Chaplain Services

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND YOUR RESPONSE IS NOT AN OFFER. THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DOES NOT COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY ANY COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION OF ANY SUBMISSION TO THIS MARKET SURVEY, OR TO CONTRACT FOR SERVICES. 1.0 INTRODUCTION Chaplain services are mandatory to meet the MSC Commander's Command Religious Program requirements for USNS ships and officers under SECNAVINST 1730.7D (Religious Ministry within the Department of the Navy). Military Sealift Command (MSC) intends to contract for Chaplain Services for personnel aboard USNS ships, in offices under the operational control of Military Sealift Command, or its representative agents worldwide. This survey in no way commits the Government to purchase any products or services from responding vendors. The information contained in the resulting solicitation may differ from this initial description. Interested vendors are requested to address and supply the following: 1. Name of organization with telephone/fax numbers, and name, email address, and mailing address of primary point of contact. 2. Brief description of your organization's capabilities. 3. Organization's business size status (e.g., large or small business, specific category of small business). 4. Estimated cost of services as required below for a period of one year. Travel expenses shall be reimbursed by the Government in accordance with Federal Joint Travel Regulations. 5. Provide any additional comments regarding the requirement. 2.0 SERVICES REQUIRED The Chaplain will provide worship services, in accordance with their own faith group, for active duty personnel and all other authorized personnel, as defined in OPNAVINST 1730.1D (Religious Ministries in the Navy) and SECNAVINST 1730.3G (Employment of Civilian Clergy).The Chaplain will conduct services on Sunday, or whenever practicable, aboard USNS vessels or other MSC locations. Special services may also be conducted on holidays and other special days (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, etc.). Special religious rites or services are to be conducted as requested or appropriate to the faith needs of those served, including, but not limited to: Communion and Baptism services, Marriages, Funeral and Memorial Services and Burials at Sea, and Prayers at Sea. The Chaplain will be required to assist the Command and other Chaplains in the facilitation of religious needs and requirements for all faith groups. Services provided shall include but are not limited to: a. Work space visitation with crew members or staff. b. Pastoral care and counseling, including religious and spiritual counseling, marriage preparation, marital counseling, crisis response and intervention, personal and family pastoral counseling, vocational counseling/coaching, etc. c. Consultation with the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC) and other MSC Chaplains and liaison with MSC leaders, including MSC HQ, MSFSC, and Area Commands. d. Preparation for, conducting of, and supervision over all religious education programs, including spiritual or personal retreats. e. Hospital visitation of the sick and injured and Anointing of the Sick (if applicable to the Chaplain's faith group). f. Training for the crew and Command leaders in religion, ethics, religious accommodation, and culture, and other issues identified by the Command, such as suicide prevention, stress management, substance abuse, family life, etc. g. Provide advice to Command leadership regarding religion, religious accommodation, ethics, morality, and crew morale. h. Recruitment, coordination, and training of volunteers for assistance with Command Religious Programs. 3.0 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS The Chaplain must be an Ordained Christian Minister of the Gospel in good-standing and endorsed by a recognized Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agent (denomination). Personnel proposed for this contract shall have the requisite skills and experience consistent with clergy whose background and experience are acceptable to the Chaplain Corps of the various branches of the Department of Defense. It is requested that the above information be provided no later than 4:00 PM on 26 JUNE 2009. Responses should be faxed to (202) 685-5965. The points of contact for this action are Ms. Marilyn May at (202) 685-5953 or marilyn.may@navy.mil and Mr. Michael Vicory at (202) 685-5962 or michael.vicory@navy.mil.