What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking a small business to provide a Catholic Coordinator of Education service at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. This total small business set-aside opportunity involves coordinating religious education for the Catholic community at the MCAS Chapel. Interested bidders should note that the solicitation is currently open, and they must track any amendments and responses to questions posted on SAM.gov, as these will impact the bidding process.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
DISTRIBUTION: DoW COMMUNITY ONLY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 1: PWS 7.7 requires the contractor to possess "an excellent working
knowledge/agreement with" Roman Catholic doctrine. Will the Government provide any
clarification on how this requirement will be assessed during evaluation — specifically
whether a written statement of faith alignment is sufficient or whether additional
documentation such as a letter from a parish or diocese is expected?
Answer 1: The applicant may provide a letter from their current priest stating that they are a
practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, and are found to be knowledgeable in
RC doctrine.
Question 2: PWS 5.0 states that access to government network systems via government
computer equipment requires compliance with Marine Corps Order P5510.18A Appendix C
and that approval is a mandatory requirement. What is the typical processing timeline for this
approval, and will the contractor be permitted to begin performance under the contract while
network access approval is pending?
Answer 2: The typical processing time for computer access is 2-4 weeks. In the interim, the
new DRE will be permitted to begin performing under contract. We will do our best to
mitigate the inconvenience caused by not having computer access utilizing potential
workarounds such as the contractor utilizing their personal computer or perhaps providing a
standalone non-governmental systems computer for use until their account is created
Question 3: PWS Section 7.0 lists personnel qualifications. Will the Government consider
experience in non-military chapel settings — such as parish-based or diocesan religious
education programs — as equally relevant to experience in a military chapel environment, or
will military chapel experience be weighted more favorably?
Answer 3: Yes, parish-based RE programs will be considered as equally relevant.
Question 4: Is there a current incumbent performing this requirement? If so, will the
Government provide any incumbent contractor information to facilitate a smooth transition,
and is there a transition period built into the start of the base period of performance?
Answer 4: There is currently no one performing this duty. Volunteers have taken on many of
the roles in the interim. Other roles have gone unfilled.
Question 5: PWS 5.0 states the contractor shall perform duties "using government facilities,
equipment and materials appropriate to the religious education program." Will a
Government-furnished computer and/or phone be provided to support execution of contract
duties?
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DISTRIBUTION: DoW COMMUNITY ONLY
Answer 5: A government-furnished computer will be provided, as well as a government
office phone. A government mobile phone will not be provided due to limited lines available
for command use.
Question 6: If a Government-furnished computer is provided, will it include a Microsoft
Office subscription or equivalent software required to perform administrative duties
including budget preparation, record maintenance, and communications described in PWS
6.6 through 6.11?
Answer 6: Yes, Microsoft Office and Adobe Pro will be provided
Question 7: Will the Government provide dedicated office space at MCAS Beaufort Chapel
for the CCE to perform administrative duties?
Answer 7: The DRE has a desk in the Catholic annex of the Chapel next to the priest’s desk.
Question 8: Will the Government provide storage space at the chapel for the CCE to store
program materials, curriculum, audio-visual aids, and supplies referenced in PWS 6.10?
Answer 8: We currently have multiple storage spaces for use in storing materials and
supplies
Question 9: PWS 6.9 states the CCE shall coordinate with RPs to order supplies using
Appropriated Funds. Will a Government-funded religious program account or chapel budget
be available for curriculum, audio-visual aids, and classroom supplies described in PWS
6.10, or is the contractor responsible for funding these materials within the contract price?
Answer 9: Religious Education supplies, curriculum, materials, as well as consumables will
be paid for utilizing either Appropriated Funds through the Chapel budget, or the Religious
Offering Fund.
Question 10: What has been the average annual enrollment over the last two years across
CCD, sacramental preparation programs (First Communion, First Reconciliation,
Confirmation, RCIA), and youth ministry?
Answer 10: 15 participants
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Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.