National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP)

The U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify commercial capabilities that could support a future acquisition for the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP), which provides legal representation to individuals in immigration proceedings who have been found mentally incompetent to represent themselves. This effort is driven by court mandates under Franco-Gonzalez v. Holder and EOIR’s Nationwide Policy, requiring continuous, nationwide legal services for detained and non-detained respondents in removal, bond, asylum, and appellate proceedings. The RFI seeks capabilities statements from firms capable of delivering legally compliant representation, including timely entry of appearance within strict deadlines—ranging from 10 business days for accelerated cases to 35 days for competency inquiries—and ensuring uninterrupted service through transition-in and transition-out protocols. Contractors must also develop Program Operation Plans, submit monthly case reports including alien registration numbers, coordinate release plans, and provide ancillary services such as interpretation, medical and social support, and transportation. The program is structured around a 12-month base period with two optional 12-month extensions, and services are to be performed nationwide across DHS detention facilities and EOIR immigration courts. Only licensed attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, or supervised law students are eligible to serve as Qualified Representatives, all of whom must pass background checks and demonstrate at least 1.5 years of immigration court experience, with less experienced representatives required to work under supervision. Contractors must adhere to rigorous ethical and operational standards, including prohibitions on withdrawing representation absent prior substitution and restrictions on the use of funds for non-covered activities. Submission of responses is strictly voluntary and does not obligate the government to award a contract; proprietary information must be clearly marked, and no payment or reimbursement will be provided for RFI submissions. Responses must be emailed to Tracy-Ann Thomas-Arthur by May 11, 2026, and must include the company’s name, address, point of contact, website, and Unique Entity ID (UEI). No set-aside is in effect, evaluation criteria are not defined, and no formal pricing structure has been established, indicating that the future solicitation may follow a Firm Fixed Price or Time and Materials model. The government retains full oversight through the Contracting Officer’s Representative, and all services must comply with federal regulations, including 8 C.F.R. § 1208.2 and § 1292.1, as well as GSA travel standards.