JBMHH Catholic Priest

This Performance Work Statement outlines the requirements for “As Needed” Clergy-Catholic-Priest services at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The contractor will provide non-personal Catholic Priest services to the Catholic population, including masses, sacraments, confessions, and counseling, in accordance with Roman Catholic Church guidelines and military regulations. The contract emphasizes a non-personal services relationship, with the contractor responsible for personnel, equipment, and adherence to quality control. Key requirements include endorsement by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), specific background checks, and compliance with security and safety protocols. The period of performance is one base year of 10 months and four 12-month option years. The document details specific tasks, deliverables, and applicable publications, ensuring the provision of religious support while maintaining the distinction between government and contractor roles.

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) issued a policy on July 20, 2017, addressing the contracting of civilian priests due to a shortage of active-duty priests serving the Armed Forces. This policy states that the AMS will only endorse priests who contract directly with a military installation's contracting office. Endorsement will not be granted to priests subcontracted by third-party contractors. A waiver may be considered for serious needs in remote locations on an ad-hoc basis. The policy does not alter existing arrangements with religious communities or Catholic dioceses and is now part of the "Minimum Requirements for the Pastoral Care of Catholic Personnel" (August 1, 2011).

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA outlines minimum requirements for the pastoral care of Catholic personnel, ensuring comprehensive religious support for military members and their families. Key elements include daily and Sunday Masses, sacramental preparation, religious education, youth and young adult ministry, spiritual enrichment, and pastoral counseling. The senior Catholic priest-chaplain holds final authority over Catholic programs, advised by a Pastoral Council. The Blessed Sacrament must be reserved in a dedicated, secure location under the exclusive care of an endorsed Catholic priest. The document details requirements for the Sacrament of Penance, availability of priests for spiritual care, and the minimum 20-hour weekly priestly ministry for a Catholic program. It also specifies the roles of Religious Education Coordinators, emphasizing Catholic oversight of instructional content, and encourages ecumenical understanding while clarifying Catholic participation in inter-religious services. Annual retreats and convocations are mandatory for priests to maintain their endorsements, ensuring ongoing spiritual and professional development.

MICC – Fort Belvoir is conducting a Sources Sought Notice to gather market research for a potential contract to provide Catholic Priest services at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBMHH). This is not a solicitation but an information-gathering effort to identify qualified businesses. The selected priest must be endorsed by the Archdiocese for Military Services (AMS), which will only endorse priests directly contracting with military installations, not subcontractors. The services include providing regular and special Catholic masses, sacraments, confessions, and acting as a Catholic subject matter expert. The anticipated NAICS code is 813110 Religious Organizations. Interested businesses are requested to submit capability statements by June 10, 2026, including firm details, interest in competing as a prime contractor, previous experience, information on commercial availability, and recommendations to facilitate small business competition. All responses will be used for planning purposes only, and the government is not obligated to award a contract.