691 - 2025 Islamic Contract Chaplain - GCI

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, specifically the Grafton Correctional Institution (GCI) located in Lorain County, is seeking an Islamic Contract Chaplain to provide religious services and support for incarcerated individuals. The selected contractor must be an ordained/licensed religious professional in good standing with their congregation or mosque, with a preference for candidates who have completed Clinical Pastoral Education. Required services include weekly Jumuah and Zuhr Prayer, two annual Eid Prayers, religious education classes (Taleem), pastoral care, crisis counseling, and comprehensive religious programming. The contract period will commence upon approval and continue through June 30, 2025, with potential for two additional two-year renewal options. Key deliverables include conducting religious services, providing spiritual guidance, and administering religious educational programming. Contractors must successfully pass a criminal background check and maintain current U.S. work permits, with verification required every six months. The solicitation was posted on January 28, 2025, with proposals due by February 11, 2025.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Compensation for services is structured on a per-service basis, with weekly rates including $113.30 for Jumuah services, $133.90 for Taleem, and $123.60 for pastoral care and program administration. Special services such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations are compensated at $412.00 each, with funeral services billed at $250.00 per occurrence. The total contract value is $20,594.85 for the initial contract period. Contractors must demonstrate expertise in Islamic religious practices and the ability to provide supportive services within a correctional environment. The solicitation includes several attached documents, including an Affirmation and Disclosure Form that requires contractors to disclose service locations and affirm compliance with specific executive orders regarding offshore services and data storage. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract appears designed to ensure continuous religious support for incarcerated Muslim individuals at the Grafton Correctional Institution and Grafton Reintegration Center.