Microsoft GCC High for CMMC Compliance

At Planet Technologies, we don’t just understand Microsoft GCC High — we helped pioneer its use. As one of the first Microsoft-authorized AOS-G license resellers for GCC and GCC High (under 500 seats), Planet has long been a trusted partner to organizations navigating stringent compliance standards like CMMC 2.0, DFARS 7012, and NIST 800-171.

From startups with just a few users to large systems integrators with thousands, we’ve supported contractors and suppliers within the Defense Industrial Base at every stage of their compliance journey. Our proven CMMC Single Solution approach helps clients implement GCC High environments that meet federal security mandates, regardless of organizational size or contract complexity.

We have led intricate GCCH migrations and built secure greenfield environments using the full Microsoft stack, including Microsoft 365 GCC High, Azure Government, Power Platform, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Compliance. We also support clean-slate, greenfield environments for rapid and compliant onboarding. Our unmatched understanding of secure cloud architecture positions us as a strategic advisor for organizations tackling CMMC readiness and beyond.

Microsoft GCC High is a secure Microsoft 365 cloud environment built on Azure Government and designed for organizations that manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), export-controlled data, or other sensitive federal content. It enables compliance with CMMC 2.0 Level 2 and 3, DFARS 7012, NIST 800-171, and ITAR regulations.

With FedRAMP High certification and hosted in U.S.-based data centers with screened personnel, GCCH enables compliance with federal standards including CMMC 2.0 Level 2 and 3, DFARS 7012, NIST 800-171, and ITAR. It is the trusted choice for the Defense Industrial Base and companies supporting Department of Defense contracts.

CMMC 2.0 requires contractors to meet strict cybersecurity standards, especially for Level 2 and Level 3 certifications. Microsoft GCCH is designed to meet those standards, providing the necessary safeguards, documentation support, and auditability.

It aligns with frameworks like DFARS 7012, NIST 800-171, and ITAR, and supports the storage, processing, and transmission of CUI. For most organizations pursuing CMMC certification, GCC High is not just ideal—it is expected.

Planet’s solution for CMMC assessment readiness supports clients through both AOS-G licensing and end-to-end deployment services. As a member of Microsoft’s exclusive authorized partner program, we maintain direct access to the GCC High product team—giving our clients insight into compliance roadmaps, updates, and technical best practices.

Previously, Microsoft required a 500-seat minimum to access GCC High. Through the AOS-G program, Planet now offers licensing to small and mid-sized organizations with no minimum user count. This flexibility has also benefited large enterprises seeking tailored solutions over the past two years.

Microsoft GCC High is required or strongly recommended for organizations within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and any business that supports the Department of Defense or federal agencies.

If your organization manages CUI, handles ITAR-restricted content, or needs to meet DFARS 7012 and CMMC 2.0 compliance, GCC High offers the secure cloud environment needed to fulfill those obligations. Planet’s AOS-G licensing model also removes traditional barriers for small and mid-sized companies to access GCCH without the former 500-seat minimum.

While Microsoft GCC and GCC High are both part of the Microsoft 365 Government platform, they serve different compliance requirements.

GCC is suitable for most public sector entities, but it does not support ITAR data, export controls, or the high-level security requirements mandated for many defense contractors.

GCC High, on the other hand, is built on Azure Government, hosted in isolated U.S. data centers, and staffed by screened U.S. personnel—making it the required choice for handling CUI and meeting CMMC Level 2 or higher.