Security Improvement - ABDO/ABRO
ABRO Guidance
ABRO guidance takes your organization from an initial assessment to a demonstrable ABRO status, with a dedicated specialist serving as your point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Independent Guidance by Experienced ABRO Specialists
- Dedicated Point of Contact with the Involved Government Agency
- From Baseline Measurement to Demonstrable Authorization
How ABRO Guidance Works at Cocoon
Organizations often underestimate the scope of ABRO. Policy on paper is not enough. The requirements impact four domains simultaneously: governance and organization, personnel, physical security, and cyber. Overlooking any of these domains will delay the entire process.
Cocoon first assesses the current situation and guides the organization toward ABRO compliance before the official authorization is requested. A dedicated specialist serves as the point of contact throughout the entire process and is familiar with the organization’s specific situation. Cocoon acts as an intermediary between the organization and the involved government agency, providing concise, actionable advice instead of lengthy reports.
The process results in an appointed security officer, implemented measures across all four domains, and a substantiated application to the government. Cocoon remains involved until the status is actually achieved.
What is ABRO Guidance?
ABRO guidance is the support an organization receives in achieving and maintaining an ABRO status, also known as ABRO authorization. ABRO stands for General Security Requirements for Government Contracts (Algemene Beveiligingseisen voor Rijksoverheidsopdrachten): the security framework applied across the government for contracts involving classified information or elevated security risks.
Organizations engage ABRO guidance for ongoing government contracts where ABRO applies, when in doubt about whether existing measures are still sufficient, or when there is a change in the security officer. Since 2026, ABRO has succeeded the Defense-specific ABDO 2019 and applies more broadly: to contracts with Defense and other government agencies.
Why choose Cocoon
Since 2000, Cocoon has supported organizations in safety, security, and design, with years of experience in security projects for the government. This experience has led to specialized knowledge of government guidelines, compliance, and laws and regulations, as well as a network within the relevant government organizations. Cocoon not only verifies whether measures are documented but also whether they are effective in practice.
Cocoon works for renowned (publicly) listed companies in profit and non-profit environments; references are available upon request.
Frequently asked questions
What Does ABRO Guidance Cost?
The cost of ABRO guidance depends on your organization’s size, classification level, and initial situation. Cocoon first assesses the current situation and then provides a substantiated quote.
How Long Does an ABRO Process Take?
The turnaround time varies by organization but typically takes several months from the baseline assessment to the application with the competent authority. Organizations that are already partially compliant complete the process more quickly.
Is an ABRO Status Mandatory?
An ABRO Status is mandatory when stipulated in the government contract or agreement, typically for classified information or heightened security risks. Not every government contract requires it.
What is the difference between ABDO and ABRO?
ABDO was the predecessor to ABRO and applied specifically to Defense contracts. Since 2026, ABRO, the General Security Requirements for National Government Contracts, has been the successor with a broader scope: not just Defense, but the entire national government. For new contracts, Compliance Support is the correct starting point.
What Happens After Achieving ABRO Status?
After achieving this status, compliance remains an ongoing obligation. Compliance Support ensures that the organization continuously meets the requirements, even when regulations or the situation changes.
What is a Security Officer?
A Security Officer is the employee within the organization responsible for the security of classified information and serves as the point of contact for the client. Every organization with an ABRO status must fill this role.