Chapter 10 - General IT Procurement Policies

10.5.5 Faith-based organizations

§ 2.2-4343.1 of the Code of Virginia provides that agencies may enter into contracts with faith-based organizations on the same basis as any other nongovernmental source without impairing the religious character of such organization, and without diminishing the religious freedom of the beneficiaries of assistance provided under this section. For the purposes of § 2.2-4343.1, "faith-based organization" means a religious organization that is or applies to be a contractor to provide goods or services for programs funded by the block grant provided pursuant to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, P.L. 104-193. To the extent allowed by law, agencies in procuring IT goods or services or in making disbursements pursuant to this section, shall not (i.) discriminate against a faith-based organization on the basis of the organization's religious character or (ii.) impose conditions that (a) restrict the religious character of the faith-based organization, except as provided in subsection F, or (b) impair, diminish, or discourage the exercise of religious freedom by the recipients of such goods, services, or disbursements.

All public bodies shall ensure that all invitations to bid, requests for proposals, contracts, and purchase orders prominently display a nondiscrimination statement indicating that the public body does not discriminate against faith-based organizations.