SCIF Container Series | Part 7: Modular SCIFs

Modular SCIFs include ground-based temporary SCIFs (T-SCIFs) and include those on mobile platforms such as trucks and trailers/containers, and SCIFs aboard aircrafts and on surface/subsurface vessels. Modular SCIFs are the most durable and cost effective SCIF in both design and manufacturing. These versatile SCIFs require less construction time than a regular SCIF and can be permanent or relocatable depending on your needs.

Modular SCIFs are constructed off-site and arrive at their destination wired and ready for use. Container SCIFs can be entirely customizable from height to interior details to meet your specialized needs. There’s no limit on size! The interior customization can include pre-wired workstations, conference areas, and secure server rooms.

T-SCIFs, depending on its design, can also be adjusted for future expansion to increase the longevity of your SCIF. For construction, modular SCIFs must adhere to the Fixed Facility checklist outlined in ICD 705. This includes acoustic, visual, and concealed entry protection. Cables and wires, as with all SCIFs, must be protected. Ground-based structures must be secured with GSA-approved locking devices and tamper-evident seals.

Depending on your needs, TEMPEST countermeasures, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and Access Control System (ACS) are optional features that can be included in T-SCIFs. It is ultimately up to the CTTA to decide if TEMPEST countermeasures are needed with your T-SCIF. The AO and CTTA will collaborate to provide red/black separation and protected distribution guidance for field installation in accordance with NSTISSAM TEMPEST 2/95 and 2/95A, and CNSSI 7003.

Storage and Site Security

Like other SCIFs, T-SCIFs have specific requirements for overall security and storage of materials. Aircrafts and surface/subsurface vessels require more security measures than ground-based T-SCIFs. Secure materials used inside a container SCIF must be limited to what is needed for operation. These materials must be stored in GSA-approved containers. The AO may approve exceptions to the storage of secure material in GSA-approved containers for a period of time.

When this secure material is no longer needed, it must be destroyed by a means approved by the AO. Once a T-SCIF is no longer in use, a SCI security official will inspect the facility to ensure all secure material has been removed.

It’s the AO’s responsibility to evaluate and assess operational risks associated with the location of the T-SCIF, specifically if it’s located in an area that is not U.S.-controlled. The AO will determine what area offers the greatest degree of protection against forced entry.

The T-SCIF will have only one entrance that will be controlled and monitored during the T-SCIF’s hours of operation by SCI-indoctrinated persons via access roster. When in operation, the perimeter will be guarded by guards with a U.S. SECRET clearance. Hardened T-SCIFs with no open storage of secure material can be monitored by a U.S. SECRET-cleared individual.

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

SCIF Container Series | Part 2: Design Planning Checklist

SCIF Container Series | Part 3: Perimeter Wall Construction – Wall A

SCIF Container Series | Part 4: Perimeter Wall Specifications – Wall B

SCIF Container Series | Part 5: Perimeter Wall Specifications – Wall C

SCIF Container Series | Part 6: Vents and Ducts

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.

SCIF Container Series | Part 6: Vents and Ducts

Vents and ducts construction for a fixed facility SCIF have a short list of specifications that must be adhered to during construction.

All vents and ducts have to be protected to meet the acoustic and security requirements of the SCIF. The walls that surround the duct penetrations have to be finished to eliminate any opening between the duct(s) and the wall(s).

If vent or duct openings penetrate the SCIF perimeter walls and exceed 96 square inches, the vents/ducts must be protected with permanently attached bars or grills. Listed below are the detailed requirements for bars and grills.

Bars or grills are not required if one dimension of penetration measures less than six inches
If metal sound baffles or wave forms are permanently installed and set no farther apart than six inches in one dimension, then bars or grills are not required

If bars are used:

Bars must be a minimum of ½ inch diameter steel, welded vertically and horizontally six inches o.c.
- Deviation of ½ inch in vertical and/or horizontal spacing is permissible

If grills are used, they must be made of:

¾ inch-mesh, #9 (10 gauge), case-hardened, expanded metal; OR
Expanded metal diamond mesh, 1 ½ inch #10 (1 ⅜ inch by 3 inch openings, 0.093 inch thickness, with at least 80% open design) tamperproof; OR
Welded wire fabric (WWF) 4×4 W2.9xW2.9 (6 gauge smooth steel wire welded vertically and horizontally 4 inches o.c.)

If bars, grills, or metal baffles/waveforms are required for your SCIF, an access port will have to be installed inside the secure SCIF perimeter. This access port will allow visual inspection of all the bars, grills, or metal baffles/waveforms for signs of security risks.

If the area outside the SCIF is controlled (SECRET or equivalent space), the access port can be installed outside the perimeter. However, the port must be secured with an AO-approved high-security lock and must be noted in the FFC.

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

SCIF Container Series | Part 2: Design Planning Checklist

SCIF Container Series | Part 3: Perimeter Wall Construction – Wall A

SCIF Container Series | Part 4: Perimeter Wall Specifications – Wall B

SCIF Container Series | Part 5: Perimeter Wall Specifications – Wall C

Wall C is suggested to be used for Plywood. The list below and accompanying diagram list all construction specifications for Wall C.

Three layers of Gypsum Wall Board (GWB) ⅝ inch-thick
- Two layers on the uncontrolled side
  - Sound group 4
- One layer over min. ½” plywood on the controlled side
  - CTTA recommended countermeasures: (foil backed GWB or a layer of approved Ultra Radiant R-Foil) must be put up for RF shielding. In accordance with IAW, the foil will be located between the layer of plywood and GWB
½” Plywood attached 8’ vertical by 4’ horizontal to 16 gauge studs using glue and #10 steel tapping screws at 12 o.c.
Gypsum Wall Board must be mounted to the Plywood with screws and avoiding contact with studs to ease any acoustic flanking path
16 gauge continuous track (top and bottom) with anchors at 32” on center max.)
- Bed will be in a continuous bead of acoustical sealant
Fire safe non-shrink grout, or acoustic sealant in all voids above/below track on both sides of the wall
Entire wall shall be finished and painted from true floor to ceiling

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

SCIF Container Series | Part 2: Design Planning Checklist

SCIF Container Series | Part 3: Perimeter Wall Construction – Wall A

SCIF Container Series | Part 4: Perimeter Wall Specifications – Wall B

Wall B is suggested to be used for a Fixed Facility SCIF that is Open Storage without SID. The list below and accompanying diagram list all construction specifications for Wall B.

Three layers of Gypsum Wall Board (GWB) ⅝ inch-thick
- One layer on the uncontrolled side
- Two layers on the controlled side
- Acoustic protection: Sound Class 3
Wallboard must be attached to 3 ⅝ inch-wide 16 gauge metals studs or wooden 2×4 studs placed no less than 16” on center
16 gauge continuous track (top and bottom) with anchors at 32” on center maximum in continuous bead of acoustical sealant

For Expanded Metal:

Three-quarter inch mesh, #9 (10 gauge) expanded metal must be affixed to the interview side of all SCIF perimeter wall studs
Expanded metal must be spot-welded to the studs every six inches along each vertical stud at the ceiling and floor
Hardened screws with one inch washers or hardened clips should be used in lieu of welding to fasten metal to the studs
- Screws must be applied every six inches along each vertical stud at the ceiling and floor
Fastening method must be noted in the FFC
Entire wall must be finished and painted from floor to ceiling

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

SCIF Container Series | Part 2: Design Planning Checklist

SCIF Container Series | Part 3: Perimeter Wall Construction – Wall A

Wall A is suggested to be used for these Fixed Facility SCIFs: Closed Storage, Secure Working Area (SWA), Continuous Operation, or Open Storage with SID. The list below and accompanying diagram list all construction specifications for Wall A.

Three layers of Gypsum Wall Board (GWB) ⅝ inch-thick
- One layer on the uncontrolled side
- Two layers on the controlled side
- Acoustic protection: Sound Class 3
Wallboard must be attached to 3 ⅝ inch-wide 16 gauge metals studs or wooden 2×4 studs placed no less than 16” on center
16 gauge continuous track (top and bottom) with anchors at 32” on center maximum in continuous bead of acoustical sealant
Interior two layers of wallboard must be mounted so seams do not align
Acoustic fill 3 ½” (89 mm) sound attenuation material, fastened to prevent sliding down and leaving void at the top
Top and bottom of each wall must be sealed with acoustic sealant where it meets the slab
Fire safe non-shrink grout or acoustic sealant in all voids above/below track both sides of partition
Entire wall must be finished and painted from floor to ceiling
Any electrical or communications outlets required on the perimeter wall must be surface mounted

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

SCIF Container Series | Part 2: Design Planning Checklist

SCIF Container Series | Part 2: Design Planning Checklist

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.

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

SCIF Container Series | Part 1: Site Evaluation

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.

Threat Analysis
- The capability, intent, and opportunity of an adversary to exploit or damage assets and/or information is assessed.
Vulnerability Analysis
- The susceptibility of attack to a procedure, facility, information system, equipment or policy is assessed.
Probability Analysis
- The probability of an adverse action, incident, or attack is assessed.
Consequence Analysis
- The consequences of an adverse event are assessed: loss of resources, monetary cost, mission impact, and/or program functionality.
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.

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