Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Protecting Americans Abroad Act to provide Americans serving our country in diplomatic posts abroad with the security and protection they deserve. Similar to legislation introduced by Frankel in the last Congress, the language was signed into law as part of the annual appropriations process allowing the State Department to use “best value” contracting when hiring local security firms in high-risk areas. The new bill would make permanent in U.S. law this policy change and extend “best value” authority to cover all diplomatic outposts, not just those in “high-risk” areas.

“We have both a moral imperative and national security incentive to protect our diplomats serving this nation overseas,” said Rep. Frankel. “This bipartisan bill provides the State Department the tools and flexibility necessary to hire the appropriate security staff to keep our men and women representing the United States abroad safe from those who wish us harm.”

“It is extremely important that we protect the men and women who go abroad to serve our country,” said Rep. Weber. “The world we live in today has changed dramatically, and we must adopt legislation that adapts to these changes. This common-sense bill deserves passage by both chambers of Congress.”

When hiring local security firms to protect U.S. embassies, the State Department is currently required to award contracts to the firm offering the lowest price. Considering factors beyond price, such as the firm’s past performance, is prohibited.  However, the State Department is allowed to use “best value” contracting when awarding contracts for other embassy services such landscaping and janitorial jobs.  This bill grants the State Department permanent “best value” authority for security contracts at all U.S. diplomatic outposts to better protect Americans serving abroad.

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