691 - Protestant Religious Service Provider for Grafton Reintegration Center

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is seeking a Protestant Contract Chaplain for the Grafton Correctional Center located in Lorain County, Ohio. The contract opportunity requires a religious service provider to support the institutional chaplain in delivering pastoral care and religious programming to incarcerated individuals. The contracted professional will be responsible for conducting worship services, prayer services, study classes, providing pastoral counseling, performing holy day services, and submitting monthly service reports. Qualified candidates must be ordained or licensed and in good standing with their local congregation or denomination, with a preference for completion of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education. The contract term begins upon approval and continues through June 30, 2027, with potential for two two-year renewal options. The position requires working up to 35 hours per week at an hourly rate of $21.65, with the total annual contract not to exceed $39,478. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a criminal background check and work in a potentially hazardous environment. The proposal submission deadline is October 6, 2025, with interested candidates required to submit a resume and qualifying documentation to Ron Armbruster via email at ron.armbruster@odrc.state.oh.us.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the contract opportunity documentation. The procurement appears to be open to qualified religious service providers who meet the specified professional and educational criteria. While no incumbent vendor is explicitly identified, the contract represents a structured religious service provider role within the correctional system. The contract has a clear budgetary framework, with a defined hourly rate of $21.65 and a maximum annual contract value of $39,478. Candidates will be evaluated based on their ordination status, denominational standing, pastoral education, and ability to provide comprehensive religious services in a correctional environment. The opportunity allows for potential contract renewals, suggesting the possibility of a long-term professional engagement for the selected chaplain. Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to navigate the unique challenges of providing religious support within a correctional facility setting.