What Is a SCIF in a Box? Inside Portable ICD 705 Facilities
When people talk about a “SCIF in a box,” most are really thinking of a container SCIF. Find out what the term actually means—and which type of SCIF is right for you.
If you’re exploring modular SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) options, you’ve probably heard of a “SCIF in a box.” But what does that term actually mean?
“SCIF in a box” is a very general term used by both government and industry that refers to any type of portable SCIF that can be delivered fully completed. That means that the SCIF has been prefabricated to meet all of your facility’s functional and security needs.
When most people request a SCIF in a box, they’re looking for a facility that will be ready to use once delivered—without any of the hassle that comes with traditional construction projects.
The solution is most often a container SCIF. But whether this type of SCIF is what your project needs depends on how you intend to use your SCIF.
Understanding Your SCIF in a Box Choices
Universal Modular Inc. (UMI) has several modular SCIF options in varying sizes that can meet the needs of clients in search of a SCIF in a box.
UMI offers container SCIFs as large as 40 feet in length, as well as 20-foot and 10-foot options. Each container SCIF is built using an unaltered ISO shipping container and can be used to store sensitive materials or to provide a secure workspace.
UMI also offers the Joint Airlift Micro SCIF (JAMS) facility, a first-of-its kind air-transportable SCIF that is a bit smaller than 10-foot container SCIFs. The JAMS facility, which UMI developed in partnership with Highland Engineering, Inc., is a converted EAC-90 military shipping container, which weighs little in comparison to most container SCIFs, and can be deployed quickly.
All Options Perform at the Highest Level
Regardless of which size you choose, the fundamental components that UMI uses in fabricating modular SCIFs do not change.
All of UMI’s portable SCIFs can achieve 100dB of RF shielding and can achieve an acoustic protection level of sound transmission class (STC) 50—both levels that are difficult to achieve but that may be required for ICD 705 compliance.
While the size of materials needed will differ depending on which size facility you choose, the type of materials used for the doors, power filters, and RF shielding will be the same.
The only real difference is how long fabrication for one project will take compared to another, and even that only varies by a couple of weeks.
A SCIF in a box, aka container SCIF, can be easily relocated via truck.
Every SCIF Is Turnkey and Easily Deployable
Every SCIF in a box will arrive ready to use. That includes the power, communications, and security systems, all of which will be ready to be attached when your facility is delivered.
And if your SCIF in a box needs to relocate? Not a problem. All UMI will need to do is disconnect the same power, communications, and security systems that were so easy to connect when the facility was first delivered. From there, the SCIF in a box will be loaded onto a truck and transported to its new home.
A SCIF in a Box Doesn’t Fit All Projects
In some cases, a SCIF in a box may not be the right fit for a project’s needs.
For example, a client overseeing office space may initially explore whether they can bring a SCIF in a box into their existing space. Though the space may technically fit the size of the facility they’re considering, getting it inside can present challenges, depending on the size of the office space’s doors or other entrances.
In some cases, a SCIF in a box may still work, though it may need to be placed outside an existing space or moved to another location entirely. If a prebuilt facility isn’t quite right for your project, UMI also has panelized modular options available.
Are you ready to explore your SCIF in a box options? Contact UMI today to get a quote for a container SCIF or a JAMS facility.