Security Standards for Leased Buildings

The Interagency Security Committee (ISC) issued new security standards for government leased space, and GSA has incorporated the ISC security standards into its solicitation for offers.

ISC Standards will provide a consistent level of security to federal tenants in leased space commensurate with the tenant agency’s mission-specific risks, vulnerability, and market conditions.  The standards are not intended to force location decisions contrary to the mission requirements of the client agency.  They do not preclude leasing in central business areas, nor do they forbid a retail presence in GSA leased buildings.  A copy of the ISC Standards document is available on the PBS Building Security Technology website.  The following table shows the minimum requirements for security Levels I though IV:

ISC Minimum Standards for Leased Space
 Level I Level II Level III Level IV

Typically… Low volume of public contact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 or fewer personnel less than 2,500 RSF

Typically…
Moderate volume of public contact, and federal activities that are routine in nature, similar to commercial activities.

 

11 – 150 personnel
2,500 – 80,000 RSF

Typically…
Moderate-to-high volume public contact, and tenant agencies that may include law enforcement agencies, court-related agencies and functions, and government records and archives.

 




 

151 – 450 personnel
80,000 – 150,000 RSF

Typically…
High-volume public contact, and tenant agencies that may include high-risk law enforcement, courts, judicial offices, and highly sensitive government documents

 

450+ personnel
150,000+ RSF 
 Perimeter Reserved gov’t parking
Lighting (exterior)		 Plus…
Window Film		 Plus…
Secured gov’t parking 		 Plus…
CCTV
Security Control (right to inspect, deny, remove)
 Entry Locks Same Plus…
Intrusion Detection Systems		 Plus…
Guards
Magnetometers
X-rays
 Interior Secured utility areas
Emergency power
Secured mech. & roof
Restrict bldg. info.
Non-disclosure of tenants
Shutdown procedures		  Same Plus…
Relocate or secure                                     air intakes
Secured return air		 Plus…
Dedicated HVAC for lobbies, mailrooms & loading docks.
Fire alarm w/ voice comm.
Visitor control
Gov’t approved ID
 Admin.

Occupancy Emergency Plan

Identity verification of lessor personnel with routine access to government space, as deemed necessary.

 Same Same Same
If Procurement requires Build-to-Suit 20-foot setback guideline performance specification Plus…
blast-resistant façade
ISC Security Design Criteria		 Same Plus…
50-foot setback guideline performance specification

Additional details and specific solicitation paragraphs are available in the Realty Services Letter, Lease Security Standards which is found in the realty services letters extended and effective. The entire GSA solicitation for offers is available on www.gsa.gov/leasing.

Last Reviewed 11/9/2009