1.Question: We understand that as part of the business transformation plan, USCIS is planning to restructure business processes and IT systems and plans to move away from a paper-based application/petition filing system to an account-based/electronic processing system. Could you please provide more information about this plan including an estimated time frame for completing it? Does USCIS anticipate that it ultimately will only allow all new applications/petitions to be filed electronically through a USCIS Internet web-based portal? Does USCIS intend to maintain a paper filing option?

Response: As stated in the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the USCIS Transformation Program Solution Architect, the Agency envisions the transformed environment to be deployed in four increments relating to the major types of benefits over five years. The planned sequencing of increments is citizenship, immigrant, humanitarian and non-immigrant. However, the RFP encouraged Offerors to propose alternative solutions that might allow for an accelerated time table without increasing risk or cost. While this procurement has a five-year span, we anticipate the change process begun under this task order will continue beyond that period.

Regarding filing options, we plan to maintain multiple channels through which applications will be accepted, including paper filing. Access to benefits remains a paramount concern and USCIS will continue to look for ways to simplify filing procedures and increase the number of channels through which requests for benefits are accepted.

2.Question: The text of the proposed fee rule published on February 1, 2007 (in 72 FR 21 at page 4899) provided that one of the reasons for the 2007 fee increase was to enhance the delivery of secure documents.The proposed rule text further states USCIS and USPS have partnered to develop and implement a process wherein the documents would be delivered via USPS priority mail with delivery confirmation. The additional funding [from the proposed increased fees] will enable USCIS to track delivery of each document and to respond to queries from applicants regarding the status of document delivery.? Please update us on USCIS? plans to implement this process/initiative.

Response: We are in the process of implementing the full Secure Mailing Initiative (SMI) as identified in the USCIS Fee Rule. On July 21, 2008 we began a pilot of the SMI program. We are currently delivering all Refugee Travel Documents and Re-entry Permits using U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation. The pilot is working extremely well. Since its inception over 18,000 Travel Document booklets have been mailed using this protocol.

The full SMI project will involve mailing all Permanent Resident Cards and, Employment Authorization Documents, as well as the documents included in the pilot via USPS Priority Mail with automated delivery confirmation. Customers will be able to access delivery tracking information through the USCIS website (uscis.gov) when they track the status of their application via USCIS?Case Status On-line