Benefits of Container SCIFs

When is a container SCIF the right fit for your project?

Most Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) are built into existing buildings as a tenant improvement or created as a standalone building. However, these types of structures don’t meet every mission’s needs. Under the ICD 705 Technical Specifications, or Tech Spec, you do have the ability to use alternate forms of construction that offer greater flexibility.

One such type of construction is container SCIFs, sometimes called SCIFs in a box. These facilities are built using an ISO shipping container that’s retrofitted to meet the Tech Spec requirements. While the small size of these facilities can limit some of the uses for the space that require a larger facility, they offer a host of unique benefits that make them a perfect solution for some projects.

How Container SCIFs are Built

ISO shipping containers come in either 20’ or 40’ options.  Once retrofitted, they meet 705 standards and can be made to meet RF shielding TEMPEST requirements if your Accreditation Official (AO) requires it. The standards are the same for containers as they are for traditionally constructed SCIFs,

Container SCIFs are typically fabricated off site and later delivered to your location. Once it’s delivered and accredited, the facility is ready for use. It does require some creativity to use the space, since it will be limited. These facilities are typically used to house workstations, storage space, servers or a briefing room.

Benefits

Speed: Container SCIFs are the fastest option for SCIF construction. A traditional ICD 705 project can take months or even years to complete. This timeline won’t work for missions that need to launch as soon as possible. Container SCIFs can be fully mission ready in a matter of weeks. If you choose from already existing layouts, accreditation is also significantly faster.

Relocation: Container SCIFs are the easiest type of facility to relocate. If your mission needs to be taken on the road or moved between multiple locations, container SCIFs are your best bet. This is also helpful if you lease your space and may lease a different space in the future. They can be loaded onto the back of a semi-truck and moved. They don’t need to be dismantled and are able to hide in plain sight quite easily, making them perfect for secure transportation.

Space: Container SCIFs are the most space-efficient way to have a secure facility when you’re simply out of room elsewhere. They have a small footprint and can be placed in a field or in an existing warehouse. This allows you to have a SCIF in a space you already use without having to retrofit the whole thing to meet ICD 705 standards. While container SCIFs are one of the more expensive forms of SCIF construction per square foot, this can keep you from having to adjust a larger space when you don’t need it all.

Easy acquisition: Before construction even begins, the process to approve, design and bid out a SCIF can take months when going through typical military construction (Mil Con) channels. Container SCIFs can be purchased as equipment, bypassing this lengthy process and allowing for a much faster mission launch from knowing your need for a SCIF to having one ready to use.

If you think a container SCIF may be the right match for your facility, talk to the experts at Strategic Solutions Unlimited and let us find the right facility to meet your program’s needs. Whether it’s one of our container SCIFs or a custom modular facility, you can trust that SSU will help you get your program up and running. Contact us today to learn more.