We have evolved alongside directives and security standards for SCIFs across the intelligence community for more than 25 years. This work translates into multiple projects of varying scope and program requirements for our aerospace construction company, including government and private-sector projects. It’s essential to have government construction contractors who understand the unique needs of the Aerospace Industry. You’re confronted with distinct obstacles pertaining to the security of your facility and compliance with SCIF construction requirements.
With technology constantly advancing, it’s important to stay ahead. Potential threats are always looming and ready to take sensitive information from people.
Protecting intellectual property is one of the primary challenges in the Aerospace industry. Companies invest heavily in research and development to create innovative products and technologies. Secure Aerospace construction is essential to safeguard these investments. Designing and building a controlled environment where only authorized personnel can store the property is the key.
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)
All facilities with a SCIF must be sponsored and accredited by the U.S. Government. The first step is getting the approval of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). From there, you need approval from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). This organization has a 205-page set of standards you’ll need to meet to qualify.
The accreditation process is highly regulated and time-consuming; therefore, knowing the process, designing and constructing the spaces according to Government requirements, and engaging the inspection process as early as possible can help clients achieve accreditation smoothly.
This is where expert government construction companies like Bryan Construction excel. We have a proven track record of constructing classified and non-classified spaces. We have a large number of SCIF construction partnerships including:
- GSA
- Northrup Grumman
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Kratos
- Peraton
- …and more
We understand the importance of opening doors quickly, especially when bound by performance contracts that specify the speed of operation. Working with us early in the process can get you through entitlement, design, and construction in as little as 4-6 months. We know an exhaustive 18-24-month process is not feasible, and we are committed to delivering quality work on time.
Secure Facility Construction & Accreditation
Answers to common questions about the DD 254 approval process, Construction Security Plan milestones, accreditation timelines, and design-build best practices for classified facilities.
APPROVALS & COMPLIANCE
Q1: What is the DD 254 approval process for secure facility construction?
The DD 254 approval process is managed between the facility owner, Site Security Officer (SSO) and the accrediting government agency. An experienced secure construction partner can guide you through compliant construction processes, but final approval authority rests with the accrediting agency and its officials.
It is critical to engage a qualified construction partner like Bryan Construction early. Delays in involvement can significantly extend the timeline to achieve operational status.
Q2: What is a Construction Security Plan (CSP) and what are the milestone stages?
A Construction Security Plan (CSP) is a required document that outlines how security will be maintained throughout the construction of a secure facility. The CSP progresses through three milestone stages:
- 30% Approved: Initial CSP approval with the accrediting agency.
- 60% Approved: Construction can begin without liability.
- 90% Approved: Formal accreditation process begins.
Waiting until 90% to engage a construction partner can result in lost construction time and schedule delays.
Q3: When should I start working on my Construction Security Plan (CSP)?
You should begin working on your CSP as early as possible. A qualified construction partner can begin assisting at the 60% CSP milestone. Waiting until 90% completion means you have waited too long and will lose valuable construction time. Early engagement helps you formulate the CSP and stay aligned with the accrediting agency’s requirements throughout the approval process.
Q4: What is a BCCI and why should I schedule one?
A BCCI (Baseline Configuration Compliance Inspection) is a security mitigation inspection conducted during the construction of a secure facility. Scheduling a BCCI allows your construction partner to verbally affirm the processes being inspected and helps ensure you remain in compliance with the accrediting agency’s requirements at each stage. Proactively scheduling BCCIs is in your best interest to keep the project on track and avoid compliance issues.
ACCREDITATION
Q5: When does accreditation begin and what happens after it is granted?
Accreditation begins at 90% completion of your Construction Security Plan (CSP). This plan is mainly what security measures will be used to avoid unauthorized entry or sensitive material being leaked. It is important to understand that construction is not complete when accreditation is granted. Additional construction work is required to bring the facility to certificate of occupancy and full operational status. The goal is to be wrapping up remaining construction by the time full accreditation is achieved so you can reach operational status as soon as possible.
Accreditation can start once access control is live, the monitoring station has achieved successful communication to interior intrusion detective system (IDS) and tempest is completely sealed.
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Q6: Why is a design-build approach recommended for secure facility construction?
A design-build approach is recommended because it integrates architecture, engineering, and construction teams under a unified process. For secure facilities at the TS (Top Secret), SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information), and SAP (Special Access Program) levels, partnering with experienced design and construction teams ensures the project is done correctly the first time. Design-build eliminates the inefficiency of siloed teams, improves time efficiency, and reduces the risk of costly rework.
Q7: What materials should be procured early to avoid construction delays?
Long-lead specialized components should be procured as early as possible during preconstruction. These include waveguides, STC (Sound Transmission Class) doors, transformers, power filters, Thermafiber insulation, RF products, and other specialized security construction components. Early release and procurement of these materials helps prevent schedule delays and supports a smoother accreditation process.
Consider these main factors:
- Renovating existing building space can help you adhere to SCIF construction requirements.
- Selecting the right building requires choosing adequate building power, access to fiber infrastructure, and understanding existing tenant types.
- Work with government construction companies who understand accreditation, the importance of swift market entry, and the complexities of building a secure space.
Fill out this form to learn more about our government construction company and SCIF construction.
Business Development Manager:
Whitney Williamson
(719) 723-3481
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bryan Construction provide full-lifecycle support for SCIF construction?
Yes, Bryan Construction supports SCIF projects from early planning and pre-construction through buildout and accreditation. The Bryan Construction team works closely with clients throughout each phase to help improve efficiency, reduce delays, and support faster project delivery.
How do you ensure a project meets the rigorous ICD 705 SCIF standards?
Bryan Construction uses experienced project teams, maintains close coordination with Accreditation Officers, and follows a strict internal quality control process. The Bryan Construction approach will identify and address potential issues early while keeping the project aligned with ICD 705 requirements.
What experience do you have with sensitive compartmented information facility construction for private contractors?
Bryan Construction has completed SCIF projects for both private DoD contractors and government clients. Bryan Construction also provides guidance to organizations that are new to secure facility construction to help them navigate the process with confidence.
How does Bryan Construction approach mission critical construction for high-stakes environments?
Bryan Construction works closely with clients to understand operational priorities and identify potential impacts before construction begins. Work is scheduled and executed in a way that minimizes disruption and supports continued mission operations.
Can you help us optimize the layout of our SCIF space to make it more functional?
Yes, Bryan Construction evaluates space based on program needs, ICD 705 requirements, and facility conditions to recommend efficient layouts. These early decisions can help improve workflow, reduce costs, and support long-term functionality.
Do you have experience building an Air Force SCIF or other military-grade secure facilities?
Yes, Bryan Construction has completed SCIF projects for multiple military installations, including work supporting the B-21 program at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Bryan Construction’s experience spans decades of secure construction for the U.S. Air Force and other government facilities.
SCIF Construction: Classified Spaces Projects
Bryan Construction's secure space Projects
| Change to | Location | Project Value | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Air Force | Ellsworth AFB, SD | $103,361,130 | 104,441 |
| US Air Force | Ellsworth AFB, SD | $74,746,790 | 196,000 |
| US Air Force | Ellsworth AFB, SD | $66,486,786 | 93,263 |
| US Air Force | U.S. Air Force Academy, CO | $55,782,252 | 48,500 |
| US Air Force | Cannon AFB, NM | $55,140,861 | 123,000 |
| US Air Force | Ellsworth AFB, SD | $41,363,886 | 29,179 |
| US General Service Administration | Colorado Springs, CO | $34,929,905 | 165,600 |
| US Army | Fort Carson, CO | $33,108,930 | 119,900 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $19,842,708 | 64,000 |
| US Air Force | March ARB, CA | $18,583,774 | 40,000 |
| US Air Force | Peterson SFB, CO | $15,200,474 | 47,423 |
| US Coast Guard | Great Inagua, Bahamas | $14,451,325 | 21,351 |
| US Space Force | Peterson SFB, CO | $14,046,833 | 36,731 |
| US Space Force | Peterson SFB, CO | $13,556,056 | 318,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $10,391,774 | |
| Los Alomos National Lab | Los Alamos, NM | $10,273,815 | 9,500 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $10,000,000 | 57,727 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $9,624,261 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $8,323,954 | 44,204 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $7,396,103 | 42,000 |
| Colorado National Guard | Buckley SFB, CO | $6,867,891 | |
| Colorado National Guard | Aurora, CO | $5,754,229 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $4,406,203 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $3,369,338 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $3,268,750 | 3,500 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $2,968,386 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $2,818,730 | 14,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Aurora, CO | $2,460,638 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Aurora, CO | $2,112,863 | 12,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $1,831,635 | 5,000 |
| US Space Force | Buckley SFB, CO | $1,817,544 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $1,540,332 | |
| US General Service Administration | Colorado Springs, CO | $1,452,963 | 1,030 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $1,246,834 | |
| US General Service Administration | Colorado Springs, CO | $1,033,888 | 7,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $937,912 | 12,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $885,754 | 3000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $882,984 | 23,700 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $862,498 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $757,749 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $526,521 | 2,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $517,176 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $510,790 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $460,394 | 10,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Littleton, CO | $419,331 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $336,539 | 2437 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $315,000 | 1,500 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $304,030 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Aurora, CO | $273,998 | 880 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $251,335 | 7,216 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $244,023 | 1,340 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $238,794 | 1,700 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $216,699 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $207,565 | 2,701 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $204,289 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $199,581 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $198,963 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $152,527 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $138,365 | 1,500 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $124,342 | 1,500 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $112,928 | 2,500 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Aurora, CO | $109,792 | 615 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $39,839 | 1,400 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $36,836 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $35,518 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $30,111 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $29,610 | 5,000 |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $22,416 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $5,144 | |
| US General Service Administration | Colorado Springs, CO | $4,410 | |
| Department of Defense Contractor | Colorado Springs, CO | $646 |
