SOS International (SOSi), a prominent government contractor based in Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a significant contract by the U.S. Department of State to provide operations and maintenance support for the Coordinator of Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) program in Doha, Qatar. This contract is a critical step in supporting the ongoing effort to assist Afghan refugees and allies, especially those who risked their lives to aid U.S. military and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.
The contract will see SOSi overseeing a vast operational area that spans over 2 million square feet of facilities, across approximately 518 acres. SOSi’s role will include the provision of preventive maintenance, repairs, fuel management, and the daily operation of utilities, buildings, and equipment. These tasks are essential to ensuring that the facilities used to support Afghan evacuees are operational and capable of handling the ongoing efforts required by the CARE program.
Supporting Afghan Allies in Qatar
The CARE program is designed to aid Afghan nationals who worked alongside U.S. forces and diplomatic staff, offering them a pathway to safety following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021. The program specifically targets U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, special immigrant visa applicants, and Afghan refugees who are eligible for relocation to the United States. These individuals and their families are provided with transportation, reception, housing, and processing services at various facilities, including a large and vital site in Doha, Qatar.
In Doha, thousands of Afghan evacuees have been relocated and processed, with the facilities playing a central role in their transition. The State Department relies on contractors like SOSi to maintain the infrastructure that supports these operations, ensuring that the living conditions for evacuees meet necessary standards while also providing the necessary support for their resettlement and processing.
Frank Helmick, Senior Vice President for Mission Operations at SOSi, emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “This is a complex program aiding Afghan allies who risked their lives to help the U.S.” He further underscored SOSi’s experience in maintaining large-scale facilities in high-stress environments. Helmick added, “We are proud to use our expertise to help facilitate the relocation process for those who have been invaluable to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.”
A Critical Role in Middle East Operations
SOSi has built a strong reputation in the Middle East, having successfully supported military and governmental operations for several years. The company has developed an extensive knowledge of operating in challenging environments, making it a reliable partner for the Department of State and other U.S. agencies. Through this contract, SOSi is positioned to not only assist in the relocation of Afghan allies but also help stabilize the infrastructure in a region that continues to face geopolitical challenges.
In fact, SOSi’s expertise in maintaining and securing critical infrastructure was demonstrated in 2022 when it secured a contract with U.S. Central Command. Under this agreement, SOSi took responsibility for maintaining and securing military facilities at key locations, including MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar. This contract further established the company as a trusted partner in the region, capable of managing complex and essential operations with skill and reliability.
This new contract builds upon that experience and extends SOSi’s operations into a more humanitarian-focused mission. By offering technical, logistical, and operational expertise, SOSi is playing a key role in the Afghan relocation program, helping to manage the day-to-day challenges of running large facilities in a region with constantly evolving political dynamics.
Commitment to Supporting Afghan Evacuees
The CARE program has been a critical part of the U.S. government’s efforts to support Afghan evacuees and facilitate their resettlement in the United States. The evacuation process was initially marked by chaotic scenes during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, but with programs like CARE in place, many of the most vulnerable Afghan allies have found safety and a path to a new life.
SOSi’s involvement in this mission highlights the company’s broader commitment to supporting the U.S. government’s humanitarian and operational goals. The company has extensive experience operating in complex environments, including remote locations, and it brings this expertise to bear in supporting the Afghan relocation efforts.
By ensuring that the facilities in Doha are maintained and functional, SOSi contributes directly to the success of the CARE program. The smooth operation of these facilities is essential to ensuring that Afghan evacuees have the necessary services while they await relocation, and SOSi’s role is critical in ensuring that these services are delivered effectively and efficiently.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, SOSi’s contract with the U.S. Department of State represents a significant step in its ongoing role in the Middle East. The company is committed to providing continuous support to the Afghan relocation effort, leveraging its experience in operations, logistics, and maintenance to ensure that the facilities remain fully functional and that Afghan evacuees receive the support they need during this critical time.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, SOSi’s role will only grow in importance. The company’s ability to adapt to shifting circumstances, while maintaining a focus on operational excellence and efficiency, makes it a key partner in the success of U.S. government missions in the region. As Afghan evacuees continue to arrive and seek a safer future, SOSi’s contributions will remain an integral part of their journey toward resettlement and rebuilding their lives in the United States.
About SOSi
SOS International LLC (SOSi) is a leading provider of technology, engineering, and support solutions to the U.S. government and commercial clients. The company has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services across a variety of sectors, including logistics, intelligence, cyber operations, and infrastructure support. With decades of experience in some of the world’s most challenging regions, SOSi has earned a reputation for its operational expertise and commitment to excellence.
SOSi continues to expand its footprint in the Middle East and Southwest Asia, providing essential services to U.S. military and governmental operations. The company’s involvement in critical infrastructure support, logistics, and maintenance services makes it a trusted partner for both the U.S. government and its international clients.
Through its commitment to mission success, SOSi remains a vital partner in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. personnel, allies, and Afghan evacuees during their transition to new lives.
