The Department of State's Office of Regional Affairs (ORA) is the unit responsible for the development and coordination of regional issues. ORA is charged with analysis of regional an cross-border activities, counterterrorism and narcotics issues.

In addition, ORA is frequently called upon by the Ambassador and DCM to study and/or create broad scope regional research and analytical reports for varied topics, the office is headed by Counselor of Embassy for Regional Affairs.

State/ORA is staffed by Department of State officers working in close coordination with peers throughout Central America and the hemisphere. To promote information exchange and prevent duplicative efforts, ORA is in constant coordination with State/POL and DEA among others.