOFORN

• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

• Export Controlled CUI

• Federal Criminal Justice Information Systems

• Nuclear Information (FERC/NERC)

• NASA-related information

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

This list doesn’t cover all the types of information that require GCC High. But, it includes the ones that consistently need GCC High compliance.

Additionally, GCC High stands out as a top choice for those dealing with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) because of:

• Most teams already are familiar with the Microsoft 365 suite, making the transition even easier.

• Moving between different cloud environments necessitates a complete migration process. So, choosing GCC High now can save you time and effort if you anticipate dealing with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the future.

• If your organization currently manages or foresees the handling of export-controlled data regulated by ITAR or EAR, the suitable choice is GCC High. The standard commercial and GCC (non-High) versions of Office 365 lack the capability to support export-controlled information.

How to get GCC license?

To position your company for Department of Defense contract bids, full compliance with CMMC certification requirements is mandatory. Navigating each individual practice and the essential steps for successful assessment can be a complex and overwhelming process. There’s no need for you to be in this alone.

ECF Data is thrilled to announce that we’ve earned Microsoft’s trust as an AOS-G partner. This means that we have the authorization to offer pricing, licensing, migration assistance, and ongoing support for Azure Government and GCC High. This caters to a wide range of government entities, including Federal, State, and Local Governments. We’re also here to assist DoD Contractors and the agencies that support them.

Our ECF Data team can assist the defense industry in meeting the new Cyber Security Maturity Model Certification requirements. We’re excited to be part of this critical mission.

Contact us to connect with our certified experts and learn how we can help you with your CMMC compliance concerns.

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