Tag: security requirements

SCIF vs. SAPF

By: Colene King

 

SCIF and SAPF high security facilities appear identical and are used for the same function: to store, utilize, and discuss sensitive information. Their delineation occurs in their intended user.

 

 

When it comes to the construction of new SCIFs and SAPFs, there are strict guidelines that must be followed. These guidelines are laid out in the ICD 705 Technical Specifications (Tech Spec, for short). The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) establishes the guidelines & standards set forth in the ICD 705. ODNI is responsible for the management, processing, and safeguarding of information for the United States.

 

Some of the construction items covered in the ICD 705 include:

  • Physical Security and Hardening
  • Acoustic Controls
  • Visual Controls
  • Alarms and Access Control
  • Electronic and TEMPEST Security

Prior to the roll out of the ICD 705 (2010), SCIFs and SAPFs were built with different standards and processes. When the Tech Spec came out, it created a set of mutually accepted standards to ensure the safeguarding of national security.

 

In 2004, the Department of Defense began using their own set of standards and processes for SAPFs to protect national security. The DoD followed the guidelines of a document titled JAFAN 6/9.

 

The intelligence community, on the other hand, had a different set of standards prior to the ICD 705 being released. Beyond that, each agency within the intelligence community followed their own set of standards when it came to classified information. This made it nearly impossible to repurpose a SCIF to be used by another agency. The facility would need to undergo a significant renovation to become usable by the new agency.

 

When the ICD 705 was created in 2010, each agency in the intelligence community adopted these standards. The adoption of uniform standards within the ICD 705 allowed SCIFs to be easily repurposed between agencies.

 

However, the DoD was a later adopter; it took six years for this organization to implement the Tech Specs. In 2016, the Department of Defense integrated ICD 705 into their own 5205.7 manual. This created more reciprocity between the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

 

SCIFs and SAPFs are now both built to the same standards, however, some procedural standards for facility accreditation don’t align. Each facility appoints an Accrediting Official; this delegate is responsible for accrediting the space and entering the facility’s information into the national repository.

 

Although SCIFs and SAPFs aren’t identical, they are more reciprocal now than they’ve ever been. Whether you are looking for a SCIF or a SAPF, KL Security is here to help you along the way. You can trust us to stay current will any and all construction standards required to safeguard sensitive information.

 

For more information or to request a quote

Call 866-867-0306 or email [email protected]

KL Security Partnering With Adamo For All Your SCIF Needs

By: Colene King


 

It’s always refreshing to find a company that shares the same values as your own: a company that has a customer-focused culture and pays attention to exactly what the customer has in mind. KL Security is excited to announce that we have recently partnered with Adamo, a customer-focused company that is one of the world’s leading experts in advancing the security and the construction of SCIFs.

 

Adamo began in 1962 as a design and build general contractor. By 1982, they began designing and constructing classified spaces. By the 1990s, Adamo was focusing on the high-end security market. Adamo has designed and built more than 600 projects within their 60+ years of operation. Within each project, Adamo consistently strives for excellence and meets accreditation requirements.

 

The term “SCIF” stands for:

Sensitive

Compartmented

Information

Facilities

 

SCIFs are used as a site for sensitive and confidential information to be discussed or shared. They are utilized by government and private entities to protect information. A SCIF could be a secure room or data center that shields against electronic surveillance and prevents data leakage of sensitive information.

 

There are several security concerns that need to be addressed when building a SCIF:

 

– Physical Security and Hardening

– Acoustic Controls

– Visual Controls

– Alarms and Access Controls

– Electronic and TEMPEST Security

 

Each SCIF has to be built to very specific standards. These standards are all laid out in the ICD (Intelligence Community Directive) 705 Tech Spec manual. This manual is managed and maintained by ODNI (Office of the Director of National Intelligence). ODNI is in charge of managing, processing, and safeguarding information for the entire country. The purpose of the 705 policy is to create a set of mutually accepted standards that will safeguard national security information.

 

For a great explanation of the ICD 705 and ODNI, watch Adamo’s video linked below:

 


KL Security is excited to be offering Adamo’s line of Rapid SCIFs. This is a line of predesigned 20-foot ISO shipping containers that are ready to be built to the ICD 705 standards. These Rapid SCIFs allow the customer to skip over the lengthy design process and go straight to the design approval. Rapid SCIFs are the fastest and most cost-efficient option to build a secure space ensured to meet security requirements.


Check out Adamo’s quick video below on why a Rapid SCIF could be your best option:



Below are the 5 Rapid SCIF options KL Security will be offering:

Workstations Accommodates 1-4 workstations and include a work surface plus two (2) shielded Cat 6 network connections per workstation.
Workstations – Accommodates 1-4 workstations and includes a work surface plus two (2) shielded Cat 6 network connections per workstation.

 

 

High-Density Workstations – Accommodates 5-8 workstations and includes a work surface plus two (2) shielded Cat 6 network connections per workstation.

 

 

Server Room – Built to hold up to four server racks (24”x36”), plus one (1) IT workstation with receptacle and 1 shielded Cat 6 network connection.
Conference Room – Serves as a meeting or briefing room to hold up to 8 people (no workstations). One dry-erase display wall included. Furnishings can be included for additional fee.
Storage Containers – Serves as a secure storage room. Includes 6 electrical receptacles.

Each of these 20-foot ISO shipping containers is built to ICD 705 standards.

 

Included in each Rapid SCIF:

– Intrusion Detection System

– Access Control System

– Video Surveillance (CCTV)

– Cooling System

– Unlimited Accreditation Consulting Support



To request full details for each Rapid SCIF, click the button below.



When beginning the design process for a SCIF, there are several requirements, regulations, and government directives that must be met. Upon recognizing the need for a SCIF, knowing where to begin and how to begin can seem daunting. Adamo’s construction experience and KL Security’s client service together pair to successfully guide the project every step of the way.


Our partners are the core of our mutual success. Our foundation is built on strong relationships with our partners, leading by example, listening to the needs of clients, and getting the job done right every time.


ICD 705 Tech Specs:

https://www.dni.gov/files/Governance/IC-Tech-Specs-for-Const-and-Mgmt-of-SCIFs-v15.pdf


THC & Tennessee: Legislators Working to Legalize Marijuana

UPDATE:

March 10, 2020

A bill was introduced to the Tennessee House of Representatives proposing the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use. The measure, House Bill 637, was introduced by Representatives Ron Travis & Jason Hodges.

The Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act (House Bill 637) provides framework for establishing regulatory organizations, basic rules, approved conditions, and tax allocation.

You can read the bill in its entirety here.

January 28, 2020

Several politicians in Tennessee are diligently trying to bring the green market to the Smokey Mountains. A bill was drafted last year, but at the 11th hour decidedly not introduced. The authors felt the bill lacked support, and deemed more conversation was needed with various state agencies and departments to garner backing before bringing to the floor.

 

Earlier this month, medical marijuana supporters pleaded with law enforcement to support the law should it be brought forth. Police are struggling to reconcile federal law with hypothetical state law. Marijuana is still scheduled within the same class as Heroin federally, and possession over a ½ ounce in Tennessee is a felony3.

 

Yesterday, State Senator Raumesh Akbari filed a bill to legalize the sale of marijuana to all citizens over the age of 21. Historically, states will legalize marijuana for medicinal use first. This jumps this initial step and goes directly to the complete decriminalization and legal sale. Senator Akbari’s bill is exuberant and enthusiastic given the climate in Tennessee. Perhaps he’s hoping this bill will be the harbinger for change; even if it’s minimal compared to his current requests.

 

“Tennessee’s tough-on-crime possession laws have trapped too many of our citizens in cycles of poverty, and they haven’t actually stopped anyone from obtaining marijuana,” Akbari said, as quoted by the Memphis Flyer. “The enforcement of these laws in particular [has] cost our state billions, contributed to a black market that funds criminal organizations and accelerated the growth of incarceration in Tennessee’s jails and prisons. Tennesseans deserve better.” – Senator Raumesh Akbari, High Times Magazine 1

 

Senators Steve Dickerson and Janice Bowling are both vocal in their support for medical marijuana and have expressed intentions to introduce legislature in 2020. They will face obstruction from Governor Bill Lee; he opposes the legalization of marijuana for medical use.

 

The winds of change are sweeping the nation. Will Tennessee be among the next batch of states to enter the green rush? We shall soon see.

 

At KL Security, we have a proven track record for helping cannabis growers, processors, transportation and retail dispensaries with security planning and operational protocols to meet compliance with state laws and security requirements. Utilizing the Total Harvest Coverage methodology for cannabis facility security plans as well as cannabis business operation improvements, we have successful projects in facilities in multiple states, including the Midwest,  helping leading cannabis businesses and CRB meet state requirements for compliance in the ever changing world of cannabis legalization and decriminalization.

 

 

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

 

  1. Edward, Thomas. January 27, 2020. Tennessee Senator Files Bill to Allow Sale and Taxation of Marijuana. High Times Magazine. Retrieved from: https://hightimes.com/news/tennessee-senator-files-bill-to-allow-sale-and-taxation-of-marijuana/
  2. Kelman, Brett. January 9, 2020. Medical marijuana advocates urge Tennessee police not to oppose new legislation. The Nashville Tennessean. Retrieved from: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/09/medical-marijuana-tennessee-advocates-new-bill/2835015001/
  3. norml.com

 

 

DEA Allowing Applicants for Marijuana Research Facilities

The amount of marijuana researchers has increased by 40% in two years. With the dramatic increase in the number of approved researchers, comes a colossal increase in demand for researchable product. Until this past fall, the University of Mississippi was the only approved producer for medical marijuana for research purposes.

 

As the country moves toward legalization, the Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes the need for better quantity and quality of THC products for researchers. Americans want legal weed, but they want to know the scientific pros and cons as well. This also allows cannabis companies to fund research to better their products, just like pharmaceutical companies.

 

Meet all of the security requirements for Controlled Substance Storage for Schedule I – V with a variety of UL Listed TL-15, TL-30 and TL-60 safes and ArmorStor Vaults

Marijuana is currently classified as a schedule I drug (at the federal level). These production facilities will be held to the same standards as other manufacturers of similarly scheduled products.

While individual states have created security requirements for compliance, cannabis is still subject to DEA rules and restrictions. Per the Code of Federal Regulations 21CFR 1301.72 As such, our vault rooms are rated per UL 608 Standards as follows:

  • UL Class 1 Vault(30 minutes torch and tool resistance)
  • UL Class 2 Vault(60 minutes torch and tool resistance)
  • UL Class 3 Vault(120 minutes torch and tool resistance)

 

When you’re ready to begin the process of security planning for your cannabis business operation, the consultants at KL Security are available to assist with facility security plans, security equipment, ArmorStor Compliant vaults and more. Well versed in government regulations and recent legal mandates, we are prepared to help your business plan and pass requirements for Cannabis facility design and security programming.

 

Information taken from www.DEA.gov

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

 

 

 

Legalizing Marijuana for Medicinal Use in Kentucky

UPDATE:

February 13, 2020–In August 2019, State Representative Jason Nemes was optimistic about the potential success of a bill he co-sponsored. This bill, House Bill 136, would legalize marijuana for medicinal use in Kentucky.

 

Yesterday (Wednesday, February 12, 2020), HB 136 passed the House Judiciary Committee 17-1. The bill now moves on to the House of Representatives, where Nemes expects it to pass.

 

“We won the battle in the House committee,” Nemes said. “It’s almost, pretty much over in the House of Representatives. Now we’ve got to let our senators understand where you are and educate them on the bill.”  – Jason Nemes1

 

Sources & Helpful Links

  1. Desroches, Daniel. February 12, 2020. Medical Marijuana bill clears KY House panel, gains momentum heading into House vote. Lexington Heard Leader. Retrieved from: https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article240232736.html

Kentucky House Bill 136

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/hb136.html

___________________________________

August 16, 2019 –Kentucky politicians are and have been optimistic about the legal status of marijuana within their state. “State Rep. Jason Nemes of Louisville predicts medical marijuana will be legal in Kentucky within the next year. The Louisville Republican has co-sponsored a bill that he believes addresses most of the past concerns about medical marijuana…’ Fundamentally, we’re going to have, I believe, medical marijuana in Kentucky within the next year,’ said Nemes. ‘I strongly believe that.’”  [1]

as a premier partner of Total Harvest Coverage, we help businesses with security plans, architectural planning and programming and design of compliant solutions for cannabis facilities.

Mr. Nemes was a little off on his prediction. We are fast approaching the one-year mark from when Mr. Nemes made this prediction. Kentucky has moved closer, and many are sure the legislation will pass in the upcoming session. The community of Louisville has agreed that possession of small quantities of marijuana shouldn’t be a priority for law enforcement. [2]

Jason Nemes is co-sponsor of House Bill 136, legislation to legalize and regulate marijuana for medicinal use in Kentucky. In March of 2019, the House Judiciary Committee approved this bill almost unanimously [3].

This bill proposes that a new organization be formed within the powers of state government to regulate the medicinal marijuana industry, ‘The Department for Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control’. While there is no legislation to review as of yet, it would appear that their requirements and guidelines for facilities will mirror those of Michigan and Illinois. Why not mirror your midwestern neighbors if their system is working efficiently?

A recent story posted by High Times, indicates that even though cannabis remains illegal in Kentucky, the state has the highest per capita rate of plants destroyed by the DEA. Approximately 80 percent of voters in the State of Kentucky favor reform or legalization of cannabis and marijuana plants and products. Kentucky house bill HB 136 would provide for improved access for medicinal marijuana. Security plans and requirements have yet to be released or published as of this article.

In other news, Hempwood and hemp processing facilities are up and running in Murray, Kentucky

 

KL Security is able to help at all levels of the supply chain:

Deter Diversion & Theft with Security Planning and Cannabis Facility Design Standards

Reinforced Vault Rooms & Custom Vaults of All Sizes

Smart Cash Management Safes & CashControl Software

  • Ideal for Retail Dispensaries in Kentucky, Growers & Cash Businesses

Bulletproof Glass, Doors and Retail Dispensary Design & Build

Security Cameras, Recorders and Software for Surveillance and Cash in Transit

 

[1] Lawmaker says medical marijuana will be legal in Ky. ‘within the next year’. (2018, August 24). Retrieved from: https://www.wdrb.com/news/lawmaker-says-medical-marijuana-will-be-legal-in-ky-within/article_62e82cd3-ef4a-5491-a7de-f5dd13a6ac82.html

[2] Costello, Darcy. (2019, June 19) “Louisville is moving closer to telling police not to prioritize marijuana possession”. Louisville Courier Journal. Retrieved from: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/metro-government/2019/06/19/louisville-moves-closer-effectively-decriminalizing-pot/1499214001/

[3] Cheves, John. (2019, March 6) Medical marijuana approved by Kentucky House panel. More legislative hurdles remain. Lexington Herald Leader. Retrieved from: https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article227177759.html

 

Helpful Links:
Code of Federal Regulations: Title 21

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=205.50

 

Kentucky House Bill 136

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/19rs/hb136.html

 

When you’re ready to begin the process of securing your facility, the consultants at KL Security are available to assist. Well versed in government regulations and recent legal mandates, we are prepared to ensure your business will pass requirements.

TOLL FREE 1-866-867-0306

[email protected]

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. All license information and security measures taken directly from the Code of Federal Regulations: 21CFR205.50

Image source: http://thesource.com/2018/10/30/weed-marijuana-2018-midterm-elections/