DCSA Open Storage Areas

Open Storage Area Planning & Approval Support

Plan the space correctly before construction decisions become expensive. NTK helps cleared contractors translate classified safeguarding requirements into a practical facility plan, supporting documentation, and an approval-ready package.

Feasibility & requirements Physical security & IDS coordination DCSA Form 147 support

Classified Safeguarding Is a Separate Facility Requirement

A Facility Clearance establishes eligibility to access classified information, but it does not by itself authorize a company to store classified material in open storage at its location. When a contract requires safeguarding, the physical space and security measures must meet the applicable requirements and follow the DCSA approval process.

NTK helps define that requirement early, coordinate it across the project team, and prepare the space and documentation for government review or an authorized self-approval process where DCSA has specifically granted that authority.

Open Storage Area Consulting Services

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Scope can range from a feasibility review to ongoing customer-side security support through documentation, construction, and approval readiness.

Feasibility review

Review the contract requirement, proposed space, operational use, and likely safeguarding path before major commitments are made.

Physical security review

Evaluate the perimeter, openings, access points, security-in-depth, and required protective measures.

IDS & access control

Coordinate requirements with qualified alarm, monitoring, access-control, and locksmith vendors.

DCSA Form 147

Support completion of the Open Storage Area Approval Checklist and organization of required supporting attachments.

Project coordination

Translate security requirements into actionable items for facilities, the architect, GC, and technical integrators.

Review & closeout

Prepare for government review, organize evidence, and support responses or corrective actions through approval.

Where NTK Fits on the Project Team

NTK can act as the customer's security-side integrator, keeping the FSO, leadership, facilities team, architect, general contractor, IDS provider, access-control team, IT team, and DCSA representative aligned on the safeguarding requirement.

We do not replace the architect, GC, or qualified security-system installer. We help make sure the customer understands what must be accomplished, what must be documented, and what remains open before approval.

Typical coordination points

  • Floor plans and area boundaries
  • Security-in-Depth plan and supporting measures
  • UL 2050 / IDS documentation where applicable
  • Alarm description and monitoring approach
  • Doors, windows, HVAC, and penetrations
  • Facility procedures and security-relevant changes

A Disciplined OSA Development Path

1. Define

Confirm what must be safeguarded, at what level, how the area will operate, and who owns each decision.

2. Review

Evaluate the proposed space and identify physical-security, IDS, and documentation gaps early.

3. Coordinate

Carry the requirement through design, vendor scope, construction, and security-system implementation.

4. Document

Complete Form 147 and supporting evidence, including required drawings, plans, certificates, and attachments.

5. Prepare

Validate readiness for the applicable DCSA review or authorized self-approval process.

6. Sustain

Maintain the approved configuration and address security-relevant changes as operations evolve.

Planning an Open Storage Area?

Bring NTK in before the lease, security-system selections, and construction scope are locked. Early security involvement is usually cheaper than correcting the facility later.