Sources Sought - Catholic Priest Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The 18th Contracting Squadron is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify potential sources capable of providing Catholic Priest services for the Religious Support Program at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. This is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are due by Tuesday, June 12, 2026, 1200 JST.
Scope of Work
The required services, as detailed in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS), include:
- Conducting Roman Catholic Mass (weekdays and weekends, including Sunday Masses at 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM).
- Performing the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Sundays 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM, subject to change).
- Providing additional sacramental ministrations such as confessions, baptisms, memorials, funerals, weddings, and sacrament of the sick.
- Offering Catholic pastoral counseling and conducting conferences (e.g., Pre-Marriage Seminar).
- Services are to be performed at any of the chapel facilities at Kadena Air Base.
- Coordination with the KAB Catholic chaplain or designee is required, with priority given to scheduling weekend masses.
- Contractor must be prepared for emergency services with short notice.
Performance Standards
- Scheduled Services: 100% compliance.
- Emergency Response: 100% compliance within allowable time limits.
- Contract Deficiencies: No more than two per month.
Special Requirements
- Contractor must be an ordained Roman Catholic priest in good standing with the Archdiocese for the Military Services and the Diocese of Naha.
- Must be able to conduct services in English and be available for short-notice pastoral assistance.
- Required to pass background checks, including criminal history, especially if working with minors.
- Compliance with Japanese Road Laws, maintenance of required insurance, and adherence to environmental/safety requirements (including OSHA standards) are mandatory.
- Contractor personnel must present a neat appearance, be easily recognized, and adhere to the no-smoking policy in government buildings.
- Notification of planned absences at least five working days in advance is required.
- Contractor must obtain identification cards and base passes and report labor hours via a secure data collection site.
Submission Requirements
Interested vendors shall provide the following information:
- Business name, DUNS/UEI, CAGE code, small business status, and certifications.
- Point of contact name, phone number, and email address.
- Relevant experience/past performance, qualifications, availability, and geographic reach.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research to determine if a set-aside is appropriate)
- Product/Service Code: G002 (Chaplain Services)
- Place of Performance: Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 1200 JST
- Published Date: June 8, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. The solicitation number may differ if a formal solicitation materializes.
Contact Information
- Primary: Hana Machida (hana.machida.jp@us.af.mil)
- Secondary: Austin Robey (austin.robey@us.af.mil)