Overview
Microsoft Government Community Cloud (GCC) is a cloud service offered by Microsoft that is specifically designed for the needs of government agencies. This service provides a secure and compliant environment for the storage, processing, and management of sensitive government data and applications. With GCC, government agencies can take advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing while still meeting their specific security and compliance requirements.
One of the key features of GCC is its compliance with various regulations such as FedRAMP, DoD IL2 and IL4, and CJIS. FedRAMP is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. The GCC has been assessed and authorized by the FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board (JAB) and is available to all federal agencies.
In addition to FedRAMP, GCC is also compliant with DoD IL2 and IL4. These are security controls established by the Department of Defense (DoD) for the protection of sensitive but unclassified information. GCC has been certified to meet these controls, making it a suitable option for government agencies that handle this type of data.
Furthermore, GCC is compliant with the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security policy. This policy establishes security standards for the protection of criminal justice information and is required by many state and local law enforcement agencies. By using GCC, these agencies can ensure that their sensitive data is protected in accordance with the CJIS security policy.
Another important feature of GCC is its high level of security. Microsoft has implemented a number of security measures to ensure the protection of government data, including physical security, network security, and data encryption. GCC also uses advanced threat detection and response capabilities to protect against cyber attacks.
In addition to security, GCC also provides a number of other benefits for government agencies. It offers a wide range of cloud services, including Azure, Office 365, and Dynamics 365. This allows government agencies to take advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing while still meeting their specific needs.
Microsoft Government Community Cloud (GCC) is a secure and compliant cloud service that is specifically designed for the needs of government agencies. It provides a compliant environment for the storage, processing, and management of sensitive government data and applications. With GCC, government agencies can take advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing while still meeting their specific security and compliance requirements.
Microsoft 365 Government (GCC) eligibility and validation
Microsoft 365 Government (GCC) is available to eligible government customers and non-government organizations sponsored to hold or process controlled information. The eligibility criteria for these two categories of customers are consistent across the Microsoft Government Cloud.
Both GCC and GCC High offerings are available to any customer that is eligible for the Microsoft Government Cloud, and the DoD environment is for the exclusive use of the U.S. Department of Defense. Service availability and price differ, and GCC remains the hero offering for all customers that do not hold FedRAMP High or DoD controlled unclassified information (CUI).
An eligible government customer is defined by one the following:
- A federal agency, defined as a bureau, office, agency, department, or other entity of the U.S. Government.
- A state/local entity, defined as one of the following:
- Any agency of a state or local government in the U.S.
- Any U.S. county, borough, commonwealth, city, municipality, town, township, special purpose district, or other similar type of governmental instrumentality established by the laws of a customer’s state and located within the customer’s state’s jurisdiction and geographic boundaries.
- The District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands
- A tribal entity, defined as a federally recognized tribal entity eligible for funding and services from the U.S. Department of Interior by virtue of its status as an Indian tribe, or, in Alaska, a native village or Alaska Regional Native corporation
Non-government organizations who hold the following types of data and can provide the listed proofs qualify for the Microsoft Government Cloud validation process. A commercial private entity with data that is subject to regulations. Accepted government data types include:
An international commercial entity may qualify, though regulated data may be required to purchase the service through their US subsidiary. Proof of membership in one of the groups listed above will be required for access to Microsoft 365 Government (GCC) offerings.
- International Traffic in Arms (ITAR)
- Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Department of Defense (DoD) Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI)
- Department of Energy (DoE) UCNI
- Criminal Justice Information (CJI)
- Department of Defense Impact Level Data
- Other types of data that require Microsoft 365 Government (GCC).
How do I purchase Microsoft 365 Government (GCC)?
As an authorized Microsoft reseller, Ataira is able to offer Microsoft 365 Government to it’s customers. To purchase simply follow the normal checkout procedures and click the link to authorize Ataira as a Microsoft reseller for your organization. Once done, our support specialists will submit/verify your eligibility for the GCC environment. If your organization is not yet authorized you will be asked to submit information that can be used to verify your qualifications for the environment.
An important caveat to the provisioning process is that you may not mix GCC and non government subscriptions in the same tenant. If needed we can setup a new tenant to be validated and authorized or convert all (if applicable) subscriptions to GCC subscriptions in a current tenant. To see a list of all GCC subscriptions available follow the link below:
Click here to see a list of all Microsoft 365 licenses available