Building a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) is not like constructing a standard office or conference room. Each project involves highly specific security requirements, strict accreditation standards, and meticulous documentation. Whether it’s a permanent facility, a modular SCIF, or a T-SCIF deployed in a remote environment, every detail must meet ICD/ICS 705 and related Department of Defense (DoD) regulations.
At CenCore, we specialize in designing and constructing SCIFs and other secure facilities that meet the rigorous requirements for government accreditation. While the accrediting authority always resides with the government, our technical precision, documentation control, and ICD-705 experience enable a smooth, compliant path to approval.
Below, our experts address the most common questions about SCIF design, construction, and accreditation readiness — covering everything from acoustic protection to RF shielding and inspection testing.
A Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) is a government-accredited space built to protect classified or sensitive information from physical, electronic, and acoustic compromise. While a secure room or vault may meet basic security needs, only a SCIF adheres to the detailed ICD-705 construction and technical standards required for handling Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
Unlike generic vaults, SCIFs include TEMPEST controls, acoustic isolation, and electronic security systems designed to prevent data interception. Every wall, ceiling, door, and cable must maintain continuous protection to ensure no leakage of classified information.
➡ Learn more about SCIF Design & Construction Services.
SCIF design is primarily governed by the Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 and its companion Intelligence Community Standard (ICS) 705-1 and 705-2, which establish physical and technical security baselines. These standards outline requirements for construction materials, acoustic ratings, intrusion detection, and emanation control.
For Department of Defense projects, UFC 4-010-05 provides additional facility protection standards, covering everything from standoff distances to blast resistance. Together, these documents dictate how a SCIF must be built, tested, and accredited to ensure compliance across agencies.
➡ Explore our SCIF Accreditation Advising for details on compliance with ICD/ICS 705.
Accreditation is the official process by which a government authority approves a SCIF for operation. It confirms that the facility meets all applicable standards and security requirements for handling classified information.
The accreditation process typically includes:
With the help of our construction surveillance technicians, CenCore manages every phase of this process — from planning to documentation — to ensure accreditation occurs on schedule and without costly rework.
➡ See our Accreditation Management Process to learn more.
SCIF construction relies on continuous barriers that prevent sound, signal, or physical penetration. Walls typically use high-gauge steel studs, multiple layers of gypsum, and sealed joints to ensure structural integrity. Doors and frames are fitted with gaskets and magnetic seals to maintain acoustic and RF continuity.
Acoustic protection is another key consideration. SCIFs must achieve a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 50 or higher, ensuring conversations inside cannot be overheard outside. Ceilings and floors must also provide the same level of acoustic and structural isolation as walls.
➡ Read more about [SCIF Acoustic & Structural Design Standards].
Modern SCIFs are designed to block electromagnetic interference (EMI) and prevent unintentional signal emanations that could be intercepted. This is commonly known as TEMPEST protection.
Effective countermeasures include:
CenCore’s HEMP/EMI Shielded Enclosures meet NSA 94-106 and MIL-STD-188 standards, providing full-spectrum protection against EMPs and RF interference.
➡ Explore our HEMP & EMI Shielding Solutions.
Every penetration in a SCIF’s envelope — whether a cable, pipe, or HVAC duct — represents a potential security vulnerability. To maintain shielding effectiveness and acoustic protection, each must be minimized, sealed, and documented.
Penetrations typically use:
Each penetration is tracked through design and construction phases to ensure compliance during inspection and accreditation.
Physical security inside a SCIF involves multiple layers: access control, intrusion detection, and surveillance systems (ESS).
Typical best practices include:
CenCore integrates these systems with cleared physical security staffing to provide continuous protection during and after construction.
➡ Learn about our Cleared Physical Security Capabilities.
Security begins before construction starts. The Construction Security Plan (CSP) defines how cleared and uncleared workers access the site, how materials are handled, and how sensitive elements are stored.
A robust CSP includes:
CenCore’s cleared construction teams manage on-site security for both domestic and overseas projects, protecting classified materials and personnel at every stage.
Building a SCIF requires coordination among multiple stakeholders:
Strong communication and documentation between these roles are critical to avoiding non-compliance and rework.
Before accreditation, every SCIF undergoes comprehensive testing and inspection. Common evaluations include:
Final acceptance occurs after successful test documentation is submitted to the AO. CenCore provides detailed reports and as-built drawings that accelerate the approval process.
Modular and portable SCIFs are factory-built, pre-accredited units that can be deployed rapidly. Their advantages include:
Limitations include space constraints and integration complexity for large facilities. However, modular SCIFs reduce cost and time-to-accreditation, making them ideal for defense and intelligence missions.
➡ Learn about our Modular SCIF Design & Build Services.
The most frequent causes of failure in SCIF construction include:
Each error can result in non-compliance and a complete re-accreditation cycle. CenCore’s proactive documentation and quality assurance processes prevent these costly setbacks.
Planning for change begins in design. Future-proof SCIFs include:
CenCore designs SCIFs that scale with mission growth, ensuring compliance even as systems evolve.
➡ Explore our Flexible SCIF Layout Solutions.
T-SCIFs (Temporary SCIFs) provide short-term classified operations capability in forward or expeditionary environments. They’re designed for rapid deployment, often housed in ISO containers or prefabricated modules.
These mobile units must still meet ICD-705 security and acoustic standards while accommodating local constraints like limited power or environmental exposure.
➡ See our Deployable SCIF Platforms for tactical and overseas missions.
SCIFs face new challenges from wireless technologies, 5G networks, and connected IoT devices. These can create interference, leak signals, or introduce vulnerabilities not accounted for in older standards.
The ICD-705 Technical Specification and TEMPEST guidelines continue to evolve, demanding adaptive design. CenCore continuously integrates updated best practices to counter emerging electronic and cyber threats.
➡ Read about our Next-Generation SCIF Innovations.
Building a SCIF isn’t just about secure walls — it’s about securing the mission. Every decision, from shielding to documentation, contributes to operational trust. With ICD-705 expertise, cleared construction teams, and accredited modular designs, CenCore delivers SCIFs that perform under any condition, anywhere in the world.
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