OBO’s mission is to provide the most effective facilities for United States diplomacy abroad and support the Department’s achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Fifteen years later, after the tragic bombings of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998, the Secretary of State established the Overseas Presence Advisory Panel.

The newly designated Bureau was charged with replacing more than 180 aging embassies that did not meet all security standards, marking an unprecedented endeavor in the Department's history.

Its initial era was characterized by a focus on adaptivity, involving the acquisition and conversion of extant residential properties for diplomatic purposes before progressing to the deliberate design and construction of purpose-built facilities.

In the subsequent Modern era, facilities were constructed that more aptly embodied U.S. values, including democracy, transparency, and diplomacy with host countries where operational activities were conducted.

Currently, OBO is in the Security, Resilience, Stewardship, and Effectiveness era, representing the culmination of the Bureau’s accumulated experience and exemplifying the commitment to provide future-ready, adaptable, and sustainable facilities.

It also provides guidance for selecting architectural and engineering firms for OBO design contracts and formulates criteria, guidelines, policies, and standards to meet its functional responsibilities.

This directorate formulates management criteria, guidelines, and policies for new office buildings, major renovations, and upgrade projects for Department facilities abroad.

Serving as a vital liaison between posts, OBO, and regional bureaus, the directorate extends its oversight to specialized offices that collectively address safety, health, environmental management, and cultural matters concerning these facilities.

The Comptroller plays an instrumental role in shaping OBO's strategic initiatives, ensuring financial accountability, and providing essential reporting and policy guidance to support the bureau's activities.

Going forward, AIE will continue to engage, educate, and inspire global audiences, showing how art can transcend national borders and build connections among peoples.

Information is also shared with the public through outreach and education opportunities such as those found on this website and through programs like the Secretary of State’s Register for Culturally Significant Property.

Whether for an ambassador’s residence, an embassy, or with a public institution, the Office of Cultural Heritage creates exhibits that showcase American diplomatic history around the world.

These exhibits utilized the Department of State’s collection of cultural objects and historic buildings as well as partnerships with public and private institutions through loan programs.