Migrating to Microsoft GCC High is a high-stakes project, especially for contractors handling CUI, ITAR data, or pursuing CMMC compliance. It’s not just about moving data—it’s about aligning your organization with federal cybersecurity mandates.
But not all migration partners are created equal. Before signing with a vendor, ask these five critical questions to ensure your GCC High migration services provider is up to the task.
1. Are You an Authorized AOS-G Partner?
GCC High licenses must be procured through an Authorized Government Cloud Solution Provider (AOS-G). Without this status:
Your migration may be delayed
You may not be eligible for tenant provisioning
Microsoft may reject your licensing request
✅ Make sure your partner can legally and quickly provide licenses and validate eligibility.
2. Have You Done This Before—for Defense Contractors Like Us?
Experience matters. Ask for examples of:
Prior GCC High migrations in your industry
Environments similar in size and complexity
Experience handling ITAR, EAR, or DFARS compliance
✅ You want a partner who speaks the language of federal compliance, not just Office 365.
3. Do You Include Security and Compliance Configuration Post-Migration?
Moving to GCC High is only part of the journey. A quality partner will:
Configure Conditional Access, Defender, Purview, and DLP
Help you align to CMMC or NIST 800-171
Conduct post-migration reviews and security hardening
✅ Compliance isn’t automatic—it must be built.
4. Can You Support Identity, Teams, and Application Migration?
Migrating isn’t just mailboxes. You may need help with:
Azure AD identity management
Microsoft Teams and SharePoint data
Line-of-business applications and third-party integrations
✅ Choose a partner who can handle the full environment, not just email.
5. What’s Your Timeline and Process?
A rushed migration can break things; a disorganized one can take forever. Ask for:
A structured project plan
Timeline for licensing, provisioning, and cutover
Support for end-user training and adoption
✅ Look for a proven methodology and transparency at every step.