In a significant step toward aiding Afghan refugees and allies, SOS International LLC (SOSi) has been awarded a major contract by the U.S. Department of State. The contract, officially named the Operations and Maintenance Support Services (OMSS) contract, will support the Coordinator of Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) in Doha, Qatar. This initiative reinforces the U.S. government’s continued commitment to helping Afghan nationals who played critical roles during the war in Afghanistan.
The contract includes comprehensive logistical and operational support to assist in the relocation and resettlement of thousands of Afghan citizens, including those who worked alongside the U.S. government, military, and other affiliated organizations. SOSi will be responsible for managing large-scale facilities, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring a seamless and efficient transition for those being processed under the CARE program.
What the Contract Entails
As part of its agreement with the U.S. State Department, SOSi will provide a wide range of operational and maintenance services to support CARE’s mission in Qatar. The contract covers the operation and maintenance of over 2 million square feet of facilities spread across approximately 518 acres. This includes ensuring the functionality and sustainability of key infrastructure required for processing Afghan evacuees.
The core responsibilities assigned to SOSi under the OMSS contract include:
- Facility Operations & Maintenance: Regular upkeep and servicing of buildings, utilities, and infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Emergency Response & Repair Services: Addressing urgent maintenance issues to avoid disruptions in relocation efforts.
- Safety & Security Management: Implementing safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both staff and Afghan evacuees housed at the facilities.
- Equipment & Fuel Management: Maintaining critical operational equipment and ensuring the availability of fuel for day-to-day activities.
- Logistics & Transportation Support: Providing transportation and logistical assistance to facilitate smooth transitions for evacuees.
The contract further underscores the State Department’s reliance on experienced private-sector partners to manage large-scale humanitarian operations. The selection of SOSi reflects its established expertise in supporting international missions, particularly in the Middle East and Southwest Asia.
The Mission of CARE in Afghan Relocation
The Coordinator of Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) is a U.S. government initiative focused on identifying and relocating U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and special immigrant visa (SIV) applicants from Afghanistan. Additionally, the program assists Afghan refugees who qualify for resettlement in the United States based on their affiliations with American military and diplomatic missions.
CARE plays a crucial role in facilitating the safe transport, housing, and processing of Afghan evacuees. Many of those being relocated served as interpreters, security personnel, or contractors for the U.S. government during its two-decade involvement in Afghanistan. Given the ongoing instability in Afghanistan, these individuals and their families face significant risks, making their swift relocation a priority.
The Doha facility, which serves as the largest processing hub under CARE, has been instrumental in relocating thousands of Afghan allies since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The site provides temporary housing, medical care, and legal processing for evacuees before they are resettled in the United States or other partner countries.
SOSi’s Experience and Leadership in Global Operations
SOSi has a long-standing history of providing mission-critical services to government agencies, particularly in areas of defense, intelligence, and logistics. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the company has built a reputation for delivering advanced technology solutions and operational support to U.S. military and diplomatic missions worldwide.
Frank Helmick, SOSi’s Senior Vice President for Mission Operations, emphasized the importance of the CARE mission and the expertise SOSi brings to the table. He stated, “This is a complex program designed to support Afghan allies who risked their lives to assist the United States. SOSi brings extensive experience in handling large-scale logistics, operations, maintenance, and stabilization activities across the Middle East and Southwest Asia.”
The company’s extensive portfolio includes:
- Data Science & Software Development: Providing intelligence solutions for national security.
- Network Engineering & Cybersecurity: Ensuring secure communications for U.S. government operations.
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management: Supporting international military and humanitarian operations.
- Infrastructure & Facility Management: Overseeing operational support services in various high-risk environments.
Given its established track record, SOSi is well-positioned to effectively manage the complex logistical and operational demands of the Afghan relocation program in Qatar.
Challenges and Broader Implications
The award of the OMSS contract to SOSi comes at a critical time when the future of U.S. efforts in Afghan resettlement is facing uncertainty. Reports indicate that the State Department office overseeing Afghan resettlement in the United States has been directed to develop closure plans by April. This has raised concerns among advocacy groups and policymakers about the fate of thousands of Afghans who are still awaiting resettlement.
An estimated 200,000 individuals—including family members of Afghan-American military personnel and those who worked for the U.S. government during the war—are still in limbo. Many of them are in various stages of the special immigrant visa (SIV) process, while others are hoping for humanitarian parole or refugee status.
The uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government’s long-term commitment to Afghan relocation adds a layer of complexity to SOSi’s mission. While the contract guarantees operational support in Qatar, it remains to be seen how U.S. policy shifts might impact the broader relocation effort.
The Road Ahead
Despite these challenges, the State Department’s continued investment in CARE, as demonstrated by the OMSS contract, signals a recognition of the importance of the program. The presence of a well-resourced and experienced contractor like SOSi ensures that Afghan evacuees will receive structured and efficient support during their transition.
The situation in Afghanistan remains precarious, with the Taliban regime continuing to impose strict restrictions on former U.S. allies. Many Afghans who worked for the U.S. government have been forced into hiding, fearing retaliation. For these individuals, successful relocation to the United States represents a life-saving opportunity.
As SOSi begins operations under its newly awarded contract, it will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Afghan allies receive the assistance they need. The effectiveness of this program will not only shape the lives of thousands of displaced Afghans but also serve as a reflection of the U.S. government’s commitment to those who stood beside it during the longest war in American history.
Moving forward, continued advocacy, legislative support, and sustained resources will be essential to maintaining the integrity and success of the Afghan relocation effort. The award of this contract is a crucial step, but the broader mission is far from over.
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