SCIF Construction Is Changing—Let’s Talk About Why That Matters

The way we build and secure high-security spaces in the U.S. is evolving—and for good reason.

Cracks in Blocks of Marble

Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) have always been central to protecting our most classified work. But as technology moves faster, and threats become more complex, the standards and practices around SCIF construction are under more pressure than ever.

I’ve spent years working in and around these environments—helping clients navigate the requirements, solve problems in the field, and understand how to get from concept to compliance. And I’ve noticed a pattern: while some things have improved dramatically, others are still catching up. Whether it’s the rollout of ICD 705, the way we think about TEMPEST, or how we respond to emerging wireless risks—it’s clear we’re in the middle of a big shift.

So, I’m kicking off a short blog series to share what I’ve seen, learned, and continue to wrestle with. Not to stir up alarm, but to spark conversation—and maybe offer a little clarity for those navigating these waters too. Here’s what I’ll be covering over the next few weeks:

• A look back at where SCIF construction began, and how it’s evolved

• The roots of TEMPEST, and why it still matters more than ever

• What we learned from the Moscow embassy incident—and how that story shaped secure facility policy

• Modern challenges, like IoT, wireless emissions

• The expertise gap Ideas for moving forward, especially around training, collaboration, and better technical execution

I’d love to hear your thoughts along the way. If you’ve got a question you’d like me to explore, or a challenge you keep running into in your own work, let me know—I’ll try to fold those into the upcoming posts. This isn’t about perfect solutions or finger-pointing. It’s about stepping back, understanding where we are, and asking good questions about where we’re headed next.

If you work in SCIF design, construction, compliance, or oversight—this is for you. And if you're just curious about how we keep the most sensitive spaces in the world secure, I think you’ll find it interesting too. First up next week: a short history of SCIF construction. Thanks for reading—I’m glad you’re here.