U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration FY 2013 Grant: Regional Support Center (RSC) in Latin America

The purpose of the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) is to assist the Bureau in preparing the necessary casework for persons eligible for interview by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and, for those approved, to provide assistance in completing the additional requirements for refugee admission under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In addition, the RSC forwards the necessary data on all DHS-approved cases to the Refugee Processing Center (RPC) for distribution to Reception and Placement agencies according to procedures established by the Bureau.

The Bureau will enter into one award for a regional RSC to be located in Quito, Ecuador for an initial period beginning January 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013, subject to the availability of funds. No sub offices will be considered for the initial period. Through the award, the Bureau will provide full financial support to the selected organization, based on the proposal submitted in response to this request. This financial support may be renewable for up to two additional fiscal years based upon budget submissions on an annual basis, as long as there remains a need for the RSC and the organization operating the RSC provides satisfactory service, and subject to the availability of funds. At the end of three years, if the need to operate the RSC continues, the Bureau will re-compete the project, and the recipient of this award may participate in that process.

The organization selected to operate the RSC is expected to provide refugee processing services for all U.S. Refugee Admissions Program applicants in the designated location, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, beginning on January 1, 2013.

The organization selected to operate the RSC will be expected to relate equitably to all domestic resettlement agencies. This will include sharing relevant biographic and other background information with domestic resettlement agencies working in the Reception and Placement program (to facilitate their provision of required sponsorship assurances).

Program Objectives

The Bureau has established the following objectives for the organization serving as RSC in Latin America:

A. To provide refugee processing services in support of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program using the Worldwide Refugee Admissions Processing System (WRAPS) and in accordance with procedures established by the Bureau, as needs arise.

B. To ensure that each potential refugee applicant is screened to determine if he/she is eligible for interview under the processing priorities established for his/her nationality.

C. To conduct pre-screening interviews and casework so as to capture all relevant information pertaining to the case, e.g. cross-referencing information, special medical needs, information about victims of torture, etc. To ensure that all necessary security name-checks are completed. To prepare the case file, including completion of all forms necessary for presentation of the case to USCIS for adjudication.

D. To enter all required information into WRAPS on a timely basis and to remain in close contact with the RPC, cooperating fully and at all times to ensure that the WRAPS system and related equipment remains functional and up to date.

E. For applicants approved by USCIS, to assist the refugees in completing all post-adjudication steps required for admission to the United States. This includes: coordinating with the RPC to obtain sponsorship assurances from Reception and Placement agencies working under cooperative agreements with the Bureau; preparing travel packets; conducting cultural orientation training; and coordinating medical screening and travel arrangements.

F. To develop a formal curriculum, in consultation with the Bureau, for cultural orientation training for refugees that will prepare them for travel and initial adjustment to life in the United States. To develop a training and management plan, in consultation with the Bureau, for RSC staff who will conduct cultural orientation training. To conduct cultural orientation in such a way as to achieve performance outcomes as delineated by the Bureau.

G. Provide quarterly reports to PRM/Admissions on RSC processing activities and cultural orientation.