What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking a contractor to provide Roman Catholic Priest services at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, under a Total Small Business Set-Aside. This contract involves delivering religious programs, pastoral care, and spiritual services to eligible Catholic personnel and their families, in accordance with Catholic doctrine and military regulations. As this is a Sources Sought notice, interested small businesses should focus on demonstrating their capabilities rather than submitting formal bids at this stage.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
DISTRIBUTION: DoW COMMUNITY ONLY
PERFORMANCE WORK ST AT EM ENT
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command
Twentynine Palms, California
Roman Catholic Priest Services
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this contract is to provide Roman Catholic Priest religious programs for eligible Roman Catholic
personnel and their families at MAGTF-TC/MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms CA. These services will be provided
in alignment with Catholic doctrine, and military regulations as defined by the Archdiocese for Military Services
(AMS).
2.0 SCOPE
This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for fulfilling the purpose stated above. The
Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to deliver Catholic Pastoral Ministry and Spiritual Services,
including a Catholic Religious Education Program, Catholic Sacramental Ministry, and Catholic Pastoral Care, in
collaboration with the Religious Ministries Office (RELMIN) and any uniformed priest already assigned to
MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms. The Contractor shall deliver all required reports and documentation associated
with these services and activities to RELMIN and the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS).
3.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
The Contractor shall comply with the following documents, regulations, and instructions:
• SECNAVINST 1730.7E, Religious Ministry Within the Department of the Navy
• SECNAVINST M-5510.30, Department of the Navy Personnel Security Program Reference
• Minimum Requirements for the Pastoral Care of Catholic Personnel
• Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) Priests' Manual
• Any other relevant MCAGCC Twentynine Palms base regulations and instructions.
4.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
The Contractor shall perform the following tasks and meet the associated performance standards:
4.1 Pastoral Care:
4.1.1 Provide pastoral care to Catholic personnel and their families: This includes individual counseling, spiritual
guidance, and support. in accordance with Catholic doctrine and the Minimum Requirements for the Pastoral Care
of Catholic Personnel.
4.1.2 Performance Standard: The Contractor shall assist the Command Chaplain by making himself available and
providing pastoral counseling for all Roman Catholic active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel. The
Contractor shall make himself available and provide pastoral visits during regular working hours to Catholics who
are hospitalized, including the provision of Holy Communion and the Anointing of the Sick and Dying, as needed.
4.2 Religious Education:
4.2.1 Develop and deliver a Catholic religious education program: This program shall adhere to the AMS
Religion/Faith Formation Curriculum and utilize instructional materials approved by the United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
4.2.2 Performance Standard: Conduct religious education sessions as scheduled and maintain attendance records.
Provide a quarterly report summarizing the topics covered, participation levels, and any feedback received.
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DISTRIBUTION: DoW COMMUNITY ONLY
4.3 Sacramental Ministry:
4.3.1 Conduct Catholic liturgical services: This includes celebrating Mass, administering sacraments (e.g., Baptism,
Reconciliation, Eucharist), and conducting other liturgical services in accordance with the AMS Priests' Manual and
applicable liturgical books.
4.3.2 Performance Standard: Conduct Mass and other liturgical services as scheduled and maintain a record of
services performed. Ensure all sacramental records are properly documented and maintained.
4.4 General Requirements:
4.4.1 Collaboration: The Contractor shall collaborate with RMD, assigned military and contract chaplains, and other
relevant personnel to ensure effective coordination and execution of Catholic religious services and ministry
support. The Contractor shall attend weekly RMD ministry planning meetings, as directed by the RMD Director.
During these meetings, the Contractor shall be prepared to provide updates regarding religious education program
effectiveness, Mass schedules, and staffing (including volunteers) and coordination requirements for the upcoming
week.
4.4.2 Compliance: Ensure all services and activities comply with AMS, Navy, and Marine Corps regulations and
instructions.
4.4.3 Training and Oversight: If the Contractor employs or utilizes other individuals to assist in providing services,
the Contractor is responsible for their training, oversight, and ensuring they meet the required qualifications and
standards.
4.4.4 Coverage in Absence of AD Priest-Chaplain: The Contractor shall assume primary responsibility for the
direction of Catholic Pastoral Life, Religious Education, and Sacramental Ministry in the absence of an assigned
Active Duty (AD) priest-chaplain.
5.0 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Qualifications:
The Contractor shall provide personnel meeting the following qualifications:
5.1.1 Ordination: Validly ordained Catholic priest(s) in good standing with their bishop, eparchy, or religious
superior. Good standing must be verified by a letter from the appropriate authority.
5.1.2 Ecclesiastical Endorsement: Written Ecclesiastical Endorsement from the Archdiocese for the Military
Services (AMS) using DD Form 2088. The endorsement must be specific to MCAGCC Twentynine Palms and
cover the contract duration. This endorsement is required with proposal submission.
5.1.3 Adherence to AMS Policies: Adherence to the policies and procedures outlined in the AMS Priests' Manual.
5.1.4 Background Check: Successful background criminal history check at the local, state, and national levels,
compliant with Public Law 101-647, Section 231, and DoD Instruction 1402.5. Must be completed within the past
twelve months.
5.2 Additional Requirements:
5.2.1 Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with chaplains, military personnel, and other staff in a pluralistic
environment. Report any concerns to the Command Chaplain.
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DISTRIBUTION: DoW COMMUNITY ONLY
5.2.…
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.