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How to get equipment evaluated

The Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC) is an interdepartmental committee which selects security equipment to meet the physical security needs of the Australian Government.

ASIO tests security products on behalf of the SCEC to determine their suitability for use in Australian Government facilities and to ensure their compliance with the requirements of the Protective Security Manual (PSM). Testing is conducted on a full cost-recovery basis with the product manufacturer responsible for meeting the costs.

Manufacturers or their agents wishing to have their products tested should submit a written application to the Secretary of SCEC, including a letter of sponsorship from an Australian Government department or agency. If a product is likely to be used by a large number of departments, ASIO may act as the sponsoring agency.

SCEC will consider the applications in the context of overall testing priorities, and if approved, will ask ASIO to conduct the testing. SCEC meetings are usually held twice a year.

Equipment for testing is to be installed and commissioned by the applicant to ensure the equipment is operating optimally. Manufacturers should be aware that due to the nature of the testing, equipment may be damaged in the process.

If the product passes testing, ASIO recommends to SCEC that it be endorsed and included in the next edition of the Security Equipment Catalogue. The Security Equipment Catalogue is available, on a cost recovery basis, to all Australian Government agencies and departments and to others with a desire to use endorsed security products.

Applications should be submitted to:

The Secretary
Security Construction & Equipment Committee
GPO Box 2149
CANBERRA ACT 2601

Fax: (02) 6234 1218