Questions and Answers.docx

FA330026Q00740001

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Catholic Music Director 12 August 2026

1. QUESTION: Is this a new requirement or a recompete? If a recompete, can you provide the current contract number and contractor name for reference?

ANSWER: This is a recompete requirement; the contract is currently being fulfilled by Idemma, LLC. The current contract number is FA330022P0063.

2. QUESTION: Is the Catholic Music Director role currently being performed by a paid contractor, a chapel volunteer, or is the position vacant?

ANSWER: The Catholic Music Director position is currently being performed by a paid sub-contractor under Idemma.

3. QUESTION: If a current individual (contractor or volunteer) is performing this role, does the agency intend to continue utilizing that person, or is the agency open to new personnel?

ANSWER: The Government welcomes any qualified individual who meets the requirements of the solicitation. While continuity is valued, the Government is open to new personnel who possess the required musical skills and are able to effectively support the Catholic worship community.

4. QUESTION: Will the Government accept proposals where the required services are performed by a qualified subcontractor under the prime contractor, with the prime maintaining full responsibility for contract performance?

ANSWER: Yes, the Government will accept this arrangement. This is the current contract structure, where the prime contractor maintains responsibility for contract performance while utilizing a qualified subcontractor to perform the Music Director duties.

5. QUESTION: Would there be any conflict of interest or contractual issue if the same individual were selected to perform both roles (REC and MD)?

ANSWER: While not expressly prohibited, the Government does not believe it would be practical for the same individual to perform both roles. Catholic Religious Education occurs immediately prior to Mass, while the Music Director is typically conducting choir rehearsal and preparing for worship during that same timeframe. Historically, these responsibilities have been performed by separate individuals.

6. QUESTION: Will there be a transition period with the incumbent contractor or current volunteers following contract award?

ANSWER: If the incumbent contractor remains available and willing to assist, a transition period may occur. However, the Government cannot guarantee incumbent participation following contract award. Any transition assistance would be coordinated between the incoming contractor and the incumbent, as appropriate.

7. QUESTION: Can the Government provide the number of substitute performances required in the prior contract year, and confirm whether historical workload data exists given the incumbent status is unclear?

ANSWER: Substitute performances generally occur during Catholic Holy Days of Obligation. These services are typically conducted twice on those days—once at approximately 12:00 p.m. and again at 5:00 p.m. Offerors may reference the annual Catholic Holy Days of Obligation calendar published by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, for a general understanding of these observances.

8. QUESTION: Is the contractor expected to recruit new choir members only as vacancies occur, or is there an expectation to actively grow the choir throughout the period of performance?

ANSWER: The contractor is expected to maintain an effective choir by recruiting members as needed to support the worship program. See updated SOW para. 2.11.

9. QUESTION: The SOW identifies up to 26 special liturgical services annually and names several (First Communion, Confirmation, Advent, Lent, Holy Days). Can the Government provide the complete list of anticipated annual special services/events?

ANSWER: A complete list cannot be provided, as special liturgical services may vary from year to year based on the liturgical calendar and the direction of the Catholic Priest. Offerors may reference the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and the annual Catholic liturgical calendar for examples of anticipated Holy Days of Obligation and seasonal observances.

10. QUESTION: Are funeral services included within the estimated 250 annual hours identified in the SOW, or are they in addition to that estimate?

ANSWER: Yes, funeral services are included within the estimated 250 annual hours. Historically, however, the Catholic community at Maxwell AFB has not required a funeral service in more than two years.

11. QUESTION: The SOW references supporting the Religious Education Coordinator during special RE liturgies. Approximately how many RE liturgies occur annually?

ANSWER: Special Religious Education liturgies generally include First Communion and Confirmation. In addition, there are typically two to three Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) celebrations annually for individuals entering the Catholic Church. See updated SOW para. 6.2.2.

12. QUESTION: If annual workload exceeds the estimated 250 hours due to additional funerals or special liturgical services requested by the Government, how will those additional services be compensated?

ANSWER: Should the Government require services beyond the contracted hours, any additional requirements would be coordinated through the Contracting Officer and the prime contractor in accordance with the terms of the contract. To date, this situation has not occurred during the history of this contract. See updated SOW para. 6.4.

13. QUESTION: Will the required nine (9) annual Pastoral Council meetings be held in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format?

ANSWER: Pastoral Council meetings are typically held in person. However, virtual or hybrid meetings may be utilized when appropriate, as determined by the Catholic Priest and mission requirements. See updated SOW para. 2.16.

14. QUESTION: Will offerors be required to submit a performance recording with their quote, or only upon Government request during evaluation?

ANSWER: Per SOW para. 3.1.6, A performance recording is not explicitly required at time of quote, but may be requested by the Government during the evaluation process if determined necessary to assess an offeror's musical qualifications and performance capabilities.

15. QUESTION: Who conducts the interview/evaluation referenced in the Personal Qualifications section — the Contracting Officer, the Catholic Priest, or the Pastoral Council?

ANSWER: Interviews and evaluations are anticipated to be conducted by the Catholic Priest, the Contracting Officer (or designated representative), and a member of the Chapel staff. See updated SOW para. 3.1.6.

16. QUESTION: Will the Government provide a computer, printer, or other IT equipment for the Music Director's use, and is the contractor expected to produce any congregation-facing materials (bulletins, flyers, presentation slides, etc.) as part of this role?

ANSWER: The Government will provide the equipment necessary to perform the required duties, including access to a computer and printer, as appropriate. The Music Director is not expected to produce congregation-facing materials such as bulletins, flyers, presentation slides, or similar products as part of this contract. See updated SOW para. 4.2.2.