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Secure Construction Contractor Requirements
Directly Applicable Experience
To successfully build SCIFs and RF facilities, a general contractor must have direct, extensive experience in the construction, testing, repair, and retesting of these types of facilities. Although architectural and engineering firms may prepare their plans based on government directive specifications, it is essential that the construction itself meet these specifications.
For example, the architectural directives for a 45 Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) wall specify three (3) layers of 5/8-inch gypsum. However, specification does not prescribe that the wall studs must be offset; nor does it consider that a corrugated pan deck in the ceiling requires that the gypsum be cut to fit into the grooves of the pan deck. The specification also does not mandate that all receptacles be surface-mounted, to ensure that ceiling and floor stud channels are sealed. Only direct experience in this type of secure construction gives a contractor the expertise to understand these additional unspecified requirements, which are imperative if the secure facility is to pass the accreditation and/or certification tests.
Personnel Security Clearances
It is critical that any personnel working on a secure facility, either in the United States or overseas, be United States citizens, preferably with security clearances. While the use of local, non-United States-citizen laborers may allow a contractor to cut costs, it can introduce unacceptable security flaws that jeopardize the protection offered by the facility.
Facility Accreditation
Any contractor wishing to build secure facilities should have its own accredited facilities where it can store classified government directives, classified drawings, etc. A contractor who does not recognize the necessity of having its own secure facilities should not be considered to design and build other secure facilities.
Worldwide Packing/Shipping
A contractor wishing to build secure facilities overseas must have its own cleared packing facility, so that cleared package handlers and craters can prepare shipments containing only authorized materials. Materials that are not crated or shipped properly could be damaged in transit, or rejected by Customs officials, which would add significant costs to the project.
Secure Facilities at Industrial Contractor Sites
A contractor experienced in the design, construction and installation of secure facilities must have a cleared facility, cleared personnel. Critical specifications are classified.
