Can developers develop an application on Azure Gov development outside the U.S.?

Question

Can a U.S. entity of an MNC IT company have access to Azure Government and can it allow non-US developers (outside the U.S.) to access Azure Gov Portal and development environment?

Answer 1

Azure Government is a dedicated cloud platform designed to meet the stringent security and compliance requirements of U.S. federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as their partners. It enforces physical isolation from non-U.S. government infrastructure and relies on screened U.S. personnel for operations.

Can a U.S. entity of a multinational IT company access Azure Government?

Yes, U.S. entities of multinational IT companies can access Azure Government, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Microsoft has expanded the qualification requirements to include non-government service providers and contractors who can demonstrate eligibility through a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) System for Award Management (SAM) registration. This change facilitates access for organizations pursuing government contracts or those involved in the supply chain for government projects.

Can non-U.S. developers access the Azure Government portal and development environment?

Access to Azure Government is primarily intended for U.S. government agencies and their partners, with operations managed by screened U.S. personnel. While the eligibility criteria have been broadened, the platform enforces physical isolation from non-U.S. government infrastructure. Therefore, allowing non-U.S. developers to access the Azure Government portal and development environment may not align with these stringent security and compliance requirements.

For detailed guidance on developing applications within Azure Government, refer to the Azure Government developer guide.