What is the protection given to very-high-risk and high-risk items (Categories 1 and 2) unless another condition exists?

The correct answer is "access-controlled facility" because this type of facility is specifically designed to limit and monitor access to very-high-risk and high-risk items, which are classified as Categories 1 and 2. Access control involves implementing security measures such as identification checks, badges, biometric systems, and surveillance to ensure that only authorized personnel can enter areas where sensitive materials are stored or processed.

An access-controlled facility significantly enhances security for high-risk items by providing a controlled environment that deters unauthorized access, thereby protecting against potential threats such as theft, sabotage, or espionage. This standard is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of the items classified under these categories.

While unmanned surveillance, unarmed facilities, and alarmed facilities also provide varying levels of security, they do not offer the same level of proactive access restriction and monitoring that an access-controlled facility does. For example, an unarmed facility might lack adequate physical security measures, while unmanned surveillance could lead to unobserved breaches. Alarm systems are reactive rather than preventative, alerting personnel after an incident has occurred rather than preventing access in the first place. Thus, access control is the most effective method for safeguarding these high-risk items under normal conditions.