The Benefits of Modular SCIFs
As the need for secure facilities has risen alongside growing threats and evolving national security needs, it’s no surprise modular SCIFs are growing in popularity. Traditional construction methods often fail to meet the demand for quick deployment and adaptable building solutions, leading many organizations—government and private entities alike—to explore modular alternatives.
Modular SCIFs offer a faster, more cost-effective option that can save your organization valuable time, money, and resources.
What is a SCIF?
Before we dive into the ins and outs of modular SCIFs, let’s briefly define a SCIF. A SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility), pronounced “skiff,” is a U.S. government–accredited facility where classified information can be developed, stored, discussed, or processed (electronically or otherwise).
Typically, SCIFs are used by government and government-related contractors, and they require high security to protect sensitive information. SCIFs and SAPFs (Special Access Program Facilities) are two types of secure facilities commonly lumped under the umbrella term “SCIF” and used interchangeably because they are built according to the same governing document.
Given the sensitive nature of the information they contain, SCIFs have to be built to very specific government-provided standards, laid out in the ICD 705 Version 1.5.1 Tech Spec. These include requirements for the facility’s physical security, acoustic security, visual controls, access control systems (ACS), intrusion detection systems (IDS) and emanation (TEMPEST) security, among others. If built to the ICD 705 requirements, essentially any type of commercial building can be used as a SCIF, whether it’s a tenant improvement project, renovation, ground-up traditional construction, or modular building.
What is a Modular SCIF?
“The term ‘modular’ is basically an all-encompassing umbrella used for something built off-site,” says Zachary Stark, President at Universal Modular, Inc. Think a high school classroom separate from the main buildings on campus, for example.
Modular buildings are typically trailered or loaded on a flatbed truck and are put in place and then “mated,” or assembled, on-site since they are typically shipped in pieces, Stark explains.
Modular buildings differ slightly from mobile buildings in that “mobile” is usually a single unit that can be moved and relocated multiple times. Modular buildings, on the other hand, can be multi-unit, can vary in size, and although they can be moved, they aren’t necessarily designed to be portable. “They can be moved once, but you generally don’t want to move them more than once during their lifespan,” Stark says. “It can be done, but for modular SCIFs, the amount of precision construction and complexity of components do not lend well to multiple. They are intended to stay in place for a longer time period or permanently.”
Benefits of Choosing Modular SCIFs
In addition to the benefits that come from off-site construction, modular SCIFs have many more benefits.
Timeliness and Efficiency
The top benefit is all about speed, in Stark’s opinion. Traditional construction projects, including remodels or T.I. (tenant improvement) projects take time to plan, design, permit, and build. Add weather delays and other environmental factors, and you’re often looking at delayed timelines, which aren’t a problem for modular fabrication, which is built inside of a factory. A modular SCIF expedites the process, so you can get started on your project sooner. One of the greatest factors that increases speed with a modular project is the fact that you can do any required side development while the building is being fabricated in the factory. This parallel path is not available with conventional construction.
The predictability and efficiency of modular construction appeals to many agencies and contractors. “Factories can build and produce faster because it’s all they do,” says Stark. “Custom buildings have many facets and so much more customization that happens that both design and construction take longer,” Stark says. Modular SCIFs are uniform, consistent, and predictable.
Flexibility and Customization
In a similar vein, modular SCIFs are flexible. They can also be used as “fingers” that extend from a large building, making for an easy expansion or T.I./remodel option.
“They can be customized to fit your needs, though the square footage is limited to keep the facilities transportable,” Stark explains. “As long as you have enough room for the facility and the standoff distance for the door to open, you can place these essentially anywhere. They do need power hookups and lack bathroom facilities, so those are important considerations when deciding where they will be deployed,” he says.
Stark recalls an instance when a government customer needed to be able to pull in a forklift and have an open ceiling. This would have been much more expensive for a ground-up construction project. A modular SCIF was ideal because it allowed the agency the ability to build to fit their needs.
Cost savings
Last but definitely not least, all of the above benefits point to one major savings area: cost. Simply put, traditional construction models are expensive. Modular SCIF construction projects save money you would be spending on supplies and resources, personnel, and other inevitable costs involved in traditional projects.
Additional Considerations
Although modular facilities are a great option for many SCIF construction projects, they aren’t ideal for every project.
If your project requires a customized design with ornate architecture or other aesthetic details, a modular SCIF may not be the best choice. Modular SCIFs are more about function than being “fancy,” says Stark. “You can make them look great inside and outside, but they’re still going to be shaped like a rectangle.”
Also, remember to consider how many times you plan to move your SCIF. Unlike ISO shipping containers that can be moved with relative ease, a modular facility will need to be deconstructed and reconstructed, and it will have more complicated utility needs, according to Stark. Container SCIFs are more “plug and play,” and can be up and running as long as they have a power source.
The bottom line: Consider the nature of your project before choosing a building option. But, before you assume it can’t be done, it never hurts to ask.
Choose an Expert
Finally, before you get started on your next modular SCIF construction project, be sure to choose someone experienced.
“Especially in the SCIF world, if you’re looking for the lowest price, everyone loses. You lose money, your accreditation requirements aren’t met, and you waste valuable time and resources,” explains Stark.
“Ensure you’re talking to an expert who knows what they’re doing,” Stark advises. “Even those experienced in the industry can be unfamiliar with the high-security complexities of the modular methodologies,” Stark explains. “You won’t regret it.”
To learn more about modular SCIFs or get started on a quote for your next modular construction project, reach out to us.