What is a SCIF and who uses it?
What Is a SCIF and Who Uses It? What Is a SCIF and Who Uses It? A SCIF, or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, is a secure place where sensitive information can be viewed by government officials.
What is a SCIF room?
SCIF stands for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. It is a room constructed to U.S. government standards to prevent outside surveillance and the interception of highly sensitive information. It is designed to facilitate the handling of sensitive compartmented information (SCI), which involves intelligence sources and processes.
What is a SCIF and why does the White House need one?
Pete Souza / White House via Reuters, file A SCIF, or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, is a secure place where sensitive information can be viewed and discussed to prevent outside surveillance or spying. SCIFs can be either permanent or temporary when lawmakers or military officials need to be briefed while traveling.
Do you need to build a SCIF?
You need to build a SCIF. But let’s face it: That’s easier said than done. The term “SCIF,” pronounced “skiff,” stands for “Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility.” SCIFs are complicated structures, and few contractors have a lot of experience with building them.
What is work in a SCIF?
Building a SCIF means working to a specific standard to prevent outside interception of information or activities happening within the facility.
Who has access to a SCIF?
Access to SCI is only granted to individuals who have a need-to-know, have been granted a Top Secret clearance by Personnel Security (PerSec), and are approved by the Department of Commerce's Intelligence Community granting agency, and only upon completion of a separate Nondisclosure Agreement, the IC Form 4414.
What is a skiff in government?
(pronounced “skiff”) A SCIF is a U.S. government–accredited facility where Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) can be stored, discussed or electronically processed. Primarily government and government-related contractors that require high security have the need for SCIFs.
What is a skiff in military?
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (pronounced “skiff”), a U.S. Department of Defense term for a secure room. It can be a secure room or data center that guards against electronic surveillance and suppresses data leakage of sensitive security and military information.
What is not allowed in a SCIF?
proceduresgoverningPEDsinSCIFsundertheircognizance. (SeesectionC.) Outside the United States, the risk to classified intelligence information is higher; therefore, personally owned PEDs are prohibited in SCIFs.
What does the acronym SCIF stand for?
Sensitive Compartmented Information FacilitySensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)
Who provides the security requirements for SCIFs?
The DNIThe DNI and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) have direct authority over Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) in that the DNI establishes the security requirements for SCIFs and the DIA is responsible for the accreditation of DoD SCIFs.
When Should documents be marked with SCIF?
~All documents should be appropriately marked, regardless of format, sensitivity, or classification. Unclassified documents do not need to be marked as a SCIF. Only paper documents that are in open storage need to be marked.
What is SCIF clearance?
The government says that you need a SCIF. SCIF stands for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, a room or series of rooms that have been designed and constructed to prevent outside access to the information being discussed in them.
What does ICD 705 stand for?
NUMBER 705. SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION FACILITIES. (EFFECTNE: 26 MAY ZOI~)
What does Top Secret SCI?
The SCI designation is an add-on, not a special clearance level. Someone cleared at the SECRET level for some compartment X cannot see material in compartment X that is classified TOP SECRET.
What is the difference between a SCIF and a vault?
Vault SCIF more secure than SCIFs which are retrofits of unsecure structures such as shipping containers, trailers, or rooms in existing buildings. The A.R.C. Vault SCIF's design is scalable to meet Certified Shielded Enclosure (CSE) requirements and custom Special Access Program Facility (SAPF) specifications.
What is the difference between a SCIF and a vault?
Vault SCIF more secure than SCIFs which are retrofits of unsecure structures such as shipping containers, trailers, or rooms in existing buildings. The A.R.C. Vault SCIF's design is scalable to meet Certified Shielded Enclosure (CSE) requirements and custom Special Access Program Facility (SAPF) specifications.
What is SCIF in security?
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) - An accredited area, room, group of rooms, or installation where sensitive compartmented information may be stored, used, discussed, and/or electronically processed, where procedural and physical measures prevent the free access of persons unless they have been ...
Are SCIF locations classified?
A sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF; pronounced /skɪf/), in United States military, national security/national defense and intelligence parlance, is an enclosed area within a building that is used to process sensitive compartmented information (SCI) types of classified information.
How much is a SCIF worth?
Mattice cites a range from $150 to as much as $1,000 per square foot. Shaw of Morgan Franklin says that the cost of a 2,000-square-foot SCIF divided into multiple offices can run from $400,000 to $1 million.
Why was the Trump Tower not built?
Because Trump Tower was not built with the necessary safeguards to host intelligence briefings involving confidential information, officials familiar with the situation indicated that a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility , or SCIF, was constructed in a conference room for the meeting to take place.
What is a SCIF?
A SCIF can be any room or building outfitted to prevent intrusion or surveillance efforts. They are used by government and military officials when discussing confidential information, often related to national security. Perhaps the most notable example of a SCIF is the White House Situation Room.
Who is the CEO of SCIF Global Technologies?
For a situation such as Friday’s briefing, which also included Vice President-elect Mike Pence, a specialized tent, fabricated from material that can prevent signal intrusion, can be used, according to Jaye Andone, president and CEO of SCIF Global Technologies, LLC, a company that designs and builds SCIFs.
Is there a safeguard around SCIF?
Despite the seeming simplicity of the setup, Andone noted that there are typically layers of safeguards surrounding the SCIF.
What is a SCIF?
A SCIF, or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, is a secure place where sensitive information can be viewed and discussed to prevent outside surveillance or spying. SCIFs can be either permanent or temporary when lawmakers or military officials need to be briefed while traveling. The most famous SCIF is probably ...
What is SCIF in government?
A SCIF, or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, is a secure place where sensitive information can be viewed by government officials.
Why did Devin Nunes go to the White House?
House Intelligence Chair Devin Nunes initially cited the need for a secure location as his reason for going to the White House last month to view sensitive information regarding the investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. The Capitol building, however, also has multiple SCIFs where he presumably could have viewed classified information.
Where is the most famous SCIF?
The most famous SCIF is probably the White House situation room, where presidents have deliberated the country’s most important military and foreign policy decisions. The role of SCIFs in President Donald Trump’s administration have made headlines as the president continues his frequent trips down to his resort in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Where is John Carroll from?
He is from Buffalo, N.Y., and attended John Carroll University in Ohio.
Who is Andrew Rafferty?
Andrew Rafferty has been a political reporter for NBCNews.com since 2013. Rafferty writes and reports on politics for the web, and shoots and produces video for all NBC platforms. Prior to joining NBCNews.com, Rafferty was a campaign reporter covering the 2012 presidential election.
What is a ‘SCIF’ and how is it created?
A sensitive compartmented information facility is a secured place where sensitive information can be viewed and discussed without the risk of spying. It can be any size or any place, including a closet or an entire building. The most commonly known SCIF is one of the most secured rooms within the White House – The Situation Room. Among the intelligence community, SCIFs are accredited by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and there are standards for determining what rooms are cleared for use as such. SCIFs have reinforced walls and electronic methods to prevent eavesdropping on classified conversations.
Why is it important?
A secured room is crucial to protecting classified and sensitive information pertaining to US affairs from foreign adversaries. A committee official told CNN that the House Republican members violated House deposition rules by entering the SCIF. They also criticized the Republican members for causing a major security breach by bringing in their electronics.
What is a SCIF?
SCIFs have reinforced walls and electronic methods to prevent eavesdropping on classified conversations. A SCIF can be used to interview witnesses. CNN reported earlier this month that lawmakers and counsel for the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry were considering off-site SCIFs as possible locations to interview ...
What is a SCIF room?
The most commonly known SCIF is one of the most secured rooms within the White House – The Situation Room. Among the intelligence community, SCIFs are accredited by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and there are standards for determining what rooms are cleared for use as such. SCIFs have reinforced walls ...
When did Nancy Pelosi launch an impeachment inquiry?
Here is what we know about the secured space that lawmakers have continuously convened in since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched a formal impeachment inquiry into the President in September.
Who stormed the SCIF?
House Republicans on Wednesday, as a protest, stormed the SCIF where Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Laura Cooper was preparing to testify before the three House committees leading the inquiry. Some lawmakers even appeared to live-tweet from the SCIF once inside. The political stunt caused a five-hour delay of the hearing and angered Democrats.
Do you need a security clearance to enter a SCIF?
Authorization and in some cases security clearance are required to enter a SCIF. Intelligence community employees with access to SCIFs receive periodic training on the proper way to safeguard sensitive information, according to Josh Campbell, a CNN analyst and former FBI agent.
What is SCIF in GSA?
GSA-Controlled Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) – Any SCIF that GSA occupies and/or manages.
What is a GSA controlled SCIF?
4. Policy. GSA-controlled SCIFs are the responsibility of the GSA Office of Mission Assurance (OMA). This Order provides security guidance for the accessing, safeguarding, and storing of classified information and material in GSA-controlled SCIFs. The use, discussions, and storage of classified information and material may only be handled by an individual with an appropriate security clearance, a need to know the information, and within a GSA-controlled SCIF.
What is a visit access request?
Visit Access Request - An authorization letter/request that must be submitted to the Personnel Security Office to verify an individual’s clearance level and/or if they are briefed into SCI before classified information can be shared with them.
What is SCI in intelligence?
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) - All information and materials bearing special community controls indicating restricted handling within present and future community intelligence collection programs and their end products for which community systems of compartmentation have been or will be formally established .
Where to return SCIF visitor badge?
Sign out on the SCIF Access Log and return the visitor badge to the GSA EOC Watch Officer.
What is the purpose of the SCIF order?
1. Purpose. The purpose of this Order is to establish policies for accessing, safeguarding, and storing classified information and material , including documents printed and stored within a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)-controlled SCIF. 2.
How long does it take to get approval for OMA?
Fill out the Visit Access Request Form and receive approval at least 48 hours prior to arrival from the OMA Personnel Security Director.
What Is a SCIF?
SCIF stands for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. It is a room constructed to U.S. government standards to prevent outside surveillance and the interception of highly sensitive information. It is designed to facilitate the handling of sensitive compartmented information (SCI), which involves intelligence sources and processes.
SCIF Room Rules, Requirements, and Uses
In the broadest sense, a SCIF is a room that does not allow visual, auditory, or electronic eavesdropping. SCIFs are often used as a meeting place for people but may also be designed to protect electronic data. Building a SCIF room takes careful planning. You must consider the use case and conform to an array of SCIF requirements.
Enconnex Can Help You Meet SCIF Requirements
When a SCIF is needed to protect electronic data, it may make more sense to use a specially designed server enclosure. Rather than going to the expense of building out a SCIF room, data centers can add more enclosures as needed to meet growing requirements.
What is the ICd 705?
ICD 705 is a three-page capstone document that implements Intelligence Community Standard (ICS) 705-1, ICS 705-2 and the Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities or "Tech Specs.".
What is SCIF in a building?
Some entire buildings are SCIFs where all but the front foyer is secure. A SCIF can also be located in an air, ground or maritime vehicle, or can be established temporarily at a specific site. The physical construction, access control, and alarming of the facility has been defined by various directives, including Director of Central Intelligence Directives (DCIDs) 1/21 and 6/9, and most recently (2011) by Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705, signed by the Director of National Intelligence. ICD 705 is a three-page capstone document that implements Intelligence Community Standard (ICS) 705-1, ICS 705-2 and the Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities or "Tech Specs." The latest version of the Tech Specs was published in 2017 (Version 1.4).
What is a sensitive compartmented information facility?
A sensitive compartmented information facility ( SCIF; pronounced / skɪf / ), in United States military, national security/national defense and intelligence parlance, is an enclosed area within a building that is used to process sensitive compartmented information (SCI) types of classified information .
Where can SCIFs be set up?
SCIFs can be either permanent or temporary and can be set up in official government buildings (such as the Situation Room in the White House ), onboard ships, in private residences of officials, or in hotel rooms and other places of necessity for officials when traveling.
SCIF Specifications
Building a SCIF means working to a specific standard to prevent outside interception of information or activities happening within the facility.
SCIF Security
All of the hardware and physical security requirements of the SCIF aren’t the whole story–much depends on the people who work in the facility. It isn’t enough to trust the employees to keep classified and sensitive material inside the four walls of the building and maintain good operational security or OPSEC.
SCIF Accreditation Standards
A SCIF isn’t really a SCIF until it has been accredited.
What is a SCIF
You need to build a SCIF. But let’s face it: That’s easier said than done.
Questions to Answer Before Building
So you just learned you need to build a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) but aren’t quite sure where to start? It’s not quite as simple as “build it and they will come.” Without the proper pre-construction steps and information in order, your SCIF construction could have costly delays.
Types of SCIFs & Determining Cost
This is likely the type of construction that first comes to mind when you think of a SCIF. You’ll either be building the SCIF from the ground up on site or renovating an existing space to meet ICD 705 requirements.
The Roles You Need to Know
When you’re building your SCIF, there are several positions that will play a key role in the construction and accreditation of your SCIF.
Risk Assessment
The risk assessment is a crucial part of your SCIF building process. During the assessment, you’ll evaluate the area in which your SCIF is being built and figure out what might threaten your facility’s security.
Developing a Construction Security Plan (CSP)
The Construction Security Plan (CSP) establishes the security protections for the design and construction of a SCIF or SAPF project. A required document in the ICD 705 Tech Spec, the CSP is critical in making sure a project site stays protected from potential threats through all phases of construction.
The Standards for SCIF construction
To build a SCIF, there are special guidelines you have to adhere to that are unique to this type of construction. Reaching these standards is crucial in order to get your SCIF accredited.
