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ICD-705 Acoustic Testing Considerations for SCIF and SAPF Facilities

Acoustic protection is one component of the technical requirements governing Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). On-Site Acoustic Testing provides field acoustic testing, design review and remediation support for secure facilities, including SCIF, SAPF and VTC projects.

This article summarizes practical acoustic-testing considerations. Project requirements should always be confirmed against the applicable governing criteria, project documents and direction from the Authorizing Official (AO).

Current IC Technical Specification

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence publishes the Intelligence Community Technical Specification for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities. The publicly available Version 1.5.1 is dated July 26, 2021 and includes acoustic protection requirements in Chapter 9.

Sound Group 3 and Sound Group 4

The IC Technical Specification establishes Sound Group 3 and Sound Group 4 acoustic-protection levels. For instrumented testing using Noise Isolation Class (NIC), the specification identifies NIC 40 for Sound Group 3 and NIC 45 for Sound Group 4.

Sound Group 3 is the baseline identified for SCIF perimeter construction, while areas involving amplified conversations, including conference centers and VTC rooms, are identified for Sound Group 4 construction. The required condition for a particular project should be established from its approved security and construction documentation.

Instrumented Acoustic Testing

The technical specification requires acoustic testing to verify the required protection and permits instrumented testing using NIC. In practice, secure-facility testing may require measurements at multiple perimeter walls, doors, windows, openings and other potential sound-transmission paths rather than treating an entire facility as a single partition.

For a detailed description of OSAT’s field-testing service, see SCIF, SAPF and VTC secure-facility testing.

Doors, Penetrations and Transmission Paths

Acoustic performance can be limited by more than the nominal wall construction. Doors, seals, penetrations, ducts, utility pathways, junctions and other discontinuities can become controlling transmission paths. Field measurements are useful both for acceptance testing and for diagnosing a facility that does not achieve the required result.

Design Review and Remediation

Testing late in construction can identify deficiencies, but earlier review can reduce the likelihood of difficult remediation. OSAT can support projects with acoustical plan review, field measurements and acoustic modeling.

Related Secure-Facility Testing

Acoustic testing addresses sound transmission and speech security; it is distinct from RF shielding verification. Where both are required, OSAT also provides RF shielding testing and field verification.

Discuss an ICD-705 Acoustic Testing Project

For pricing and planning, provide available drawings or an accurate count of the walls, doors and other partitions requiring testing, along with the applicable Sound Group and project requirements.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

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Building Acoustics Testing – ASTC, AIIC, OITC and RT

Building acoustics testing with sound analyzer in an unfinished interior

Field testing of installed building assemblies for airborne sound isolation, impact sound isolation, exterior façade performance and reverberation.

On-Site Acoustic Testing provides building acoustics field testing throughout the United States and internationally for government and military facilities, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, building owners and property managers. Testing is performed using applicable ASTM and ISO procedures with dedicated building-acoustics instrumentation.

Building Acoustics Field Testing

Field measurements can be used to verify completed construction, document compliance with project criteria, investigate sound-isolation problems and identify assemblies or transmission paths requiring corrective work. OSAT provides testing for commercial, residential, institutional, government and secure-facility projects.

ASTC – Apparent Sound Transmission Class

ASTM E336 field measurement of airborne sound isolation across installed walls, floor/ceiling assemblies and other separating partitions. ASTC and related field metrics include the effects of the installed construction and flanking transmission.

AIIC – Apparent Impact Insulation Class

ASTM E1007 field measurement of impact sound transmission through installed floor/ceiling assemblies using a standardized tapping machine. AIIC testing is commonly used for multifamily residential construction, flooring evaluations and investigations of impact-noise complaints.

OITC, AOITC and OINIC – Exterior Façade Testing

ASTM E966 field testing characterizes outdoor-to-indoor sound attenuation of installed exterior walls, windows, doors and façade systems. Depending on the measurement method and field conditions, results can be used to develop OITC/FOITC, AOITC or OINIC ratings.

Reverberation Time (RT)

Reverberation-time measurements characterize sound decay within an enclosed space. RT measurements are used as part of several building-acoustics field procedures and can also be performed independently to evaluate room acoustics for speech, music and other uses.

Current Building Acoustics Instrumentation

OSAT maintains dedicated field equipment including precision acoustic analyzers, standardized tapping machines and omnidirectional sound sources. Battery-powered instrumentation also allows measurements in locations where normal power or conventional access is impractical.

Government, Commercial and Residential Projects

Our building-acoustics work includes U.S. military and federal facilities, secure facilities, commercial and industrial buildings, multifamily housing, condominiums and other projects where installed acoustic performance must be measured objectively in the field.

Discuss Your Building Acoustics Testing Requirements

Contact On-Site Acoustic Testing to discuss the building assembly, project criteria, site conditions and field measurement required.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

Building Acoustics Testing – ASTC, AIIC, OITC and RT Read More »

Acoustic Modeling of Walls, Floors and Windows

Acoustic modeling report for building sound isolation analysis

Acoustic modeling can help evaluate expected sound-isolation performance, compare construction alternatives and develop practical remediation strategies before field work begins.

On-Site Acoustic Testing provides modeling and technical evaluation of walls, floor/ceiling assemblies, windows and other building elements for projects involving airborne sound isolation, impact sound and acoustical security.

Modeling Building Assemblies

Modeling can be used to compare proposed assemblies, evaluate changes in materials or construction, and investigate existing assemblies that are not achieving the required acoustic performance. Depending on the project, the analysis may consider partitions, floors, ceilings, glazing and relevant transmission paths associated with building services.

Design, Troubleshooting and Remediation

For new construction, modeling can support acoustical plan review and comparison of design alternatives. For existing construction, it can help identify practical modifications to improve sound isolation and guide field investigation or remediation.

Modeling and Field Testing

Modeled performance and laboratory ratings should not be treated as substitutes for measurements of the completed building. Where verification is required, OSAT can perform building-acoustics field testing to document the performance of the installed construction.

Discuss Your Assembly or Remediation Problem

Contact On-Site Acoustic Testing with available drawings, assembly details, project criteria and any existing field or laboratory test data.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

Acoustic Modeling of Walls, Floors and Windows Read More »

Noise Spectrum Analysis – Octave Band and FFT Testing

Frequency-spectrum analysis provides information that an overall sound-level measurement alone cannot show.

On-Site Acoustic Testing uses frequency analysis to characterize noise sources, identify dominant frequency components, investigate tonal or low-frequency problems, and support noise-control and troubleshooting work.

Octave-Band and One-Third-Octave Analysis

Sound can be analyzed by frequency band to show how acoustic energy is distributed across the spectrum. One-octave and one-third-octave measurements are widely used in building acoustics, environmental and industrial noise investigations, mechanical-system troubleshooting and evaluation of noise-control measures.

FFT and Narrowband Analysis

Where greater frequency resolution is useful, FFT or other narrowband analysis can help identify tones, harmonics and frequency components associated with particular machinery or processes. Comparing spectra under different operating conditions can also help distinguish competing sources.

Applications

  • Industrial and machinery noise investigations
  • HVAC and mechanical-system noise
  • Low-frequency and tonal noise complaints
  • Building and room acoustics
  • Source identification and troubleshooting
  • Pre- and post-mitigation comparisons

Specialized Source Measurements

Spectrum analysis can be combined with directional measurements and source-localization techniques when conventional sound-level measurements cannot adequately separate individual contributors. See our specialized noise testing and source localization services.

Discuss a Frequency-Analysis Project

Contact On-Site Acoustic Testing with the type of source, operating conditions and the noise or vibration problem being investigated so the appropriate measurement and analysis method can be selected.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

Noise Spectrum Analysis – Octave Band and FFT Testing Read More »

Sound Intensity Testing and Sound Power Measurements

Sound level measurement at commercial chiller equipment

Sound intensity measurements can quantify acoustic energy flow and help determine where machinery, equipment and building assemblies are radiating sound.

On-Site Acoustic Testing provides field sound-intensity measurements for equipment investigations, sound-power determination, source localization and diagnostic testing. Unlike sound-pressure measurements alone, sound intensity is directional and can be particularly useful when measurements must be made close to a source or where other sound sources are present.

Machinery and Equipment Sound Intensity

Sound-intensity measurements can be used to investigate chillers, pumps, motors, mechanical equipment and other complex sources. Measurements over a defined surface can show how acoustic energy varies by position and frequency, helping identify the portions of equipment that contribute most strongly to the radiated sound.

Sound Power Determination

Sound intensity can be used to determine sound power under applicable measurement procedures. This can support machinery-noise characterization, engineering studies, product documentation and projects requiring sound-power data rather than sound-pressure level alone.

Source Localization and Diagnostic Testing

Spatial sound-intensity measurements can help locate dominant radiating areas, acoustic leaks and transmission paths. The technique can be useful when troubleshooting equipment enclosures and building assemblies or evaluating changes before and after corrective work. For other localization methods, see our specialized noise testing and source localization services.

Sound Intensity Instrumentation

OSAT uses a Brüel & Kjær Type 3654 sound-intensity probe system with dedicated sound-intensity calibration equipment for field measurements.

Brüel & Kjær Type 3654 sound intensity probe used for field sound intensity measurements
B&K Type 3654 sound-intensity probe
Brüel & Kjær Type 4297 sound intensity calibrator used with sound intensity measurement systems
B&K Type 4297 sound-intensity calibrator

Discuss a Sound Intensity Project

Contact On-Site Acoustic Testing with the equipment or assembly being investigated, operating conditions and measurement objective so the appropriate test approach can be developed.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

Sound Intensity Testing and Sound Power Measurements Read More »

Infrared Thermographic Testing for Building and Equipment Investigations

Infrared thermography provides a non-contact view of surface-temperature patterns that can support building-envelope, mechanical, electrical, equipment, process, and diagnostic investigations.

On-Site Acoustic Testing uses FLIR thermal imaging as a field-investigation tool where temperature distribution, thermal anomalies, or changes under different operating conditions may help identify a problem or document performance.

FLIR Thermal Imaging and Surface-Temperature Mapping

Thermal images can show temperature patterns that are difficult to identify with conventional visual inspection alone. Depending on the project, OSAT can document surface-temperature differences, anomalous hot or cold areas, equipment operating patterns, and changes observed before and after corrective work.

Infrared thermographic image from an OSAT field investigation

Mechanical, HVAC, and Equipment Investigations

Thermography can be useful when investigating HVAC systems, air handlers, pumps, fans, motors, piping, rooftop equipment, generators, cooling equipment, and other accessible machinery or process surfaces. Thermal patterns can be compared between components or operating conditions to help identify areas that warrant additional investigation.

FLIR thermal image documenting equipment surface-temperature patterns
Infrared thermal image used for field diagnostic investigation

Building Envelope and Construction Investigations

Thermal imaging can identify temperature anomalies at walls, ceilings, windows, doors, penetrations, and other envelope or construction elements. These patterns may be associated with insulation discontinuities, air movement, thermal bridging, moisture-related conditions, or other construction differences, although interpretation depends on site conditions and should be correlated with other observations or measurements as appropriate.

Electrical and Accessible Equipment Surfaces

Infrared imaging can document unusual temperature patterns at accessible electrical panels, connections, and equipment surfaces without physical contact. OSAT uses thermography as a screening and documentation tool rather than as a substitute for electrical inspection, electrical safety evaluation, or trade-specific diagnostic work.

Data Center Thermal Investigations

For data centers and other mission-critical facilities, FLIR imaging can supplement noise and vibration work by documenting surface-temperature patterns at cooling equipment, air-handling systems, electrical and mechanical equipment, and other accessible infrastructure. Testing can include operating-condition comparisons, anomalous hot or cold areas, and before-and-after documentation associated with troubleshooting or corrective work.

Before-and-After and Comparative Testing

Where conditions can be reproduced, thermal images can be collected before and after repairs, adjustments, mitigation, or operating changes. Comparative imaging can provide a useful visual record of how surface-temperature patterns changed under the documented conditions.

Thermography as Part of a Broader Investigation

Infrared thermography does not directly measure sound leakage, vibration, electrical integrity, airflow, or moisture. It is most useful when thermal observations are interpreted alongside the appropriate field measurements and site information. For acoustic investigations, thermal imaging can provide supplementary information about construction discontinuities, while sound leakage itself should be confirmed using appropriate acoustic measurement or source-localization methods.

Independent Field Documentation

Reports can incorporate selected thermal images, visible-light photographs where useful, measurement conditions, observed temperature patterns, and technical interpretation appropriate to the scope of the investigation.

Discuss a Thermographic Investigation

Provide the building or equipment type, suspected condition, operating state, project location, and intended use of the results.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

Infrared Thermographic Testing for Building and Equipment Investigations Read More »

Noise and Sound Mitigation Consulting

Noise-control work is most effective when the dominant source and transmission path are identified before corrective measures are selected.

On-Site Acoustic Testing provides independent field measurement and technical support for noise-mitigation projects in commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential environments.

Start with the Measured Condition

Depending on the project, investigation may include sound-level measurements, frequency-spectrum analysis, source localization, vibration measurements, sound-intensity measurements, or building-acoustics testing.

Typical Applications

  • HVAC, chiller, pump, fan, and generator noise
  • Industrial machinery and process noise
  • Sound transmission between occupied spaces
  • Fitness, recreation, restaurant, and entertainment noise
  • Residential and community noise
  • Construction and temporary equipment noise

Independent Mitigation Support

OSAT does not sell acoustical products or installation services. We can document the existing condition, help identify likely transmission paths, review proposed corrective approaches from a measurement perspective, and perform before-and-after verification.

For the current service overview, see Noise Control and Sound Mitigation Consulting.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

Noise and Sound Mitigation Consulting Read More »

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

Older field sound-isolation reports may use the term FSTC, while current ASTM terminology uses ASTC — Apparent Sound Transmission Class.

The terminology change is important when reviewing legacy reports, specifications, and test records, but the underlying purpose remains field evaluation of the installed airborne sound-isolation performance of the separating construction.

Current Field Testing

OSAT performs airborne sound-isolation testing in accordance with the applicable current version of ASTM E336 and reports the field metric required by the project.

See ASTM E336 ASTC Airborne Sound Isolation Testing for the current service description.

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

Older field impact-sound reports may use the term FIIC, while current ASTM terminology uses AIIC — Apparent Impact Insulation Class.

The terminology change is relevant when comparing legacy reports and specifications with current field testing. AIIC describes the impact-isolation performance of the installed floor/ceiling assembly and associated supporting structure under field conditions.

Current Field Testing

OSAT performs impact-sound testing in accordance with the applicable current version of ASTM E1007 and reports the field metric required by the project.

See ASTM E1007 AIIC Impact Sound Testing for the current service description.

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

OSAT provides independent acoustic and diagnostic field testing for SCIF, SAPF, VTC, and other secure or mission-critical facilities.

Acoustic Verification for Secure Facilities

Testing can include airborne sound-isolation measurements, speech privacy and intelligibility measurements, diagnostic investigation of weak transmission paths, and verification after corrective work.

ICD-705-Related Field Work

Project scope is developed around the applicable facility criteria, construction documents, security requirements, and acceptance process. For the current OSAT secure-facility service overview, see SCIF, SAPF & VTC Acoustic Testing.

Diagnostic Investigation

Where a facility does not achieve the required acoustic performance, OSAT can use frequency analysis, source-localization techniques, targeted sound-isolation measurements, vibration measurements, and other field methods to help identify limiting paths or construction conditions.

Related Secure-Facility Services

OSAT maintains cleared personnel capable of supporting work in secure and classified environments.

Please list the city, state/province, and country where testing will take place.
Select all that apply.
Optional. Examples: ASTM, ISO, ANSI, ICD-705, project specification, code requirement, or acceptance criterion.
If yes, only indicate that secure handling is required. Do not submit classified, CUI, export-controlled, or other sensitive information through this form.
List the project criteria and type of testing required, if known (noise survey, dosimetric, AIIC, ASTC, NIC, air quality, etc.)

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