Sensitive compartmented information (SCI) is information about certain intelligence sources and methods and can include information pertaining to sensitive collection systems, analytical processing, and targeting, or which is derived from it. Access to SCI is only granted to individuals who have a need-to-know, have been granted a Top Secret clearance by the Personnel Security Division (PSD), and are approved by the Department’s intelligence community (IC) granting agency, and only upon completion of a nondisclosure agreement in IC Form 4414.

Information that has been determined to be SCI may only be stored and used in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). SCIFs have specific construction requirements, and their subsequent accreditation is separate from those for Controlled Areas and is coordinated by the Department’s Special Security Officer (SSO).

InfoSec Program personnel process incoming and outgoing Visit Access Requests (VAR) for individuals with SCI who will be attending meetings or other events at that level. Within the Department of Commerce’s Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB), VARs for Secret and Top Secret requests are handled by the Security Service Center; outside of the building, they are handled by an operating unit’s Client Security Services Division field office.

SSO

The Department SSO is responsible for management of the Department's SCI programs. SCI and/or Special Access Program mission requirements shall be coordinated with the SSO by the operating unit identifying the access need.

Appointed Special Security Representatives are delegated SCIF management responsibilities and coordinate directly with the SSO on matters related to SCIF administration, operations, and compliance. 

For questions regarding the SSO functions, the SCI program, or determining SCI access requirements, send an email to [email protected].

Due to the sensitive nature of the program, e-mails will only be responded to which originate from addresses which end in .gov or .mil. Additionally, please do not include Personally Identifiable Information about yourself or others in messages to this mailbox.

More information is available on the Personnel Security page, Access to SCI.

Resources

• Intelligence Community Directives 
• Designation of DSSO memorandum