Military and Government

ICD 705 Acoustical Testing Considerations for SCIF and SAPF areas

ICD 705 is a wide ranging document that concerns itself with all aspects of site security for secure facilities. Our focus is to provide acoustical testing of SCIF and SAPF areas to satisfy the acoustical testing requirements.

We have provided ICD 705 compliant testing in SCIF and SAPF secure facilities at United States Military and governmental agencies around the world.

From Guantanamo Bay to Bahrain, to Weisbaden, Germany, all around the CONUS (and Pearl Harbor as well) we have worked with contractors of all sizes, as well as directly with governmental agencies to ensure that secure facilities perform according to specification.

We can also provide assistance during the design and construction phase, as well as provide information and design for remediation of SCIF and SAPF areas through field testing and computer based modeling of wall, floor, and ceiling assemblies.

The following parameters as detailed in ICD 705 Version 1.4:

A. Overview
1. This establishes DNI guidelines to protect classified conversations from being inadvertently overheard outside a SCIF.
2. This is not intended to protect against deliberate technical interception of audio emanations.
 
B. Sound Group Ratings
The ability of a SCIF structure to retain sound within the perimeter is rated using a descriptive value, the Sound Transmission Class (STC). To satisfy the normal security standards of SCIFs, the following transmission attenuation groups have been established:
 
Sound Group 3 – STC 45 or better. Loud speech from within the SCIF can be faintly heard but not understood outside of the SCIF. Normal speech is unintelligible with the unaided human ear.
Sound Group 4 – STC 50 or better. Very loud sounds within the SCIF, such as loud singing, brass music, or a radio at full volume, can be heard with the human ear faintly or not at all outside of the SCIF.
 
C. Acoustic Testing
1. Audio tests shall be conducted to verify standards are met. Tests may be instrumental or non instrumental as approved by the AO. Test method used shall be detailed in the CSP.
 
2. Instrumental Acoustic Tests:
 
a) Only those with training on audio testing techniques shall conduct instrumental acoustic tests
b) With all SCIF doors closed, all perimeter walls and openings (e.g., air returns, doors, windows, etc.) shall be tested along multiple points to ensure that either Sound Group 3 or 4 is met.
c) Audio test sources shall have a variable sound level output.
d) The output frequency range shall include normal speech.
e) Test speakers shall be placed six feet from the test wall and 4 feet off the floor.
f) Audio gain of the test source shall produce “loud or very loud speech” as defined by Sound Group 3 and 4 levels respectively.
g) As an alternative, instrumented testing may be performed to Noise Isolation Class (NIC) standards. Results shall comply with NIC 40 for Sound Group 3 and NIC 45 or Sound Group 4
 
Contact us today to speak with one of our consultants about your project.
 
You can reach us at 1-800-665-0080 or feel free to email us at pr*****@os*****.com
 
 

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Building Acoustics Testing Services – ASTC, AIIC, OITC, and RT

We offer a full variety of building acoustics field testing services that are geared towards military and commercial clients.

Using the most current ASTM (and/or ISO) standards, as well as industry leading equipment, we perform building acoustics measurements throughout the United States and world.

We work with all four branches of the military, federal, state, and local governments, as well as with builders, developers, and architects to verify that building partitions meet their required field tested values.

While our services are geared towards governmental and commercial clients, we do work with homeowners and condominium owners to provide testing services, most often of flooring installations.

The most common building acoustics testing services that we offer are:

ASTC – Apparent Sound Transmission Class – which is used to determine the airborne sound transmission values of wall and floor partitions. This testing has implications for secure (SCIF and SAPF) areas, as well as for general residential or commercial use buildings.

AIIC – Apparent Impact Insulation Class – which is used to determine the structure borne (impact sound) transmission of floor partitions. This testing is most often performed in a residential setting.

OITC – Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class – which is used to determine the airborne sound transmission of the exterior facade of building elements, such as walls, windows, and roof partitions. This testing is often performed on buildings that must be proven to be secures (such as SCIF and SAPF) areas, as well as general residential or commercial use buildings.

RT- Reverberation Time – which is used to determine the length of time that sound takes to decay within an enclosed space. This testing is always performed in conjunction with ASTC, AIIC, and OITC testing, as it is an integral part of the calculation when performing those testing protocols. It can also be performed to determine the suitability of a room for a particular task. Long reverberation times are pleasing in a concert hall (for example) but harmful to speech intelligibility in a classroom or subway tunnel.

Contact us today at 800-665-0080 or pr*****@os*****.com">pr*****@os*****.com to discuss your testing requirements.

Fill in the form below for immediate response:

Please list the name of your company and/or the division of the company requiring testing.
Please list the city and state where testing will take place.
Please include extension, if applicable

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Modeling of walls, floors, and windows

Sometimes you start out with the best of intentions, a veritable roadmap to success…but someone, somewhere along the way drops the ball.

That’s where we come in (along with our modeling software) assessing what you already have in situ, and determining what will be necessary for fulfillment of your mission.

We can model virtually any wall, ceiling, floor, window or HVAC structure in order to determine the correct remediation to bring your building partition into compliance.

Contact us at 800-665-0080 or pr*****@os*****.com to discuss your project

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Spectrum Analysis

Sure, you can measure noise (of all kinds) with your iPhone or Android phone. That may (or may not) tell you something regarding the noise level in your facility or area. Truth is, though, that’s not the whole picture.

What is really important is the actual distribution of the frequencies.

That’s where spectral/spectrum analysis comes into play.

We can measure in 1/1 or 1/3 octaves the actual noise levels from 8 Hz on to the 20 kHz band. If necessary we can actually perform subsonic, or ultrasonic measurements to determine the actual noise emissions in situ.

Contact us at 800-233-8700 or pr*****@os*****.com for more information.

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Sound Intensity Testing

On-Site Acoustic Testing, LLC offers sound intensity testing of machinery of all types and sizes for a variety of mission requirements.

While sound intensity testing is a requirement for ISO noise declaration documents (in order to determine sound power) it can also be incredibly useful in determining the radiating pattern of equipment. Using our sound intensity test equipment, we are able to provide a visual representation showing the exact radiating pattern both by intensity as well as by frequency.

This process can also be used for leak detection, in order to determine where (a door, for example) is leaking around a seal. Often this can be the most effective way to diagnose a visually correct, but failing wall, window, or door partition.

Contact us today at 800-665-0080 or pr*****@os*****.com in order to discuss your project requirements.

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Thermographic (FLIR) Testing

We can provide expert imaging of equipment, rooms, and building envelopes. Using infrared sensitive equipment, we are able to capture thermal images to pinpoint hot spots on electrical panels (or equipment surfaces), energy loss through walls, windows, doors, and other building facade elements.

Both spot readings and average temperatures of equipment and processes can be acquired, accurately and safely.

Additionally, thermal images can help pinpoint areas where sound may be leaking from area to area.

This technology combined with Sound Intensity Testing and Image Mapping, can provide the required information to diagnose and remediate even the most difficult sound leakage issues in SCIFS and SAPF’s (and other secure areas)

Contact one of our consultants today at 800-665-0080 (or email us at pr*****@os*****.com) to speak with us about your project.

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Noise and Sound Mitigation Consulting

While we are well known for providing noise, vibration, air-quality, and other environmental testing, you may not realize that we also provide noise and sound mitigation consulting services. Our experienced technicians (in conjunction with consulting professional engineers and other consultants) can work with your organization to provide relief for many common issues such as:

  • Open floorplan noise in call centers
  • Construction noise testing and mitigation
  • Unwanted sound transmission in medical and dental offices
  • Noise and vibration emanating from Crossfit and other gym and workout facilities
  • HVAC and other building equipment whether on the ground or roof-mounted
  • Unpleasant room acoustics in restaurants, nightclubs, and auditoriums
  • Machine noise in factories, distribution centers, and retail establishments
  • Noise from playgrounds and recreational areas

Contact us today at pr*****@os*****.com (or call us toll-free at 800-665-0080) to find out how we can provide the solutions for your noise and sound issues.

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FSTC (Field Sound Transmission Class) is now ASTC (Apparent Sound Transmission Class)! ASTM E336 – 19

Recently the name of the field sound transmission class rating system which was known as FSTC has been changed to apparent sound transmission class (ASTC).

What does this mean, to you, the end user?

The simple answer is: not very much!

The test is still conducted using the same basic methodology, meaning that the equipment and testing process is largely the same.

So be aware that test results that used to say FSTC now say ASTC.

ASTM E336 – 19

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings

FSTC (Field Sound Transmission Class) is now ASTC (Apparent Sound Transmission Class)! ASTM E336 – 19 Read More »

FIIC (Field Insulation Impact Class) is now AIIC (Apparent Impact Insulation Class)! ASTM E1007 – 19

Recently the name of the field insulation impact class rating system which was known as FIIC has been changed to apparent impact insulation class.

What does this mean, to you, the end user?

The simple answer is: not very much!

The test is still conducted using the same basic methodology, meaning that the equipment and testing process is largely the same.

So be aware that test results that used to say FIIC now say AIIC.

ASTM E1007 – 19

Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures

FIIC (Field Insulation Impact Class) is now AIIC (Apparent Impact Insulation Class)! ASTM E1007 – 19 Read More »

SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) and SAPF (Special Access Program Facility) Testing Services

We provide testing for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) areas for the Military and Defense contractors.

On-Site Acoustic Testing provides ASTC (Apparent Sound Transmission Class), NIC (Noise Isolation Class), AIIC (Apparent Impact Insulation Class), OITC (Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class), Speech Intelligibility Testing for SCIF and SAPF areas.

We understand how critical it is that secure areas really are secure, and we take this responsibility very seriously. To this end, we are proud to use the Bruel & Kjaer 2270 analyzer running the BZ-7229 dual channel building acoustics software. Additionally, we can provide your organization with critical information concerning flaws in the overall audio/vibrational security of the SCIF or SAPF area.

In addition the the protocols mentioned above, we can provide FFT analysis of noise and vibration that is present in (or transmitted from) the SCIF or SAPF area, or areas adjacent to the SCIF or SAPF area.

Lastly, we can provide infrared thermographic (FLIR) scans of wall, ceiling, and floor partitions to find “hidden” penetrations or other flaws.

Contact one of our consultants today at 1-800-665-0080 or email us at pr*****@os*****.com.

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