QA_Catholic Youth Director Services_FA448424Q0029_29 Aug 2024.pdf

Q&A:

RFQ Notice ID FA448424Q0029

Catholic Youth Director Services

29 August 2024

Questions that may be of general interest of all offerors will appear below. These questions may have been paraphrased or altered to represent several questions regarding the same subject and/or clarify and simplify the question(s). Questions and answers are issued to the offerors for information purposes only.

Q1. Is there a current incumbent for this contract?

A. Yes.

Q2. What is the past award contract number?

A. FA448419PA032.

Q3. Are the base locations affiliated with a specific NJ Diocese?

A. No, the base Chapel service falls under the Archdiocese for Military Services

Q4. For Sacramental Prep, are you under “restored orders” or what teen year does Confirmation take place?

A. Confirmation takes place between ages 12-16.

Q5. How many years, or sessions, are required to prepare for the reception of a sacrament?

A. We have been following a program that is typically a total of 14 months including a summer break.

Q6. Is Reconciliation applicable for all students?

A. Reconciliation is applicable for those who have received first communion.

Q7. Is there a specific curriculum, or workbook(s); such as Word of Life or Pflaum?

A. The youth director is free to use/choose material as they deem necessary with oversight of the Catholic Chaplain. (very flexible)

Q8. Per PWS paragraph 5 Period of Performance and Work Hours, the expected work hours are 24 hours per week. Is there a set schedule rather than an expectation of over a 40+ hour per week availability that can be provided?

A. The schedule will be worked out with the supervising Catholic Priest in coordination with the Joint Base Senior Chaplain. It is flexible for the most part except for scheduled mass and religious education times which may also change based on the needs of the Parish.

Q9. Per PWS paragraph 6 Description/ Duties & Responsibilities, are there links available to find the following:

Under 6.a., the goals and number of people involved? (last three years or pre-covid if applicable)?

A. I apologize for the wording of that paragraph. It is a bit confusing. The goals of the program would be set by the Catholic Chaplain. The number of people involved may be part of that goal, but the contractor would not be evaluated based simply on numbers of people attending. I believe that is why they included paragraph 6.a.(1) so that evaluation is based both on participation numbers and satisfaction levels of the participants and volunteers.

Under 6.b., the “Doing Global Ministry” processes

(1) Where to find the “chapel goals” and a comprehensive explanation?

A. “Doing Global Ministry” simply refers to our biennial process of assessing needs and reevaluating our focus areas based on the results. I do not anticipate this contract being affected by that process at all. There will always be a need for quality Catholic youth programs here.

(2) Is there a vision paper in place for 2024/2025 (mention annual due date in May)?

A. That has been put on hold for 2024-2025 pending the new contractor’s arrival and coordination with the Catholic Chaplain.

Q10. Per PWS paragraph 6.d., typically High School grades are (9-12). Is Junior High (6-8 grades or 7-8 grades)?

A. The grades for Junior High/Middle School here are 7-8 grades. However, that could be discussed as needed with the Catholic Chaplain and considered on a case by case basis.

Q11. Per PWS 6.d., what is the average number of volunteers who have committed in the past three years? (student or classroom (combined) to teacher ratio).

A. Coming out of COVID years, our numbers of volunteers has risen steadily. Most recently, we have had 8 people interested in volunteering with the youth program on a regular basis.

Q12. Per PWS 6.d., what is the average number of youth and families served breakdown by grade or age?

A. The number depends on the number of families coming into and leaving the community each year (military families move frequently). The age range for youth ministries is 12-17.

Q13. Per PWS 6.e., “Mission statement for the youth ministry.” Does this include elementary students K-5/6?

A. No. this is just for teenagers. (12-17)

Q14. Per PWS 6.g., the mention of “lock-ins” are parents typically recruited as chaperones and trained?

A. Yes, parents are recruited as volunteers and are appropriately trained.

Q15. Per PWS 6.n., is there a current database of volunteers that are compliant and meet the needs of the RFQ, or is there a shortage of volunteers?

A. We are beginning a new season. All volunteers will need to be compliant with current background check processes. There is a healthy number of people ready to assist.

Q16. Per PWS 6.r., the mention of “all youth religious education support” please clarify the grades involved?

A. Grades 7-12.

Q17. Per PWS 6.gg., can you please provide the Parish Manual, and the CAC process mentioned?

A. There is no Parish Manual at the moment. The CAC process is a process of budgeting for programs that our staff will assist the contractor through.

Q18. How is the CCC embraced at these sites and within the structure of the programming?

A. The youth director would not be responsible for any of the catechism or religious education other than simply providing programs and opportunities for the 12-17 year-olds to grow in their faith.

Q19. There are 3 site locations listed. Is there one home-based office, but travel will be required between sites as needed?

A. There is one office which is located in the chapel where most of the religious education classes are held.