Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility

SCIF Secure Repository

Modular and Portable construction for high security electronic information that is processed, discussed, and/or stored. Government work and government-related contract work require a SCIF. 

All SCIFs require specialized construction and security measures (including electronic and TEMPEST security). Every SCIF is designed and constructed according to the purpose of the facility and location. Thus, no two SCIFs are the same in construction and security measures. SCIF planning and design begins with a sponsorship by an Accrediting Official (AO) to ensure security oversight and quality control throughout development.

Design & Build Supplier, Distributor & Manufacturer

ICD 705, ICS 705-1, and ICS 705-2 Compliant Requirements

Individual physical and technical SCIF requirements are assessed by an AO and a construction Site Security Manager (SSM). Both the AO and SSM will take the customer’s needs, purpose of the facility, location, and environmental factors into consideration when designing and in the management of the construction of a SCIF. 

Consult, Plans and Planning of Features of Buildings, Containers and Security

Specialists in Access Control for Accredited SCIFs

For the Operation checklist of Management of a SCIF, refer to this guide for security and data protection.

Note: The features listed below will vary depending on the risk assessments done by your AO and SSM.

• Perimeter
  • Radio Frequency (RF) protection by a Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA)
  • Depending on design, walls may include TEMPEST countermeasures
  • Acoustic and physical protection from outside security threats
• Access Control Systems (ACS)
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
• Compartmented areas (CA) that provide separation between control systems, compartments, and workstations. Some features of a CA include:
  • Closed Storage – for storage when information is not in use
  • Open Storage – access controlled storage
  • SWA (Secure Working Areas) – used in discussing, handling, and/or processing secure information
  • TSWA (Temporary Secure Working Areas) – for temporary use of discussing, handling, and/or processing secure information
• Interior vaults and security doors for access control
• Emergency exists and notification systems

Note: SCIFs outside the United States including Temporary, Airborne, and Shipboard SCIFs , vessel and maritime have more detailed requirements in addition to the features listed above. Those requirements can be found in Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities.

Does your facility require a SCIF? KL Security offers SCIF Container Solutions with panelized modular systems for scalable modular, portable, & mobile requirements.  We assist in the acquisition of modular facilities for DoD & Government Access Control and ICD705 SCIFs or SAPF facilities. We also assist with special access control planning and commercial business security.

Call 866-867-0306 or email [email protected] to see how the experts at KL Security can assist your facility in security needs.

Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities

SCIF Container Series | Part 1: Site Evaluation

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only.

What is a ‘SCIF’? SCIF stands for: Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. SCIFs are used as locations for sensitive and/or confidential information to be discussed or shared. Many government and private entities utilize SCIFs to safeguard information. The ‘situation room’ in the White House is inarguably the most famous SCIF in the world. The steps we will share with you in this series will highlight the steps taken in acquiring a SCIF.

The first step in acquiring a SCIF, as it is with any security protocol, is recognizing & identifying the need. Every SCIF is constructed independent of another and individual facility needs & risks are addressed and evaluated prior to construction.

Risk Management Process:

The Accrediting Official (AO) and Site Security Manager (SSM) evaluate threats, vulnerabilities, and assets to determine countermeasures needed.

1. Threat Analysis
   • The capability, intent, and opportunity of an adversary to exploit or damage assets and/or information is assessed.
2. Vulnerability Analysis
   • The susceptibility of attack to a procedure, facility, information system, equipment or policy is assessed.
3. Probability Analysis
   • The probability of an adverse action, incident, or attack is assessed.
4. Consequence Analysis
   • The consequences of an adverse event are assessed: loss of resources, monetary cost, mission impact, and/or program functionality.
5. Security in Depth (SID)
   • SID includes factors that increase and enhance the probability of detecting threats to SCIFs before the occurrence of an incident. These are additional protection methods taken to further safeguard confidential information/materials.
   • SID is mandatory for locations (containing SCIFs) located outside of the United States due to increased threats.
   • Examples of SID factors:
     • Dedicated response force of U.S. personnel
       • Ex: military bases, embassies, government compounds, contractor compounds with military guard
     • Controlled buildings
       • Containing: separate building access controls, alarms, elevator controls, stairwell controls, etc. required to gain entry into building or thoroughfares leading to SCIF
     • Controlled office areas
       • Must maintain alarm equipment if adjacent to SCIF
     • Fenced compounds
       • Gated entry controlled by security staff and/or access codes
     • Additional mitigations may be developed if deemed necessary to prevent unauthorized entry

Security plans should be coordinated with the AO before construction plans are designed, materials ordered, or contracts signed. Any non-standard methods used to meet security protection levels must be documented & approved by the AO and must at least equal or exceed the level of standard.

Does your facility require a SCIF? KL Security offers SCIF Container Solutions with panelized modular systems for scalable modular, portable, & mobile requirements.  We assist in the acquisition of modular facilities for DoD & Government Access Control and ICD705 SCIFs or SAPF facilities. We also assist with special access control planning and commercial business security.

Call 866-867-0306 or email [email protected] to see how the experts at KL Security can assist your facility in security needs.

Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only.