As business and government agencies find it more and more vital to protect and secure information in today’s environment, SCIF (Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facility) rated structures are becoming not only expected, but crucial to upcoming construction projects.

Whether it is constructing a modular data storage facility in a remote location, adding a restricted access conference room with the highest level of security clearance and impermeability, constructing facilities alongside a current business office, or adding security measures to block RFI and EFI signals – SCIF structures are experiencing a surge in demand, and qualified subcontractors are needed more than ever for these vital projects.

What are the main categories of SCIF rated facilities?

To begin, it is important to note that a SCIF-rated space is a physically secure facility, designed to prevent unauthorized access, visual surveillance, and electronic eavesdropping. It is electronically shielded to protect against radio/electromagnetic interference (RFI/EMI) and leakage. In most cases it is access controlled so that only cleared personnel may enter and exit, and access is monitored and logged. It can be acoustically controlled for security, and temperature controlled for machinery. To be SCIF rated, it must be accredited by ICD 705 (Intelligence Community Directive 705) and Technical Specifications for Construction and Management set forth by the DNI (Director of National Intelligence).

Primary types of SCIF construction include:

1. Fixed SCIF structures. These can include modular builds, where all materials are brought in and assembled on site to create permanent installations either stand alone, or built alongside preexisting structures. Examples include data centers, intelligence agency headquarters, military command centers, secure corporate offices, university research facilities. Most of these projects will be used for long-term operations.

2. Temporary SCIFs. These are most often short-term or mission specific secure areas, such as SCIFs set up for briefings at summits, field operations, contractor field work, or temporary projects. Build turnaround can be tighter with either portable, modular or flexible constructions assembled on-site, but still face the same strict approval processes. Many require reauthorization for extended use. 

3. Mobile SCIFs. These include containers, modular enclosures or vehicles that can be airlifted or airdropped, or towed as needed on a smaller scale. They might be used for data hardware transfer, military and field deployments, diplomatic travel, mobile command centers or disaster response teams.

RF Shielding in SCIFs

One of the reasons SCIFs are so critical to intelligence protection and keeping your data secure – is the all encompassing growth of wireless technology like smartphones, tablets, and 5G technology (and the approaching rollout of 6G). It has led to major concerns about RFI and EMI impacting transmission of sensitive information. RF shielding products block, shield, weaken and impede sensitive information and data from getting in or out. These products are experiencing a huge surge in demand, and SCIF rated constructions are built using these materials.

According to projections, the global RFI and EMI market, which was around 9 billion in 2024, is anticipated to reach 19 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2% between 2025 to 2033. The surge of demand for these radio frequency and electromagnetic frequency shielding products are not only due to the growth of wireless technology – but also governments are enacting stricter regulations regarding RFI/EMI, prompting manufacturers to integrate effective shielding solutions into their products. Also, there has been huge progress in materials and technology with more lightweight, efficient shielding materials.

By constructing RF shielding into SCIFs, they can prevent interference that can disrupt signals, protect sensitive data from hacking, eavesdropping, and theft, and reduce wear and tear on parts caused by repeated attempts to transmit data through interference. It also helps manufacturers meet industry standards that clients have come to expect.

Why is Critical Site Construction the qualified installer you’ve been looking for? 

With over 20 years of experience, Critical Site Construction (CSC) is a leader in providing highly skilled construction and installation for critical missions worldwide. Based in New Jersey, outside of New York City, CSC has completed vital projects for industry giants and top tier tech firms  like Microsoft, IBM, Meta, Amazon, Verizon, Amazon, the NFL and other Fortune 50 companies. CSC has also completed mission specific projects for top U.S. government and elite military agencies, international governments and heads of state, and top 20 college research institutions. 

Working with governmental CSA agencies where applicable (NSA, DOD, HADES), projects are accredited by ICD 705 and Technical Specifications for Construction and Management. For sensitive governmental projects, all employees have DBIDS cards to verify biometric identity for access to facilities for a limited amount of time of access, until such projects are completed, and then cards are turned in. All employees are fully vetted, U.S. citizens and passport holders, and have completed Veterans Affairs Privacy and Information Security Awareness training.

CSC is a trusted subcontractor providing turnkey installation and MEP commissioned. From nuts to bolts – they can design, construct, equip, certify and install a fully operational SCIF with RF shielding and mission critical security measures. Experts in modular builds, RF foil shielding, Faraday cage structures, integrating Palmer door installation, rubberized/elastomeric ceiling layers, and more based on project specifications.

With exciting new partnerships based on growing sectors in RF shielding both in the U.S. and internationally – CSC is a company to watch. CSC boasts a track record of completing projects ahead of schedule, boosting client revenue, improving workflow efficiency, integrating cutting edge technology and specialized building and construction methods, and contributing to ROI energy cost reductions.

To conclude, SCIFs are necessary for both elite level critical mission sites, as well as functioning to protect sensitive data and keep it secure. As security challenges evolve, so too must the environments that safeguard our most sensitive information. As technology and construction converge, CSC is a leader in building tomorrow’s security for businesses, governments, military, academia, and the private sector. CSC is the global installation solution to make sure your SCIF installations are up to the highest standards, and we are ready to assist with your next critical mission.

Ratha McCann is a freelance writer for news, entertainment, streaming content, podcasts/apps, and has most recently delved into tech/engineering/construction. She can be reached at rathamccann@yahoo.com.