State Explores $250M Overseas Construction Security Program
OVERSEAS — The U.S. Department of State is exploring an estimated $250 million overseas construction security program for its facilities abroad. The planning notice outlines cleared guard and surveillance roles, with an anticipated performance period running from March 15, 2027, through March 14, 2032.
State issued the sources-sought notice under 19AQMM27R0017 to gather industry capabilities and feedback. However, the notice represents market research, and the $250 million figure is an estimate. State has not announced an award through this notice.
What overseas construction security covers
The proposed work focuses on protecting controlled areas during construction. Personnel would monitor uncleared workers, control access, inspect materials, and document security violations. In addition, the program aims to prevent unauthorized surveillance devices from entering buildings or their surroundings.
The notice identifies Cleared American Guards, or CAGs, and Construction Surveillance Technicians, or CSTs, as the core positions. Meanwhile, team leaders, assistant team leaders, and site security coordinators would come from those labor categories. Specific task orders would establish the overseas locations.
Clearances and experience shape the requirement
Under the planning requirements, personnel assigned to task orders would hold Top Secret clearances and undergo State Department reciprocal clearance processing. Also, the contractor would maintain a Top Secret facility clearance.
The notice describes different experience requirements for guards and surveillance technicians. For example, CAG experience can include military police, Marine Security Guard, or comparable security watch duties. CST qualifications can draw on construction surveillance, counterintelligence-related security, construction quality assurance, or relevant construction experience.
What contractors should follow next
For contractors, the useful distinction is between access-control experience and the ability to monitor construction activity. A resume should make that experience clear through actual duties and projects. Similarly, applicants with construction backgrounds should identify where their experience meets a published security requirement.
State anticipates a one-year base period and four one-year options, although the acquisition strategy and requirements remain subject to change. The notice first appeared October 16, with an updated version posted October 21. Its October 30 response deadline has passed.
Next, watch for a formal solicitation, any resulting award, and employer recruiting notices tied to the program. Those later steps should clarify the companies, locations, and available assignments. Until then, this is a procurement lead for cleared security professionals, not a list of current vacancies.