Wait !!!
Ok guys,
Let me make sure we all understand...
The PWC document was prepared in early 2002. The recommendation was to hire contractors. They did nothing related to developing PERM.
As a result of this, they did the RFP that I mentioned with the two processing centers. RFP due back Dec 12, 2003. I expect they will be operational Apr-May 2004.
I doubt they are training, the company has not be chosen so who could they be training....
No, they will not wait until all backlog is processed before PERM is implemented. They still say they will release final regulations this year and implement Apr-May 2004. They explicitly say in answers to questions to the RFP that even when PERM is approved RIR cases will need to be processed based on original process (unless you choose to convert)
The pilot, random (about 1,000) cases were pulled last year, this is the Maryland center that will be shutting down.
As to the cases that are seemed to be getting reviewed (we have seen May, June and I think even a December) may be additional cases of the pilot - those that are hearing back should be able to tell if this is the case. This pilot has combined the SWA and DOL process into one. This could also be that some staff are in fact being asked to work on other cases (THIS IS PURE SPECULATION ON MY PART)...