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About Us
Created in 1985 to foster the exchange of information between the U.S. Government and the American private sector, including American colleges and universities, OSAC has become an active partnership to assist American businesses remain competitive and secure in a global environment. One of OSAC's primary goals is to develop and maintain an effective security communication network through cooperation. This section provides a brief synopsis of OSAC, its history, makeup and initiatives.
OSAC's Origin
In 1985, CEOs from a handful of American companies met with Secretary of State George Shultz to promote security cooperation between American private sector interest worldwide and the U.S. Government. The subsequent establishment of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) has developed into an enormously successful joint venture for effective security cooperation. The over 2300 U.S. companies and organizations that are affiliated with OSAC are provided with the tools needed to cope with security-related issues abroad.
OSAC's Composition: A Public/Private Sector Partnership
The Advisory Council is made up of thirty private sector and four public sector member organizations that represent specific industries or agencies that operate abroad. Private sector members are selected from OSAC's constituency and normally serve for two to three years. More than sixty U.S. companies and organizations have already served on the Council. Member organizations designate representatives to work on the Council. These representatives provide the direction and guidance to develop programs that most benefit the U.S. private sector overseas. Representatives meet quarterly and staff committees tasked with specific projects.
Current OSAC committees are:
- Transnational Crime and Terrorism
- Protection of Information and Technology
- Security Awareness and Education.
- Country Council Support
OSAC's current composition also includes a 10-member University Working Group.
OSAC's Website
OSAC's website is the focal point for the exchange of unclassified information between the U.S. Department of State and the private sector in the U.S. on security-related incidents and threats overseas. Some of the information accessible from the website include Department of State Travel Advisories, Public Announcements, daily security related news articles, overseas reports on security and crime incidents, terrorist group profiles, significant anniversary dates, general crime information for cities and countries, locations and contacts at U.S. posts overseas, and updates on new or unusual situations. The website also provides a Constituent Forum that constituents can utilize to correspond with each other.
Country Councils
OSAC Country Councils are an overseas extension of OSAC and provide a forum for effective communication between the U.S. Embassy and the American private sector in a given country. There are currently over 55 OSAC country councils operating globally. Country Councils provide participants the latest security related information, educational seminars, and organization when confronting today's security threats.
For information on joining an established country council in your area or starting a country council, please contact the OSAC executive office or contact the American Embassy in your country and ask for the Regional Security Officer.
Publications
OSAC continually promotes the exchange of information on developments in all aspects of security. As such, OSAC has produced several publications for use by the private sector. The publications' format is designed to be used by the security professionals as part of their organizations' awareness and education program and can be downloaded from the website. Please refer to the Publications section to view OSAC's publications.
The OSAC Committment
OSAC receives exceptional support for its initiatives from the chief executive officers and corporate security directors of many of the largest international corporations in the United States. Our goal is to support U.S. corporations by developing efficient and cost-effective security information and communication networks that provide the U.S. business community with the tools needed to cope with security-related issues in a foreign environment. OSAC's unique charter and continued success serves as an example of the benefits to be shared through mutual cooperation.
Affiliation with OSAC is available to any American incorporated enterprise with an overseas interest. OSAC information is also available to all law enforcement and public safety officials.
For More Information:
Overseas Security Advisory Council
Bureau of Diplomatic Security
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20522-2008
Telephone: 571-345-2223
Facsimile: 571-345-2238
Email: webmaster@state.gov
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