Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility
A SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) is the U.S. Department of Defense’s term for a secure room. It is a data center where SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) can be stored, discussed, and electronically processed. While each facility impacts the specific SCIF, there are a number of standards every SCIF must follow. The areas of concern and special attention typically include physical security, acoustics controls, visual controls, access control, electronic, and TEMPEST security.
All SCIFs have to be certified to be designed and constructed. This period during which it awaits said certification is called the SCIF accreditation process.
The team at ASI has extensive experience with SCIFs. We can help you securely store sensitive information. Our service area includes Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, and more.
Contact us for assistance building or maintaining your SCIF!
How SCIF Accreditation Works
There are several steps in the accreditation process when it comes to obtaining a SCIF. The whole process is kicked off with the decision to build a SCIF. The concept must then be approved, after the need for a SCIF has been identified. Then we come to the pre-construction approval stage, during which the design plans for the SCIF will be scrutinized for potential threats or shortcomings, to ensure that the intended construction will meet security requirements.
During the design phase, a construction security plan will have to be presented and approved before construction can begin. Once this is confirmed, security checks will be performed on potential construction personnel to ensure that workers have no previous record of felonies or other illegal activity.
Concept approval and necessary checklists will accompany a comprehensive risk management review. Then finally, acceptance of this whole “accreditation package” will be the last step in getting the certification needed to construct a new SCIF.
The final SCIF accreditation package will include:
- A fixed facility checklist (FFC)
- Intrusion detection system (IDS) component parts specification sheets
- UL 2050 certification for the IDS
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certification for IDS
- IDS test results
- Technician surveillance countermeasure (TSCM) reports, if applicable
- Special access program (SAP) co-utilization agreement, if applicable
- Catastrophic failure plan
Once the DIA Office of Counterintelligence and Security (DAC) will review this accreditation package to make sure it complies with security standards. If approved, the DAC will issue a formal letter of accreditation for the SCIF.
SCIF Security & Maintenance
Whether the SCIF is a secure room within a government facility or is a portable unit designed to be shipped to any part of the globe, the job is still the same—keeping your secure information safe. Although the job is the same no matter the design, there are a lot of components that go into getting that job done. No detail is too small to overlook when it comes to keeping secret information underground.
ASI’s expertise, and UL 2050 Certification make us the perfect choice to secure and provide maintenance for any SCIF area, room, or building. We address all necessary points of concern with keen focus on:
- Adhering to the minimum and specific requirements for a fully accredited “open” or “closed” storage facility
- High Security Locks (CDX10 and LKM7000) provisioned by Certified Technicians
- Safes (Vibration Sensors and High Bias Drawer Contacts)
We can help you securely store sensitive information. Our service area includes Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and more.
If you are interested in securing or maintaining your SCIF, contact ASI online or give us a call today!
