U.S. Repatriation

The goal of this listing is to provide information about funding available through the U.S. Repatriation Program.

The U.S. Repatriation Program provides temporary assistance to U.S. citizens and their dependents who are returned from a foreign country to the U.S. by the Department of State because of (1) destitution, illness, war, threat of war, or a similar crisis, and are without available resources, or (2) mental illness. The U.S. Repatriation Program also provides funding to states and territories for emergency repatriation activities, including planning, training, and exercises.

For discretionary awards (cooperative agreements): Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. For non-discretionary awards (cooperative agreements): states and territories are the only entities eligible to apply. Under 42 U.S.C. 1313 (a)(3), the Secretary "may provide assistance directly or through utilization of the services and facilities of appropriate public or private agencies and organizations." Additionally, per Public Law 86-571 (24 U.S.C. 322), the Secretary is "authorized to enter into suitable arrangements with appropriate State or other public or nonprofit agencies."

Citizens of the United States and their dependents are the beneficiaries, if they are returned by the Department of State from a foreign country to the United States because of 1. destitution, illness, war, threat of war, invasion, or similar crisis, and are without available resources or 2. mental illness. ACF Repatriation Program authorized staff determine if citizens and their dependents meet eligibility requirements for temporary assistance.

The Repatriation Program provides temporary assistance for up to 90 days to eligible repatriates. Temporary assistance is defined by legislation as money payments, medical care, temporary billeting (e.g., public shelter), transportation, and other goods and services necessary for the health or welfare of individuals (including guidance, counseling, and other welfare services). This temporary assistance is provided in the form of a loan and must be repaid to the U.S. Government. Organizations, states, and territories may use funds for emergency repatriation activities.

Discretionary awards for providing temporary assistance are funded for a three-year project period with annual budget periods. Non-discretionary awards for conducting emergency repatriation activities are funded for a three-year project period with three-year budget periods.

The criteria for selecting proposals will be published in the NOFO(s) or for non-discretionary awards in an OHSEPR Action Transmittal. See https://acf.gov/ohsepr/policy-guidance/issuance-one-year-cooperative-agreements-emergency-repatriation

For discretionary awards: Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process. After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson. While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. For example, ACF may reserve the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions. ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients. Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.

The deadline for applications is in the NOFO or Action Transmittal.

Non-competing continuations will be issued based on availability of funds, satisfactory progress, compliance with terms and conditions and a determination that continuation funding is in the best interest of the federal government.

There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. For existing recipients, appeals regarding disputes may take place in accordance with 45 CFR Part 16, subject to the limitations of the Appendix A.