Not every organization needs to be in GCC High—but for those who do, the consequences of waiting too long can be costly. Whether you're preparing for CMMC, working with the Department of Defense (DoD), or handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), there are clear signals that it’s time to upgrade your environment.
Here are five signs your organization is ready to take the next step with GCC High migration services.
1. You're Handling CUI or ITAR Data
If your organization manages data that falls under Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), operating in a commercial Microsoft 365 tenant may no longer be compliant.
Why it matters:
CUI requires secure, government-aligned cloud environments
ITAR data mandates U.S. personnel and data residency restrictions
Failing to protect CUI can result in fines, lost contracts, or disqualification
2. You Need to Meet CMMC Level 2 or Higher
CMMC 2.0 has made it clear: organizations at Level 2 must demonstrate strong cybersecurity controls—and host CUI in a compliant environment.
GCC High migration services provide the infrastructure necessary to meet these requirements and prepare for audits with confidence.
3. Your Prime Contractor Is Requiring It
Even if you're not working directly with the DoD, prime contractors may require that their subcontractors operate in GCC High to ensure secure data flow throughout the supply chain.
Common scenarios include:
Flow-down clauses for CUI
Joint projects involving sensitive defense data
Anticipated audits at the subcontractor level
4. You're Facing Compliance Bottlenecks
Are compliance tasks taking longer than expected? Are assessments revealing gaps tied to your Microsoft 365 environment?
These are red flags that include:
Inability to demonstrate FedRAMP High alignment
Struggles with data residency or audit logs
Tools or configurations limited by commercial tenant restrictions
5. You’re Planning for Growth in Federal Work
If your organization is preparing to expand its federal business, don’t wait until compliance is a barrier. Migrating now positions you to:
Win contracts faster
Streamline onboarding of new secure projects
Avoid future rework and remediation