The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) directs the worldwide building program for the Department of State. Working with the department’s regional and functional bureaus, other federal agencies, and congress, OBO sets overseas priorities for the design, construction, acquisition, maintenance, use, and sale of real properties and the use of sales proceeds.

OBO’s primary mission is providing safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the US government to the host nation and support staff as they work to achieve US foreign policy objectives. Since 2010, OBO’s efforts have been guided by an Excellence in Diplomatic Facilities initiative. Through this program, OBO works to produce facilities that are outstanding in all respects and represent american ideals—from dignity and stability to openness and innovation. OBO employs a collaborative and integrated approach that demands solutions that are creative, economical, and environmentally appropriate.

OBO’s success is achieved in partnership with talented, private sector architecture and engineering firms and construction professionals. The primary way OBO contracts with firms for new embassy and consulates, as well as major modernization projects, is through an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contracting mechanism. This contract is typically offered once every five years and allows the department to award multiple design commissions to selected firms over the contract period. OBO plans to re-compete these contracts in early 2017.

The panel will discuss OBO’s program, review projects currently in design and construction, and provide an overview of the forthcoming solicitation.

Panelists
Casey Jones, deputy director
Angel Dizon, managing director program development, coordination and support
Jason Arnold, architectural division chief

For those who qualify, 1 LU/HSW is available.