How to Build a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF):
What Aerospace and Defense Actually Need for SCIF Room Construction
The SCIF: A Sophisticated Ecosystem for Security
In high-stakes environments where aerospace innovation and national security converge, today's secure facilities must function on multiple levels. A properly constructed SCIF isn't merely a secured room—it's a sophisticated ecosystem designed to protect America's most sensitive intelligence operations while enabling critical work.
  • Seamlessly integrates advanced security protocols.
  • Ensures electromagnetic protection.
  • Provides acoustic isolation.
  • Prioritizes operational efficiency.
Meeting Urgent Demands: AI and The Golden Dome Initiative
As the United States accelerates its artificial intelligence capabilities and expands classified computing infrastructure, the demand for accredited, mission-ready SCIFs has never been more urgent.
The Golden Dome initiative represents a paradigm shift in sovereign AI data centers, and SCIF construction must evolve to meet these unprecedented requirements. This presentation outlines the critical considerations, technical requirements, and strategic insights necessary for successful SCIF development in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Trusted Partner
Building Extreme Safety and Unprecedented Security
Ai SCIF, LLC. is more than a sovereign AI data center and on-location SCIF general contractor; we build extreme safety and unprecedented security into every facility we deliver. We understand the mission-critical requirements that are unique to each client's operational needs, whether you're safeguarding next-generation aerospace technology, protecting classified intelligence operations, or securing strategic defense planning activities.
Our defense industry clients operate at the intersection of innovation and national security. They require facilities that not only meet stringent accreditation standards but also anticipate future threats and technological evolution. We bring a deep, institutional understanding of what the U.S. Government and military actually need—not just what compliance documents specify, but what operational reality demands.
This expertise is born from years of specialized focus on the unique challenges of defense and aerospace SCIF construction. We've built facilities for organizations handling signals intelligence, human intelligence, weapons development, satellite operations, and advanced computing applications. Each project has reinforced our commitment to delivering spaces that protect information while enabling the critical work of national defense.
Why Defense Clients Choose Us
  • Proven track record with DIA, NRO, and DoD accreditation processes
  • Specialized expertise in RF/EM shielding and TEMPEST mitigation
  • Deep supply chain relationships for long-lead specialty materials
  • Understanding of operational requirements beyond compliance checklists
  • Experience with both new construction and complex retrofit projects
  • Commitment to accelerated timelines without compromising security standards
Industry Leadership
Golden Dome and the Future of Sovereign AI Computing
Our CEO, Rick Sanford, recently spoke at the Utah Aerospace & Defense conference, 47G, addressing the critical intersection of artificial intelligence infrastructure and national security. His presentation focused on the current administration's mandate to build the Golden Dome—a sovereign AI compute initiative that represents America's response to the global AI arms race.
Sanford's key insight was the necessity of incorporating Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) construction as phase zero of any sovereign AI data center development—before the term "phase zero" even had meaning in the industry. This forward-thinking approach recognizes that secure facilities cannot be afterthoughts or retrofits when dealing with classified AI workloads; they must be foundational to the entire infrastructure design.
Strategic Foresight
Integrating SCIF requirements from day one prevents costly redesigns and ensures accreditation timelines align with operational deployment schedules.
Mission Alignment
Golden Dome facilities must support classified AI training, secure model development, and protected inference operations—all requiring SCIF-level protection.
Competitive Advantage
Nations that successfully integrate secure infrastructure with advanced computing capabilities will lead in defense AI applications and intelligence operations.
The takeaways from our approach to building sovereign AI compute data centers reflect years of specialized experience in defense construction, accreditation navigation, and understanding the operational realities of classified environments. Our methodology ensures facilities are not just compliant on paper, but operationally effective, scalable, and resilient against evolving threats.
Compliance Is Your Foundation
Secure facilities are only as good as their accreditation. Intelligence Community Directive 705 (ICD 705) compliance standards define the baseline requirements for any space handling Sensitive Compartmented Information. Whether you're protecting sensitive conversations, mitigating electromagnetic emissions, or securing classified documentation, you must successfully navigate the accreditation process. There are no shortcuts, no workarounds, and no substitutes for full compliance.
ICD 705 establishes technical specifications across multiple security domains: physical security, acoustic protection, electromagnetic shielding, access control, intrusion detection, and visual observation protection. Each domain requires precise engineering, specialized materials, and rigorous installation procedures. Bryan Construction understands what it takes to pass accreditation with zero construction errors—a track record built on meticulous attention to detail and deep familiarity with accreditation authority expectations.
1
Physical Security
Walls, doors, floors, and ceilings must meet specific construction standards to prevent unauthorized physical access and visual observation. This includes material specifications, thickness requirements, and penetration protection.
2
Acoustic Protection
Sound attenuation requirements prevent conversations and audio signals from escaping the SCIF perimeter. This involves STC-rated construction assemblies, specialized doors, and careful treatment of HVAC and electrical penetrations.
3
RF/EM Shielding
Radio frequency and electromagnetic shielding prevents signals intelligence collection and protects against electronic eavesdropping. Requires continuous RF foil installation, bonding, and testing to achieve specified attenuation levels.
4
Access Control & IDS
Intrusion detection systems and access control mechanisms must meet stringent technical standards and integrate with broader facility security operations and monitoring capabilities.
Understanding compliance requirements at this granular level is what separates experienced SCIF contractors from general construction firms. The difference becomes apparent during accreditation inspections, where construction errors can trigger months of delays and costly remediation work.
Accreditation Shouldn't Be the Bottleneck
DIA Accreditation Timeline
Review times for Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) accreditation can stretch to seven months or longer. This extended timeline reflects the thoroughness of DIA's review process, which includes detailed construction documentation review, on-site inspections, acoustic testing, RF attenuation verification, and multi-layer security assessments.
DIA accreditation involves coordination with Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA) personnel, acoustic testing specialists, and physical security subject matter experts. Each discipline must certify compliance before final accreditation is granted. Delays often occur when construction documentation is incomplete, when on-site conditions don't match submitted plans, or when testing reveals deficiencies requiring remediation.
NRO Accreditation Timeline
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) accreditation often moves faster than DIA processes, though requirements are equally stringent. NRO's streamlined approach reflects its operational tempo and mission urgency. Understanding these timeline differences is key to planning your SCIF accreditation strategy.
The choice of accrediting authority isn't always within the facility owner's control—it depends on the sponsoring government organization and the classification levels involved. However, when options exist, understanding the procedural differences can inform project scheduling and resource allocation decisions.
01
Pre-Construction Planning
Engage accreditation authority early, establish communication channels, and clarify requirements before breaking ground.
02
Documentation Preparation
Prepare comprehensive construction documentation, including detailed drawings, material specifications, and security plans.
03
Construction Execution
Execute build with continuous quality control, photo documentation, and adherence to approved specifications.
04
Testing & Inspection
Conduct required testing (acoustic, RF, physical security) and coordinate on-site inspections with accreditation personnel.
05
Final Accreditation
Address any findings, complete remediation if necessary, and receive final accreditation approval for operational use.
Working with an experienced SCIF contractor who understands accreditation authority expectations can dramatically reduce the risk of delays. We've successfully navigated dozens of accreditation processes and know how to prepare documentation, execute construction, and respond to inspector findings in ways that keep projects moving forward.
Consider Long Lead Times
Lead times on critical SCIF construction materials represent one of the most significant schedule risks in secure facility projects. Specialized components including sound-rated doors, waveguides, RF foil, acoustic insulation, and power filters can have procurement timelines ranging from several months to a full year. These aren't off-the-shelf items available from local suppliers—they're manufactured by a limited number of specialized vendors who understand defense and intelligence requirements.
1
STC-Rated Security Doors
Sound Transmission Class (STC) rated doors with integrated RF shielding, multi-point locking mechanisms, and acoustic seals can have lead times extending to 12 months. These doors are precision-manufactured assemblies that require specific frame construction and integration with the SCIF perimeter.
2
Power Line Filters
TEMPEST-compliant power line filters prevent electromagnetic emanations from escaping through electrical infrastructure. Lead times often reach 10-12 months, and these components must be specified based on facility power requirements and classification levels.
3
RF Shielding Materials
Copper or aluminum RF foil, bonding materials, waveguides, and penetration treatments require careful specification and procurement. While base materials may have shorter lead times, specialized penetration hardware and custom waveguides can extend timelines to 6-8 months.
4
Acoustic Insulation Systems
Specialized acoustic insulation, resilient channel systems, sound isolation clips, and acoustic sealants designed for SCIF applications have lead times of 4-6 months. Standard building insulation cannot substitute for these specified materials.

Critical Planning Insight: We must be proactive in procuring necessary materials for building a SCIF room within given time constraints. Early engagement with suppliers, strategic material staging, and contingency planning for supply chain disruptions are essential to maintaining project schedules. Our established relationships with specialty manufacturers give clients priority access and improved delivery timelines.
The compounding effect of multiple long-lead items means that inadequate procurement planning can easily add 6-12 months to overall project timelines. This is particularly critical for Golden Dome and other time-sensitive national security initiatives where operational deployment dates are fixed and delay costs are measured in strategic disadvantage.
Retrofit and Expand Wisely
Compliance standards continue to evolve as threat landscapes shift and technology advances. If you have an existing SCIF now, upgrading to current accreditation mandates is an excellent option for many secure spaces. ICD 705 standards are periodically updated to address emerging vulnerabilities, new attack vectors, and lessons learned from security incidents. Facilities that were compliant five years ago may require upgrades to maintain accreditation under current standards.
We can help you identify the necessary upgrades and construction components to ensure your SCIF complies with new standards. This assessment process involves reviewing original construction documentation, conducting on-site evaluations, comparing current facility characteristics against updated ICD 705 requirements, and developing a prioritized upgrade plan that addresses the most critical gaps first. In many cases, targeted upgrades are more cost-effective than new construction, particularly when existing facilities have good bones and favorable locations.
When Retrofit Makes Sense
  • Existing facility has solid structural foundation and favorable location
  • Core security infrastructure (walls, ceiling, floor) meets or exceeds current standards
  • Upgrades needed are primarily in doors, penetrations, or electronic systems
  • Timeline constraints favor renovation over new construction permitting and development
  • Real estate costs make new land acquisition prohibitively expensive
  • Mission continuity requires maintaining existing location and operations
Economies of Scale
Cost efficiency improves dramatically as facility scale grows. The larger the facility, the lower the per-square-foot cost of SCIF construction. This reflects the amortization of fixed costs—RF testing equipment, specialized labor mobilization, acoustic testing, and project management overhead—across a larger square footage.
A 5,000 square foot SCIF might cost $800-1,200 per square foot, while a 30,000 square foot SCIF can achieve costs of $500-700 per square foot. The percentage savings are substantial enough that planning for future expansion during initial construction—even if that space isn't immediately fitted out—can deliver significant long-term value.
Strategic expansion planning involves analyzing your organization's classified work trajectory, understanding how program requirements may evolve, and designing initial construction to accommodate future growth without requiring complete reconstruction. This might mean installing RF shielding in shell space that won't be occupied for two years, or running conduit for future power and data needs during initial construction when access is easier and costs are lower.
Balancing Tech, Time & Well-Being
Every secure facility has specialized technical requirements—from RF/EM shielding and TEMPEST mitigation to sound-rated doors and intrusion detection systems. These construction components protect information, safeguarding America's most sensitive intelligence from foreign adversaries and insider threats. The technical sophistication of modern SCIF construction reflects decades of lessons learned about how information can be compromised through electromagnetic emanations, acoustic leakage, visual observation, and physical penetration.
But while we engineer facilities to protect information, we must also design spaces to protect people's well-being. Natural sunlight in secure spaces, thoughtfully integrated break areas, and opportunities for mental reset are necessary for team members who work in these highly secure environments. The psychological impact of working in windowless, enclosed spaces for extended periods is well-documented: increased stress, reduced cognitive performance, disrupted circadian rhythms, and diminished job satisfaction.
Human-Centered SCIF Design
Innovating AI data center SCIFs to consider a worker's mental health should be a priority, not an afterthought. Give people opportunities to disconnect from the six-sided box for a minute. This doesn't compromise security—it enhances mission effectiveness by maintaining the cognitive performance and resilience of your most valuable asset: your people.
  • Natural Light Integration: Where possible, incorporate windows with appropriate security treatments, light wells, or fiber optic daylighting systems that bring natural illumination into classified spaces
  • Biophilic Design Elements: Plants, natural materials, and organic forms reduce stress and improve air quality even in sealed environments
  • Dedicated Break Spaces: Unclassified areas adjacent to SCIFs where personnel can decompress, make personal calls, and mentally transition
  • Visual Interest: Artwork, color variation, and textural diversity prevent the sensory deprivation of sterile, monotonous environments
  • Ergonomic Workspace Design: Adjustable furniture, proper lighting levels, and acoustic control that reduces fatigue during long analytical sessions
Information Protection
RF shielding, acoustic isolation, physical barriers, and access controls that prevent unauthorized disclosure of classified information
Personnel Well-Being
Natural light, break areas, biophilic design, and spaces for mental reset that maintain cognitive performance and job satisfaction
Mission Effectiveness
The synthesis of technical security and human factors that enables sustained high-performance intelligence operations
Organizations that prioritize occupant well-being see measurable returns: reduced turnover among cleared personnel (who are expensive to recruit and replace), improved analytical output quality, fewer security incidents caused by fatigue or stress, and enhanced organizational reputation that aids in recruiting top talent. In the competitive environment for cleared professionals, facility quality has become a meaningful differentiator.
Forward-Thinking SCIF Construction
Often, it is highly beneficial to plan ahead and make room for future expansion during initial construction. You may only need 15,000 square feet of classified space today, but in two years, operational requirements may demand 30,000 square feet. We want to position every facility for long-term success, not just immediate needs. Imagine investing millions in a sophisticated SCIF build-out, achieving accreditation, establishing operations—only to find yourself landlocked when program expansion requires additional classified space.
Leasing or purchasing more real estate than is currently needed will prove beneficial for the facility's future, providing additional classified space as program requirements grow. This strategic approach to real estate and construction planning prevents the costly scenario of maintaining split operations across multiple locations or facing program delays while new space is constructed and accredited.
Phase 0: Initial Build
Construct 15,000 sq ft of fully accredited SCIF space. Install RF shielding and core infrastructure in adjacent 15,000 sq ft shell space for future activation.
Phase 1: Program Growth
Operations expand. Begin fit-out of shell space with acoustic treatments, doors, and interior construction. RF shielding already in place reduces costs and timeline.
Phase 2: Full Activation
Complete accreditation of expanded space. Total 30,000 sq ft capacity achieved at 40% lower cost than building separately. Zero mission disruption.
Phase 3: Continued Growth
Additional programs require more space. Because real estate was acquired with foresight, third expansion phase proceeds without relocation or split operations.
Strategic Real Estate Considerations
  • Location Flexibility: Industrial or office park settings that allow for physical expansion without relocating entire operations
  • Infrastructure Capacity: Electrical service, HVAC capacity, and data connectivity sized for future growth, not just day-one requirements
  • Lease vs. Purchase Analysis: Long-term facility control requirements may favor purchase despite higher upfront costs
  • Adjacent Space Options: Securing rights of first refusal on neighboring suites or buildings that could accommodate expansion
  • Zoning and Permitting: Understanding local regulations that could facilitate or hinder future expansion plans
Phased Construction Approach
The most cost-effective expansion strategy involves installing expensive, disruptive infrastructure elements during initial construction, even in space that won't be immediately occupied. This includes:
  • RF shielding installation (extremely disruptive to retrofit)
  • Primary electrical service and distribution
  • HVAC system capacity and distribution infrastructure
  • Structural reinforcement for future equipment loads
  • Data network backbone and fiber distribution
These elements can be installed in shell space at a fraction of the cost required to add them later, and their presence dramatically accelerates future expansion timelines.
Key Takeaways
Our clients need secure facility construction that performs—for projects, for products, and for defense of our great nation. Our blend of technical precision with practical foresight delivers AI data center SCIFs that are accredited, resilient, and built to be adaptable to future needs. The difference between adequate and exceptional SCIF construction lies in understanding not just compliance requirements, but operational realities, strategic context, and the human factors that determine mission success.
Early Planning Is Table Stakes
We can help you start the essential planning process now. Engaging 12-18 months before required operational capability allows time for proper site selection, accreditation authority coordination, material procurement, and construction execution without compressed timelines that increase risk and cost.
2028 Compliance Deadline
There is a 2028 cutoff looming for grandfathered facilities related to compliance with current ICD-705 standards. Facilities operating under older standards will require upgrades or risk losing accreditation. This affects thousands of existing SCIFs across government and defense contractors.
Retrofit Is a Viable Option
Existing builds can be the smarter path. It's often more efficient to renovate, gut down to the studs, and focus on redundant power and RF shielding. We have extensive experience in SCIF retrofits and upgrades that maintain operational continuity while achieving compliance.
Scale Matters
The cost per square foot decreases substantially for larger builds. Amortization works in your favor. A 30,000 sq ft SCIF can cost 40-50% less per square foot than a 5,000 sq ft facility, while providing operational flexibility and expansion capacity.
Speed Matters More Than Price
A financially tight but swiftly delivered SCIF is worth its weight in months saved, especially when you consider the U.S. is in an AI arms race with strategic competitors. Every month of delay represents lost capability and strategic disadvantage in critical technology domains.
Well-Being Is Part of Resilience
SCIFs are often mentally taxing spaces for end users. Prioritizing occupant well-being is good business—it increases cognitive performance, reduces turnover, and accelerates mission delivery. Human-centered design doesn't compromise security; it enhances effectiveness.
Partner With Experience That Delivers Results
Ai SCIF, LLC brings unmatched expertise in sovereign AI data center SCIF construction, accreditation navigation, and mission-focused facility design. Whether you're building new construction to support Golden Dome initiatives, upgrading existing facilities to meet 2028 compliance deadlines, or expanding classified space to accommodate program growth, we deliver secure facilities that protect information, enable operations, and position your organization for long-term success.
Our track record speaks to our capability: zero accreditation failures, consistent on-time delivery despite aggressive schedules, and satisfied clients across DIA, NRO, DoD, and defense contractor communities. We understand what defense and aerospace organizations actually need because we've been building for them exclusively for years.
Ready to Start?
Contact us today to discuss your SCIF requirements, timeline constraints, and strategic objectives. Early engagement ensures we can help you navigate the complexity of accreditation, procurement, and construction to deliver mission-ready space when you need it.
Time is the most valuable resource in national security infrastructure. Let's make every month count.
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Secure Tomorrow, Today
In national security infrastructure, time is your most valuable asset. Let Ai SCIF, LLC. bring its unmatched expertise to ensure your classified facilities are not just compliant, but mission-ready and adaptable for the future.
Early engagement is key to navigating complexity and delivering on time.