Chaplain Services

The Delaware Department of Correction (DDOC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Chaplain Services (Contract No. DOC17049-CHAPLAIN) serving Kent County, seeking a qualified professional to provide religious services, counseling, and pastoral care for 2,600 department employees. The selected chaplain will be required to work 29.5 hours per week and must possess a Master's degree or higher in Divinity or a related field, have prior law enforcement experience, and hold an ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized religious denomination. The RFP outlines a comprehensive evaluation process with weighted criteria including experience/reputation (30 points), expertise (30 points), demonstrated ability (10 points), references (10 points), location (10 points), and cost (10 points). Key proposal deadlines include a May 3, 2017 deadline for questions, May 10, 2017 for question responses, and a proposal submission deadline of May 17, 2017 at 1:00 PM local time. The estimated award notification date is June 7, 2017, with an initial contract term of one year and potential for three optional one-year extensions.

The RFP does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The total budget for services is not to exceed $31,500 per 12-month period, with payment based on proposed hourly rates. Successful bidders must pass a DDOC criminal history background check and comply with all safety, security, and Prison Rape Elimination Act requirements. The provider will be responsible for submitting annual and monthly religious activity service plans that detail services provided, participation levels, and outcomes. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing technological infrastructure. The State reserves the right to award the contract to a proposal other than the lowest-priced submission if deemed in the best interest of the State, emphasizing the importance of qualitative factors in addition to cost considerations.