COFA Cost-Benefit Analysis
COFA Cost-Benefit Analysis
COFA Cost-Benefit Analysis
COFA Cost-Benefit Analysis & Impact Methodologies Project
The COFA Cost-Benefit Analysis & Impact Methodologies project seeks to strengthen Guam's data collection regarding Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants to Guam for its reconciliation report to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The project team will be working with the Government of Guam agencies to develop uniform reporting guidelines and cost estimations across the public health, safety, and education agencies that deliver services to COFA migrants.
- Phase 1: Establish a cost-benefit analysis to determine the economic contributions of FAS migrants
- Phase 2: Develop statistical methodology to determine the costs incurred for providing services to migrants from COFA
Background on COFA
Under the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-239; P.L. 99-658), migrants from the Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau) are authorized unrestricted immigration into the United States and its territories and possessions to lawfully engage in occupations and establish residence as non-immigrant aliens.
The "Compact Impact" costs incurred as a migrant destination for FAS citizens are reimbursable to Guam through the U.S. Department of the Interior; however, Guam's 2004 request for $200 million in debt relief was declined by the U.S. Government Accountability Office due to weaknesses identified in its reconciliation report.
This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior to the Guam Bureau of Statistics & Plans. The University of Guam is carrying out the project as a sub-awardee.
Tel: (671) 735-2051
Email: cofa.cba-im@triton.uog.edu
Principal Investigator
Barcinas R. Peter
Office Hours: 
Office Location: Expertise
