Voice-Enabling Microsoft 365 GCC High for Government Agencies and Contractors
CallTower, in partnership with Team Consulting Inc. (TCI), successfully implemented a secure Microsoft 365 GCC High solution for an undisclosed government agency, enabling them to meet strict security requirements while enhancing collaboration and communication.
About the Agency
This undisclosed government agency plays a critical role in the United States intelligence community, overseeing top-level budgetary and advisory functions for intelligence matters related to national security. Their mission is to integrate and coordinate intelligence efforts across multiple agencies to protect the homeland and U.S. interests abroad.
The Challenge
Government contractors and agencies faced significant challenges adapting to modern communication tools during the COVID era while adhering to strict security standards. A recently mandated requirement, OMB M-22-09, introduced Federal Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA), which includes:
- Strict identity verification and explicit permissions for all network access.
- Data encryption requirements to protect sensitive information.
The standard version of Microsoft 365 lacked the necessary security enhancements to meet these requirements. To achieve the collaborative power of Microsoft Teams while complying with M-22-09, the agency needed a qualified provider of Microsoft 365 GCC High, a version specifically designed for government agencies and contractors.
Why CallTower?
Referred by Microsoft to Team Consulting Inc. (TCI), the agency sought a trusted provider for GCC High. TCI identified CallTower, a global leader in cloud-based unified communications, as the ideal partner. With years of experience implementing Microsoft 365 GCC High, CallTower was uniquely positioned to meet the agency’s needs.
The Solution
TCI and CallTower collaborated to address the agency’s security and communication requirements. CallTower’s expertise as a long-time GCC High provider ensured a smooth implementation process, overcoming the challenges of meeting M-22-09 compliance.
Key Features of the Solution
- Teams-Enabled Audio Conferencing: Secure conferencing capabilities for internal teams and external partners.
- Direct Routing Telephony: Enabled dial-in conferencing and PSTN calling through Microsoft Teams, just like the commercial version of Microsoft 365.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Microsoft 365 GCC High, with CallTower’s integrations, allowed government contractors to collaborate securely and effectively.
“CallTower’s voice-enabled Microsoft 365 GCC High solution fills a void in the government sector that is currently filled with limitations. We enable and remove these limitations for our valuable government contractor community to easily connect and collaborate—which is central to our mission.”
– William Rubio, Chief Revenue Officer, CallTower
“Microsoft 365 GCC High will help our Federal Government clients meet the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) mandated M-22-09 requirement to move towards a Federal Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) and data encryption standards.”
– Bruce Hargrave, CEO, Team Consulting Inc.
The Results
After CallTower’s white-glove implementation process, the government agency achieved a secure and collaborative communication system. Key benefits included:
1. Secure and Seamless Communication
- Teams-enabled audio conferencing and direct routing telephony provided secure, reliable communication for internal and external stakeholders.
2. Enhanced Collaboration
- Microsoft 365 GCC High, with CallTower’s integrations, empowered government contractors to collaborate more effectively in a secure environment.
3. Compliance with Federal Standards
- The solution fully complied with:
- OMB M-22-09 for Zero-Trust Architecture.
- FedRAMP High standards.
- Department of Defense Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (SRG) for Impact Level 5 (L5) information.
GSA Schedule Award
Following the successful implementation, CallTower and TCI were awarded a GSA Schedule, simplifying the acquisition process for government customers. This long-term government-wide contract provides:
- Streamlined Procurement: Pre-negotiated pricing and a simplified acquisition process through a Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC).
- Sole Source Contracts: TCI’s SBA 8(a) certification allows sole source contracts up to $4.5 million, reducing procurement timelines and accelerating technology implementation.
“We are incredibly excited to be awarded a GSA schedule in order to provide our government customers with a smooth and streamlined purchasing experience. This will open the door for many new organizations to experience the enterprise-class UCaaS and CCaaS solutions and support that only CallTower can offer.”
– William Rubio, Chief Revenue Officer, CallTower
About CallTower
CallTower is your trusted partner for seamless, intelligent communication solutions. We specialize in:
- Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS).
- Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS).
- Conversational AI (CAI) technologies.
Our innovative and scalable solutions are designed to:
- Streamline workflows.
- Optimize IT infrastructure.
- Empower businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow with ease.
At CallTower, we redefine communication by combining innovation and expertise to drive meaningful connections and lasting success.