What is SCIF Construction? Depending on the nature and security level of an organization or it's processes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, or SCIF may be required. Certain government departments, contractors that have DOD contracts, and other groups that require high security are the primary users of SCIFs. The facilities are constructed according to the needs of the user and the SCIF's accrediting agency, but they typically include physical, audible, visual and electronic security. The minimum requirements for SCIFs are in the ICD 705 manual but they are not limited to those listed in the directive. Often, organizations that need SCIFs will require that all inside surfaces (walls ceilings, floors, etc.) be constructed so that they are attached to one another in order to reveal compromise or tampering. Additional materials may be required for wall construction, such as foil, steel or expanded metal, to provide physical insulation as well as protection from eavesdropping on audio intelligence within the SCIF. Further audible protection is possible through sound masking at windows, in duct work, or in other openings. SCIF doors must have a minimum solid thickness, have non-removable hinges inside the facility, and close automatically. All telephone, electrical power, security systems, data and emergency systems equipment must be dedicated to and contained within the SCIF construction to assure official use only. Whenever the conduit for any of these systems penetrate the SCIF perimeter, they must be treated to minimize to chance of compromise. Fire sprinkler systems that penetrate SCIF walls must be grounded. Additional shielding and isolation is often required to prevent interference or electronic eavesdropping through electromagnetic or radio frequencies. There are very specific requirements for duct work. If duct work for mechanical operations has openings in the SCIF larger than 96 square inches, they must be equipped with steel man bars that are 1/2-inch in diameter and 6” on center each way, welded at the intersections, with inspection ports inside the SCIF. The openings, the duct work and the duct breaks must also have linings to secure the sounds emitted within the SCIF. Choosing a SCIF Contractor or Consultant is a very important decision. There are many factors that weigh in on that decision such as Budget, timeline and most importantly Full Accreditation of your new SCIF. Due to the specialized nature of SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities), SAPF (Special Access Program Facilities) and RFSE (Radio Frequency Shielded Enclosures), the contractor's knowledge and experience will effect all of the above noted factors dramatically The best approach is to either hire a SCIF Specialty contractor that can both design and build your facility, or hire a SCIF specialty consultant in the early design phases of your project. This allows for significant money saving opportunities since the experience and knowledge of the SCIF Specialist can be relied upon during early planning phases. The number one most important question to ask is "Do you Guarantee that my SCIF will be

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accredited?" Without accreditation from the Accrediting Authority, the facility will not be functional as a SCIF. Secure Facilities, Inc. http://www.secfac.com

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