SCIF accreditation is rarely sidelined by a single, major failure. All too often, accreditation is slowed by small missteps that compound over time. Missed approvals. Gaps in documentation. Design decisions without the right experts in the room.
These pitfalls are increasingly common—and highly avoidable.
Below are some of the most frequent issues and mistakes that delay SCIF accreditation—and what you can do to stay on track.
- Moving Forward Without a Map
Some projects move forward before formal authorization is even complete. That creates misalignment from the start. Without early guidance, designs can miss expectations and require costly revisions later. Incomplete authorization can also halt progress before reviews even begin.
Engaging an Accrediting Official early is key to confirming that all required documentation is accounted for and approved before construction or system design moves forward.
Working with specialists like Secom helps eliminate early missteps. Our team routinely coordinates with accrediting officials and stakeholders to confirm requirements before design decisions are finalized, reducing redundancies and keeping approvals on schedule.
- Ignoring the Devil in the Security Details
Accreditation depends on precision. Vague drawings or incomplete specifications almost always trigger revisions.
This often appears in:
- Wall penetrations.
- Acoustic treatment.
- Technical security measures.
Projects also stall when required technical reviews—such as acoustic protection or TEMPEST considerations—are dragged out late in the process. The solution? Document every physical and technical security element early on. Coordinate technical reviews before plans are finalized.
Secom understands both the physical and technical sides of SCIF security. From sound masking to emit-proofing, our specialists document how systems work together, helping reviewers move forward instead of sending plans back to the drawing board.
- Relying on Inexperienced Teams
SCIF construction is not standard building work. Teams unfamiliar with ICD 705 standards often miss how security systems intersect with architectural, mechanical, and electrical design.
When disciplines operate in silos, conflicts frequently arise. HVAC penetrations interfere with shielding. Access control wiring impacts acoustic performance. These issues delay inspections and approvals.
Secom designs security systems as part of a coordinated whole. We work alongside other trades to ensure intrusion detection, access control, surveillance, and acoustic controls function seamlessly—supporting smoother accreditation reviews.
- Falling Prey to the Timeline Trap
SCIFs rely on specialized materials that often have long lead times. Delays in procurement can stall progress late in the project.
Documentation issues can cause similar setbacks. Missing test results or incomplete records can force repeat reviews, even when installations are sound.
Be sure to prepare documentation throughout the project—not at the tail end.
Secom anticipates timing challenges and helps your project stay ahead of them. Our experience with SCIF materials, testing, and documentation helps teams stay inspection-ready without last-minute scrambles.
How Secom Helps to Prevent Delays and Setbacks
SCIF accreditation should not feel unpredictable. Many delays stem from disconnected systems, late-stage fixes, or security controls added in isolation.
Secom prevents that by approaching SCIF security as a coordinated framework.
We help teams:
- Confirm requirements early with accrediting officials.
- Implement intrusion detection, access control, surveillance, and sound masking as one integrated system.
- Address acoustic and technical security from the outset.
- Leverage UL 2050-certified design, installation, and monitoring to support inspection readiness
- Maintain organized documentation and ongoing compliance support.
We don’t build SCIFs. But we make certain they pass muster, masterfully. Reach out to our team today to learn more.