What is a SCIF?
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility
A SCIF, or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, is a government-accredited structure used exclusively for the storage, utilization, electronic processing, and discussion of classified information, research, and other data of a sensitive or Top Secret nature. These facilities may be permanent or temporary and have even been constructed to be airborne or seaworthy. The White House War Room is perhaps the most famous example of a SCIF.
The construction and installation of a SCIF must adhere to “Intelligence Community Directive 705-01 Physical and Technical Security Standards for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (ICD 705)”. This intricate set of standards outlines the specific security controls required to ensure the protection of the SCIF and all classified materials contained within. These controls include:
- Electrical: Telephones, security and emergency systems, and all other electrical power systems must be dedicated solely to the SCIF. TEMPEST countermeasures (Telecommunications Electronics Materials Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmissions) must prevent electric emanations generated within the SCIF from leaving the facility.
- Acoustic: ICD 705 mandates a Sound Transmission Class of 45 or 50 to ensure all sounds within the SCIF are barely audible by human ears outside.
- Visual: SCIFs are largely constructed without windows so that no one can see what is transpiring inside from any distance whatsoever.
- Ductwork: All ductwork and ventilation units must include barred barriers to prevent intrusion. Inspection ports must also be installed. Breaks must also be outfitted with inserts ensuring that audio and/or electronic emanations do not travel beyond the SCIF.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Intrusion detection systems must be installed by a UL 2050-certified contractor, using UL 2050-approved components and central station monitoring by approved UL / DOD facilities.
- Access Control: A minimum of a two factor authorization (Pin + Card) is required for access to prevent unauthorized entry, while all entrances and exits, along with accompanying security hinges, specialized exit alarms, sound seals and other components, must be built to vault-like specification.
Inside the Accreditation Process
All SCIFs require U.S. government sponsorship to become accredited. After a government sponsor issues the builder a Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification (DD-254) form – which provides contractors and/or subcontractors with security requirements and classification guidance – an accrediting official (AO) is assigned to the project. This AO’s approval is required before SCIF construction begins.
Following construction, a final inspection is conducted by a government accrediting official to verify that all components have been implemented in adherence with the original Construction Security Plan (CSP) outlined in the ICD 705 document.
To make certain criteria established by the Department of Defense (DoD) are adhered to, facilities must be routinely inspected and accredited, confirming that a SCIF has been built to UL 2050 delineated specifications.
Only authorized UL 2050 providers can award a UL 2050 certificate to a SCIF. UL 2050 providers have gone through extensive and rigorous training to receive validation from the Underwriters Laboratory. This allows specialists to consult, construct, install, inspect, monitor, and certify SCIFs and other classified structures.
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