In a significant move to bolster Afghan relocation initiatives, SOS International LLC (SOSi) has been awarded the Operations and Maintenance Support Services (OMSS) contract by the U.S. Department of State. This contract aims to support the Coordinator of Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) in Doha, Qatar. Under this agreement, SOSi will provide comprehensive operations and maintenance services for CARE’s processing facilities, which encompass over 2 million square feet across approximately 518 acres. The services include preventive maintenance, repairs, refurbishment, emergency response, and day-to-day operations of utilities and equipment.
CARE is responsible for identifying and relocating U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, special immigrant visa applicants, and select Afghan refugees and their families eligible to move to the United States from Afghanistan. The program offers transportation, reception, housing, and processing at various locations, with the largest facility situated in Doha, Qatar.
Frank Helmick, SOSi’s Senior Vice President for Mission Operations, emphasized the complexity and importance of the program, stating, “This is a complex program aiding Afghan allies who risked their lives to help the U.S. Drawing on SOSi’s extensive experience supporting large logistics, operations, maintenance, and stabilization activities in the Middle East and Southwest Asia, we will bring hands-on expertise and proven capabilities to the CARE mission.”
SOSi, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, is a private defense and government services firm. The company specializes in the research, design, development, integration, sustainment, and delivery of advanced technology systems, products, and services. Their capabilities include data science, software development, network engineering, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and logistics.
This partnership underscores the ongoing commitment of the U.S. to support Afghan allies and their families during the relocation process. The collaboration between the State Department and SOSi aims to ensure that the facilities in Doha operate efficiently, providing essential services to those transitioning to new lives in the United States.
However, recent developments have raised concerns about the future of such relocation efforts. Reports indicate that the State Department office overseeing Afghan resettlement in the U.S., known as CARE, has been directed to develop plans for closure by April. This move could potentially impact up to 200,000 individuals seeking new lives in America, including family members of Afghan-American military personnel and those who worked for the U.S. government during the Afghanistan war.
Advocacy groups have expressed alarm over this potential closure. Shawn VanDiver, founder of #AfghanEvac, a coalition coordinating resettlements with the U.S. government, stated, “Shutting this down would be a national disgrace, a betrayal of our Afghan allies, of the veterans who fought for them, and of America’s word.”
The directive to plan for CARE’s closure aligns with broader government initiatives to reduce spending. Key decisions regarding the office’s fate are expected to be made by top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The potential shutdown could have severe implications for Afghans currently in processing centers in Qatar and Albania, as well as those approved for U.S. relocation but stranded in various countries due to funding freezes. Human Rights Watch has previously raised concerns about the conditions at some of these sites, highlighting issues such as family separations, mental health challenges, and inadequate facilities.
Despite these challenges, SOSi’s recent contract award reflects a continued effort to support Afghan relocation initiatives. The company’s extensive experience in the region positions it to provide critical support during this transitional period.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders and advocacy groups will be closely monitoring developments to ensure that Afghan allies receive the support and assistance they were promised. The collaboration between the State Department and SOSi represents a pivotal component of these efforts, aiming to facilitate a smooth and efficient relocation process for those affected.
In conclusion
while the awarding of the OMSS contract to SOSi signifies a proactive step in supporting Afghan relocation efforts, the potential closure of CARE introduces uncertainties that could impact thousands. It remains imperative for all involved parties to navigate these challenges thoughtfully, upholding commitments to those who have aided U.S. missions abroad.
