National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the deliverables and requirements for providing legal representation and related services to NQRP (Non-Detained Qualified Representative Program) Respondents.

• Transition-In Plan: Develop and submit a comprehensive plan detailing steps for seamless representation of pending cases and synthesis of case data to prevent gaps.

• Continuous Legal Representation: Provide ongoing legal representation in covered immigration proceedings for both Franco NQRP Respondents and Nationwide Policy NQRP Respondents. Representation continues until a final administrative order or determination, or for Nationwide Policy NQRP Respondents, until 90 days after release from DHS custody, whichever is earliest.

• Limitations on Withdrawal: Any withdrawal requests must be filed as a substitution of counsel to ensure continuous representation. Advance notification to the COR is required for withdrawal motions.

• Other Related Services: Provide services such as developing release plans, securing expert witnesses, interpretation/translation, facilitating medical/social services, coordinating housing/transportation, and communicating with family members.

• Entry of Appearance: File necessary forms (EOIR-28 or EOIR-27) to enter appearance as the practitioner of record within mandated deadlines, which vary based on findings of incompetence and detention status.

• Franco Bond Hearings: Ensure qualified representative appearance at mandatory bond hearings for detained Franco NQRP Respondents within 15 calendar days of incompetence findings.

• Program Operation Plans: Provide a plan detailing the structure for continuous legal representation and related services, especially for respondents released from DHS custody.

• General Data Requests: Allow agency access to collected data, subject to privilege and legal protections. Ad hoc reports are required within 10 business days of notice.

• Monthly Reports: Collect and provide comprehensive data on NQRP cases, including progress reports and alien registration numbers for pending cases.

• Training: Develop and implement training for Qualified Representatives.

• Communication: Respond to inquiries regarding scheduling, payment, and logistics within two federal government business days and participate in conference calls as needed.

• Invoices and Payment: Submit monthly invoices electronically with specific required details.

• Transition-Out Plan: Submit a plan 90 days prior to award expiration for seamless representation transfer to the next award.

• Timely entry of appearance (35, 21, or 15 calendar days depending on circumstances).

• Bond hearings within 15 calendar days.

• Response to agency communications within 2 federal government business days.

• Ad hoc reports within 10 business days of notice.

• Monthly reporting of case data and progress.

• Transition-out plan submitted 90 days prior to award expiration.

Not explicitly stated in this document, but implies ongoing representation in immigration proceedings.

• Must ensure continuous legal representation without breaks.
• Specific deadlines for appearance entry and bond hearings.
• Data access for the agency, subject to legal protections.
• Electronic invoice submission with detailed information.
• Development of transition-in and transition-out plans.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This SOO outlines the required outputs for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to provide legal representation and related services nationwide to individuals in immigration proceedings who have been found mentally incompetent to represent themselves. This is to ensure agency compliance with legal requirements.

• Provide legal representation through "Qualified Representatives" in covered immigration proceedings, including:

  • Removal, deportation, and exclusion proceedings.
  • Custody redetermination (bond) proceedings.
  • Asylum and withholding only proceedings.
  • Appellate proceedings before the BIA.
  • Bond proceedings after an order of removal.
  • Motions to reopen and/or reconsider.
  • Post-conviction relief.

• Provide "Other Related Services" reasonably necessary, such as:

  • Development and execution of "release plans" from DHS custody.
  • Interpretation and translation services.
  • Facilitation of medical and social services.
  • Provision of expert witnesses.
  • Coordination of housing and transportation.
  • Communication with family members and community support.

• Services related to claims or litigation before federal district courts, circuit courts of appeals, or the Supreme Court are excluded.

• Qualified Representatives must enter an appearance within specific timeframes:

  • 35 calendar days from a Judicial Competency Inquiry finding.
  • 21 calendar days from a Franco NQRP Respondent's finding after a Forensic Competency Evaluation.
  • 15 calendar days for Franco NQRP Respondents detained 180+ days, to enter appearance and appear at a bond hearing.

• Accelerated timeframes (10 business days) may apply in specific circumstances.

• Contractors must not seek to withdraw solely due to a Respondent's lack of capacity, cooperation, or refusal to consent.

• Program Operation Plans (POP) are required, detailing implementation, capabilities, data management, reporting, and specific plans for Franco and Nationwide Policy NQRP Respondents.

• Monthly reports are required, including case data, submission numbers, locations, and completion status.

• Training for Qualified Representatives is required.

• Period of Performance: Twelve (12) months, with two additional twelve (12)-month option periods.

• Place of Performance: Nationwide, including DHS detention facilities, detained and non-detained EOIR immigration courts, and other locations as needed.

• Qualified Representatives must be licensed attorneys, law students/graduates supervised by licensed attorneys, or DOJ Accredited Representatives.

• Attorneys must be in good standing and maintain an "active" bar membership.

• Law students/graduates must be supervised by eligible attorneys and have demonstrated experience.

• Accredited Representatives must be fully accredited through EOIR's program.

• Representatives must be authorized to practice before Immigration Courts and BIA, maintain an active EOIR ID, and complete background checks.

• Generally, at least 1.5 years of experience is required; less than 3 years requires significant supervision.

• Contract funds are restricted to services described in the SOO.

• Funding is available for services until a final administrative order or determination, with specific provisions for respondents released from custody or remaining in custody.

• Estimated caseload: 500-700 cases carried over, and 300-400 new cases during the contract period.

• Workload per case can range from 20 to over 500 hours.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a list of "Most Common ICE Detention Facilities" across various jurisdictions in the United States. It appears to be an informational attachment or a draft list, as indicated by the "DRAFT" watermark and the asterisked disclaimer.

• The list includes the name of the detention facility.
• It specifies the "City" where the facility is located.
• It indicates the "State" in which the facility operates.
• The list is organized by "Nationwide Policy Jurisdictions" and "Franco Jurisdictions" in separate sections.

This document may be relevant to bidders if the opportunity involves services related to these detention facilities, such as transportation, support services, or facility management. It provides a geographical overview of potential locations where ICE operations or detainee processing occur. Bidders should note that the list is explicitly stated as non-exhaustive and not a comprehensive list of all facilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a list of Immigration Courts, their corresponding cities, and states. It appears to be a reference list for court jurisdictions.

• Lists "Franco Court Jurisdictions" and "Nationwide Policy Court Jurisdictions."
• Includes columns for "Immigration Court," "City," and "State."

This document may be relevant for bidders to understand the geographic locations of immigration courts if the opportunity involves services related to these courts, such as legal services, translation, or facility support. It helps in identifying the scope of operations or service areas.