OBO Virtual Industry Day ft. Operations

OBO Virtual Industry Days hosted by External Affairs (EA) is designed to provide resources for firms and organizations to better understand OBO, its Directorates, and what it takes to be a successful partner to further OBO's mission. The Department of State's Office of Procurement (AQM) joins us to provide insight into the procurement process and upcoming opportunities.

On Thursday, May 16th, 2 pm-3:30 pm EST, EA hosted the Operations Directorate (OPS). OPS, led by Managing Director Chelsea Bakken, supports facility operations and programs abroad, including leading the safety, health, and environmental program, gathering artwork and cultural objects, and facilitating design across residences. They are also a liaison between OBO and all properties regarding facility issues.

OBO Director Ambassador Will Moser welcomed the audience. During the event Melissa Garza (Office Director, Area Management), Imtiaz Hafiz (Senior Curator, Art in Embassies), Darrell Dantzler (Acting Director, Fire Protection), Tracey Tobin (Director, Cultural Heritage), Sharon Kroszkewicz (Office Director, Residential Design and Furnishings), Ralph Delarue (Director, Facility Management), and David Needham (Director, Safety, Health & Environmental Management) shared insights about the OPS directorate and its respective offices, including composition, forecasts, and discussions about challenges contractors may encounter abroad and the benefits of collaboration with OBO. They also highlighted the qualities that OBO values in its partners.

The Department of State's Office of Procurement's (AQM) Branch Chief Ed Baran and Contracting Officer Jose Vasquez provided an overview of the procurement process and valuable information for firms and organizations interested in collaborating with OBO.

The event concluded with a Q&A session moderated by External Affairs