Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility(SCIF)
A secure room or data center designed to prevent electronic surveillance and protect sensitive compartmented information from unauthorized access.
Overview
A Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) is a physically secured area—ranging from a single room to an entire building—constructed and accredited to process, store, and discuss Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). SCIFs employ physical security measures, technical countermeasures, and access controls to prevent unauthorized disclosure.
Why It Matters in GovCon
Many intelligence community and DoD contracts require work to be performed in accredited SCIFs. Contractors must either maintain their own SCIF or secure access to a government facility, which involves significant investment in construction, accreditation, and ongoing compliance. SCIF capability is a barrier to entry that can also be a competitive differentiator.
Key Details
- ICD 705: Intelligence Community Directive 705 establishes the standards for SCIF construction, accreditation, and operation.
- Accreditation: SCIFs must be inspected and accredited by the cognizant security authority before use.
- Physical Security: Requirements include reinforced walls, alarmed access points, RF shielding, and sound masking.
- Access Control: Only personnel with appropriate SCI clearances and need-to-know may enter a SCIF.
- Continuous Monitoring: SCIFs require ongoing security inspections and compliance with operational procedures.
Related Terms
- Facility Security Clearance (FCL)
- Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
- Personnel Security Clearance
- Industrial Security
More Security Terms
The government official with the authority to enter into, administer, and terminate contracts on behalf of the U.S. government.
A government employee designated by the contracting officer to monitor contractor performance and serve as the technical point of contact.
Federal law establishing a framework for securing federal information systems and protecting government data.
A government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment and authorization for cloud services.
A sensitivity designation for unclassified information that requires protection from unauthorized disclosure.
Policies and technologies that control who can access systems and data and what they can do.
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