Islamic Religious Services - DRC260090 - LORCI

The Lorain Correctional Institution, located in Grafton, Ohio, is seeking a qualified provider of Islamic religious services for its approximately 1,600 male offenders across various security levels. The procurement opportunity requires a religiously credentialed Islamic service provider to deliver specific religious programming, including weekly Taleem sessions, Jumma prayers, and services for major Islamic holidays such as Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha. The successful candidate must coordinate activities with the Institutional Chaplain, complete institutional orientation and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) training, and provide approximately 10 hours of weekly service. Evaluation criteria will focus on the provider's denominational standing, credentials, and ability to perform pastoral care and counseling for Islamic offenders. The solicitation was posted on November 3, 2025, with proposals due by November 19, 2025, through the Ohio|Buys system. Bidders must submit comprehensive responses addressing all required components by 4:00 p.m. Columbus time on the specified Bid Closing Date.

The contract opportunity does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but it does include compliance requirements with Ohio Executive Orders 2019-12D and 2022-02D, which prohibit offshore service performance and contracting with Russian institutions. Vendors must complete an Affirmation and Disclosure Form detailing their principal business location, service performance locations, and subcontractor information. The annual contract value is fixed at $10,336.05, to be invoiced monthly, with a comprehensive pricing structure that includes weekly services, holiday observances, and an annual religious services meeting. All bidders will be subject to background checks and must acknowledge the potentially hazardous correctional facility environment. The contract requires monthly reporting to the Deputy Warden of Holistic Services and mandatory attendance at the yearly Religious Services meeting. Successful contractors must remain compliant with state procurement regulations and be prepared for potential contract termination if service location or compliance requirements are not met.