When most people think about construction, they picture cranes in the sky, hard hats on site, and the sound of progress echoing through a city. But when those projects take place Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS), construction looks—and feels—very different. The stakes are higher. The risks are greater. And one factor rises above all others in determining whether a project succeeds or fails: security.

On domestic projects, security is often seen as an important box to check. OCONUS projects, however, don’t allow for that kind of simplicity. These sites operate in environments where geopolitical instability, cultural differences, logistical challenges, and unfamiliar regulations intersect. That means security is no longer just about compliance—it’s about mission-critical protection for people, assets, and information.

Why Security Matters OCONUS

Protecting Personnel

The most valuable resource on any construction project is the people behind it. Skilled professionals working abroad face risks that go far beyond what they might encounter at home. Political unrest, local crime, terrorism, or even just being unfamiliar with their surroundings can put them in harm’s way.

But it’s not just about physical safety. Today’s threats are digital as well. Cybersecurity risks can compromise not only the individuals but also the project as a whole. That’s why measures like robust access control, credentialing systems, and on-site security teams aren’t optional—they’re essential. Protecting both local and deployed staff ensures projects can move forward with confidence.

Safeguarding Assets

Anyone who has worked in construction knows how critical equipment and materials are to a project’s success. Now imagine those materials are shipped halfway across the world, traveling through multiple borders and customs checkpoints before reaching the site. By the time they arrive, they’ve become high-value targets for theft or sabotage.

Losing or damaging even a single shipment can cause weeks or months of delays. Without security oversight—both along the supply chain and on the ground—those risks multiply. Protecting assets ensures that work doesn’t grind to a halt, saving both time and money.

Ensuring Compliance

For OCONUS projects connected to U.S. federal contracts, security isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. From background checks to clearance standards, these regulations are strict and non-negotiable. Failing to meet them doesn’t just mean penalties; it erodes the trust of government stakeholders.

Compliance is more than paperwork. It’s the backbone of accountability, showing clients and stakeholders that a contractor has the discipline and systems in place to handle sensitive, high-stakes projects abroad.

Supporting Mission Readiness

Many OCONUS construction projects aren’t just about buildings—they’re about missions. Whether it’s military facilities, embassies, or critical infrastructure, these sites often serve as the foundation for national security or international partnerships. A secure construction environment directly impacts the mission’s readiness and effectiveness.

Simply put: if a project site isn’t secure, the mission it supports won’t be either.

ACE’s Role in Security Abroad

At ACE Consulting, we don’t just see security as part of the project—we see it as the foundation that allows every other piece to succeed. Our team understands the complexities of building abroad, and we’re equipped to meet them head-on.

Here’s how we help:

• Cleared Security Personnel (CSTs, CAGs, Escorts): Our team provides trusted professionals at all levels, ensuring only cleared, vetted individuals have access to sensitive work areas.
• Site Security Planning and Audits: We tailor security strategies to the unique conditions of each host nation, addressing cultural, logistical, and regulatory differences.
• Integrated Project Controls: Security isn’t separate from compliance, quality, or safety—it’s built into them. Our approach ensures that every standard aligns seamlessly, so nothing slips through the cracks.

Without security, there is no project—only risk

On OCONUS projects, security isn’t something you figure out later. It’s the groundwork that everything else depends on. By putting people, assets, and information at the center of a strong security strategy, contractors don’t just avoid risks—they ensure mission success.

At ACE Consulting, we believe that construction abroad is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about building with confidence, no matter where in the world the project takes place. And that confidence starts with security.