What to expect if you choose modular construction for your secure facility
The modular construction process for SCIFs/SAPFs differs from traditional construction in one significant way: the majority of construction takes place off site at a factory. We’ve seen more clients choose modular in recent years because of the cost savings and reduced project schedule. If you decide to choose a modular construction for your facility, this is what you can expect your process to look like.
Programming Phase
Once you issue the Purchase Order (PO), you have to confirm what the security requirements are, what the program needs are and begin what is known as a shop drawing. In this phase, the plans for the SCIF will be created.
Design Phase
Once a PO is issued, you will begin working on shop drawings. These will differ slightly from the plans for traditional construction—for a modular SCIF, the plans will only include the building itself. Any changes that you’ll need to make to the site, such as adding sidewalks, an electrical upgrade to the site, or preparing foundation for the facility, will have to be done separately by an architect rather than being on the same plans. You can expect your shop drawing process to take around six to eight weeks.
When you reach the 50% design milestone for shop drawings, you’ll want to start your Fixed Facilities Checklist (FFC) and Construction Security Plan (CSP) for submission to your Accrediting Official (AO).
Modular construction is typically the most budget-friendly option after tenant improvement construction. This is because the process is so standardized – products can be bought in bulk, making them less expensive, and labor is more efficient. However, if you want your facility more customized, costs can quickly increase. Keep this in mind when making your plans.
In the Factory
When in the factory, Adamo always has a full-time Site Security Manager (SSM) on the floor while the facility is being fabricated to oversee all security features of work and ensure compliance with the CSP.
Multiple module trailers can be worked on simultaneously, and it takes about three weeks for one module to make it all the way through the factory. Once one is finished, you can expect each subsequent module to be ready every 2-3 days after, so your timeline here will vary depending on how many modules you need for your facility.
While the modules are being worked on, you can prep your site ahead of their arrival to help things along. This can be a great benefit to modular since your fabrication and prep can take place in parallel. Site preparation can look simple or complex, depending on your needs. For example, some clients will have their facilities set up directly on the ground while others may want to build footing for the modular building to rest on.
On Site
The modules may be shipped to your site as they are completed, not all at once, depending on how many modules you’re ordering. If you have a lot of modules, sending them as they’re completed allows the process to move along. The modules will be transported according to your CSP. It will take around another week to get them in place, set and level. From here, you begin the “mating” process of the facility where you bring the individual modules together and do the construction to make them into one cohesive space. Your facility will be around 75% completed when it arrives to your site, so this is the last stretch to bring everything together.
After mating, the final steps are to finish off the building by adding security systems, data communication, and furniture. Expect the on-site construction portion of your process to take about two months in total for a standard size project.
From start to finish, you should expect your modular construction to take a minimum of seven months, even for a small facility. Your timeline will depend partially on how many modules you’re ordering. If you think a modular facility is the right fit for you, Adamo has years of experience in modular construction and can help you build your facility right. Contact us, and let’s get your modular project off the ground.
