Why to Choose Design/Build for Your Secure Facility

Introduction: Why Delivery Method Matters for Secure Facilities

Constructing a secure facility is unlike any other building project. Whether it is a SCIF, SAPF, or another classified environment, these spaces must meet some of the most rigorous requirements in the construction industry. Every element, from wall construction to data cabling, must comply with strict standards to safeguard classified information. Mistakes are not measured only in dollars; they can affect national security and delay critical missions.

Given these stakes, the delivery method chosen for a secure facility project is not just a procedural decision—it is a strategic one. Traditional approaches like Design-Bid-Build often create inefficiencies, introduce compliance risks, and result in costly delays. In contrast, the Design/Build method aligns design and construction under one accountable team, offering a streamlined, security-focused approach ideally suited for SCIFs, SAPFs, and other classified spaces.

The Challenges of Building Secure Spaces

Navigating ICD 705 Compliance

ICD 705 compliance is a baseline requirement for any secure facility. Yet interpreting and applying ICD 705 standards requires more than reading a checklist. Each accrediting authority may interpret requirements differently, and every project has unique mission needs. Missteps—such as underestimating sound attenuation requirements or misapplying wall construction standards—can force extensive rework late in the project.

Design/Build minimizes this risk by integrating compliance expertise throughout the design and construction process. Instead of handing ICD 705 requirements from designer to contractor in a linear fashion, the unified team ensures compliance is verified at every step.

Addressing TEMPEST and Shielding Requirements

TEMPEST requirements present another layer of complexity. Shielding for electromagnetic interference, proper grounding, and specialized cable pathways must be designed and built with precision. In traditional models, miscommunication between design and construction teams often results in shielding failures that are difficult and expensive to correct once walls are closed.

A Design/Build approach ensures shielding requirements are not just captured in the design documents but are also properly implemented and tested during construction. The same team that develops the TEMPEST strategy is responsible for executing it, eliminating costly disconnects.

Balancing Mission Needs, Budget, and Timeline

Every secure facility is tied to a mission that cannot be delayed. Yet projects must also respect budgetary constraints and comply with procurement rules. Traditional delivery methods often force owners to choose between speed, quality, and cost. With Design/Build, those competing priorities can be balanced more effectively because the team is aligned from the start around mission success.

What Makes Design/Build Different?

Unified Accountability and Communication

One of the core benefits of Design/Build is accountability. Instead of having one firm design the facility and another construct it, both functions are delivered by a single team. This eliminates the finger-pointing that can occur when problems arise and provides the customer with a single point of contact throughout the project.

Eliminating Gaps Between Designers and Builders

Design/Build prevents the disconnects that frequently occur in Design-Bid-Build projects. When designers and builders operate independently, there is often a gap between what is drawn on paper and what is practical in the field. For secure facilities, this gap can lead to violations of ICD 705 standards or failure during accreditation. By integrating design and construction teams, Design/Build ensures that compliance and constructability are aligned from day one.

Advantages of Design/Build for SCIF, SAPF, and Secure Spaces

Streamlined Project Delivery

Secure facility projects often operate on accelerated timelines driven by mission requirements. The overlap of design and construction phases in Design/Build reduces delays, allowing projects to move forward more quickly without sacrificing quality. Early involvement of builders during design also enables proactive problem-solving, avoiding bottlenecks later in the process.

Enhanced Quality Control at Every Stage

Quality assurance in secure facility projects is not simply about craftsmanship; it is about meeting specific, testable standards. In Design/Build, the same team designs the quality benchmarks and implements them. This continuity ensures that requirements for acoustics, shielding, access control, and physical construction are met consistently.

Deep Knowledge of ICD 705 and TEMPEST Requirements

Compliance with ICD 705 and TEMPEST cannot be learned on the fly. It requires years of experience and direct exposure to secure facility accreditation processes. A Design/Build team specializing in secure spaces brings this knowledge to the table, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that cause costly delays and failed inspections.

Experienced in Government, DoD, and Intelligence Community Standards

Each agency and accrediting body within the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense has its own nuances. Design/Build teams with a history of working with these customers understand how to anticipate requirements, communicate with government stakeholders, and document compliance effectively. That experience creates smoother reviews and faster approvals.

Cost Certainty and Reduced Risk

Because design and construction are integrated, cost estimating in Design/Build is more accurate from the start. Owners gain clearer visibility into project costs early on, with fewer change orders and surprises. This is particularly valuable for government and defense projects where budgets are fixed and cost overruns are not tolerated.

Why Specialized Expertise Matters in Secure Facility Design/Build

Avoiding Costly Errors and Rework

Rework in secure facilities is not just expensive—it can be mission-threatening. Imagine having to rebuild walls because sound attenuation was not achieved, or tearing out floors to retrofit shielding. Specialized Design/Build teams avoid these errors by applying lessons learned from prior secure projects and integrating compliance checks into every stage.

Meeting High-Stakes Security Expectations

Accrediting officials will not sign off on a facility unless every requirement is satisfied. This scrutiny means that teams with only general construction experience are often unprepared for the level of detail required. A specialized Design/Build provider understands the stakes and has proven strategies to deliver facilities that pass accreditation the first time.

Breadth of Experience Across Facility Types

Secure facilities come in many forms—SCIFs, SAPFs, collateral storage, open storage, and more. Each has unique requirements, but lessons from one project type often inform best practices in another. A Design/Build provider with broad experience applies that knowledge to create more efficient and compliant solutions across the board.

FAQs About Design/Build for Secure Facilities

Why is Design/Build better than Design-Bid-Build for secure projects?

Design/Build eliminates the disconnect between designer and builder, ensuring compliance with security standards and streamlining project delivery. Design-Bid-Build often results in conflicts, change orders, and delays that can compromise both schedule and security.

Can Design/Build handle both new construction and retrofits?

Yes. Many secure facilities are retrofits of existing buildings, and Design/Build excels in these environments. The integrated team assesses current conditions, designs compliant modifications, and executes construction without the gaps that traditional delivery methods create.

How does TEMPEST factor into the Design/Build process?

TEMPEST considerations are addressed holistically. From shielding and grounding to cabling and equipment placement, the Design/Build team integrates mitigation strategies into both design and execution, ensuring no step is overlooked.

Does Design/Build speed up delivery without cutting corners?

Yes. Because design and construction phases overlap and communication is streamlined, projects move faster while maintaining compliance and quality. This efficiency is critical for mission-driven projects that cannot tolerate delays.

Why should government and defense contractors trust Design/Build?

A specialized Design/Build provider brings proven experience with secure facilities, a track record of successful accreditations, and a deep understanding of agency expectations. That expertise reduces risk and ensures mission success.

Conclusion: Why Choose Our Team for Your Secure Facility

When it comes to secure facility construction, the delivery method you choose directly impacts compliance, cost, schedule, and ultimately mission readiness. Design/Build provides a single accountable team with the expertise to deliver on all fronts—compliance, quality, budget, and timeline.

Our team specializes in Design/Build for SCIFs, SAPFs, collateral, and open storage spaces. With decades of experience navigating ICD 705, TEMPEST, and Intelligence Community requirements, we deliver facilities that meet the highest security standards and pass accreditation the first time.

If you are planning a secure facility, we encourage you to contact us to discuss how our Design/Build approach can provide the efficiency, certainty, and expertise your mission demands.