TLDR;

• SIPRNet enclaves must be designed around DoD, DISA, and STIG requirements from the start to avoid costly rework later
• Scalability and long-term sustainment (patching, hardware refresh, re-accreditation) should be planned from day one
• Thorough, continuously updated documentation is critical to success and a smoother ATO process
• Early and ongoing coordination with DISA, DCSA, and internal teams prevents delays and surprises
• Realistic operational testing and incident response exercises demonstrate readiness and strengthen approval confidence

Building a SIPRNet Enclave: Lessons Learned From the Field

Standing up a SIPRNet enclave is one of the most complex and high-stakes projects an organization can undertake. Between strict security requirements, infrastructure dependencies, and coordination with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), there’s no room for missteps. Whether you’re supporting a defense contractor or a federal mission partner, building a secure SIPR environment requires technical precision, disciplined project management, and a deep understanding of policy.

Here are some lessons learned from the field that can help teams navigate the process more effectively.

Start with SIPRNet Requirements, not Hardware

Each SIPRNet enclave must comply with DoD Instruction 8500.01, DISA’s Connection Approval Process (CAP), and applicable STIGs. Mapping these requirements early allows you to build a compliance-driven architecture rather than retrofitting controls later.

Design Your SIPRNet for Scalability and Sustainability

A common pitfall is building a SIPR enclave that meets today’s mission but leaves no room to grow. Consider future user demand, bandwidth, and potential integration with additional systems or enclaves.

Additionally, users should plan for lifecycle sustainment from day one: hardware refresh cycles, patch management, and accreditation renewals should all be built into a long-term strategy.

Documentation is Everything

Every configuration, control, and interconnection must be documented thoroughly for your RMF package and the DISA connection process. The System Security Plan (SSP) becomes the backbone of accreditation.

Teams that prioritize living documentation during buildout, such as updating network diagrams, maintaining asset inventories, and controlling implementation statements as changes occur are far more successful during the final validation phase. Think of documentation not as an administrative burden but as your ticket to a smoother ATO.

Coordinate Early with SIPRNet Stakeholders

DISA, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), and the DoW CIO all play roles in approving and monitoring SIPR connections. Early coordination with these entities, especially during the design and test phases, can prevent delays later.

Internally, communication among cybersecurity, facilities, and IT teams is equally critical. Physical security, power, and HVAC are sometimes overlooked until late in the process, only to cause unexpected downtime or rework. A cross-functional project team ensures these moving parts stay synchronized.

Test Your SIPRNet Like You’ll Operate

Before requesting connection approval, it’s may be important for your team to simulate real-world conditions. These include, but are not limited to: validating failover procedures and testing boundary protections. Internally, your team should conduct full incident response drills.

Operational testing not only verifies system resilience; it demonstrates to authorizing officials that your organization is prepared to manage the enclave securely and continuously.

Building a SIPRNet Takes Time

Even with perfect planning, building a SIPRNet enclave takes time. Approvals, inspections, and coordination cycles typically stretch many months. Teams that succeed treat it as a mission, not a project. Focusing on process discipline, transparency, and continuous communication between teams and your sponsor is crucial to the ongoing success of your SIPRNet.

Lessons Learned for SIPRNet Builds

By emphasizing compliance from the outset, maintaining documentation discipline, and engaging stakeholders early, teams can transform a complex accreditation process into a strategic success.

SecureStrux and SIPRNet

At SecureStrux®, our experts have helped defense contractors and federal partners design, build, and accredit SIPRNet enclaves that meet mission requirements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or strengthening an existing classified environment, SecureStrux can help turn lessons learned into operational readiness.

Contact us to start a discussion about SIPRNet.