How Leadership Changes at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Could Influence Contract Opportunities for Small Businesses in Government Sales

The recent leadership transition at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson marks a significant moment not just for the Church’s internal governance, but potentially for businesses engaged in government contracting—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) vying for federal contracts. Understanding this evolving landscape can help SMBs navigate emerging opportunities tied to the Church’s activities and its interfaces with government agencies.

Background: Leadership Transition and Institutional Influence

On September 27, 2025, President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President and Prophet of the LDS Church, passed away, initiating the traditional dissolution of the First Presidency—the Church’s highest governing body composed of three apostles. The senior apostle, Dallin H. Oaks, is anticipated to succeed Nelson. This succession is critical because the Church maintains robust administrative frameworks and extensive real estate holdings, including Temple Square and numerous temples worldwide.

Such leadership shifts often precede strategic changes in Church projects and public engagements. For example, President Nelson announced the Salt Lake Temple would soon be open for public tours (April–October 2027), signaling potential expansions in outreach, facilities management, and associated service contracts.

Why Small Businesses Should Care

Though the LDS Church is a private religious organization, it frequently intersects with government entities in areas such as land use, historic preservation, cultural events, and public facility management. Indirectly, this can create government contracting avenues for small businesses:

1. Government-Authorized Projects and Preservation Initiatives
   The Church’s properties—including iconic sites like Temple Square—are often subject to local, state, and federal regulations. Compliance with accessibility laws, environmental requirements, and historic preservation standards frequently involves contracts awarded by government agencies. Small businesses specializing in construction, landscaping, security, or event management might find subcontracting or bid opportunities aligned with these projects.

2. Cultural and Community Outreach Programs
   New leadership may expand community engagement or education initiatives involving grants or partnerships with government cultural agencies. Small firms providing educational materials, technology platforms, or event services could leverage such programs.

3. Procurement of Goods and Services
   The Church operates numerous welfare and humanitarian programs, sometimes funded or facilitated through partnerships with government entities. Vendors providing IT services, communications, logistics, or non-profit consulting may benefit if these partnerships grow under new Church directives.

Navigating Federal Contracting Channels

For SMBs interested in leveraging this situation, a few best practices apply:

• Register and Maintain Active SAM.gov Profiles
  The System for Award Management (SAM) is essential for bidding on federal contracts. SMBs should ensure profiles highlight relevant capabilities in religious institution support, historic site management, or community services.

• Explore GSA Schedules Relevant to Facilities, Construction, or Event Services
  The General Services Administration offers pre-negotiated contract vehicles covering a wide range of services. Small businesses can position themselves on applicable GSA schedules to facilitate subcontracting opportunities with government agencies partnering with or overseeing programs affecting the LDS Church.

• Stay Informed About Local and Federal Funding Announcements
  Monitor grant announcements or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to cultural preservation, community outreach, and infrastructure improvements, especially those geographically tied to Church facilities.

• Ensure Compliance and Certifications
  Government contracts require adherence to regulations like the Buy American Act, socioeconomic status certifications (e.g., SBA’s small business programs), and cybersecurity controls. These compliance factors increase a bidder’s attractiveness and reduce the risk of procurement delays.

Procurement Trends to Watch

Government contracting increasingly emphasizes diversity, sustainability, and digital transformation. SMBs serving LDS Church-associated government projects should anticipate:

• Integrating environmentally sustainable practices in construction or maintenance contracts.
• Supporting cybersecurity and data privacy standards for communications or IT services.
• Aligning with small disadvantaged business initiatives if applicable.

Conclusion

While the leadership change within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints primarily concerns its internal governance, the ripple effects can influence contracting ecosystems linked to government-related projects involving the Church. Small businesses that proactively position themselves—through registrations like SAM.gov, relevant GSA schedule participation, and compliance readiness—stand to benefit from any new or expanded initiatives arising under the new First Presidency.

SMBs should maintain vigilance on local government opportunities involving Church properties and programs, remain engaged with federal procurement announcements, and cultivate relationships with prime contractors active in the cultural, construction, and community outreach sectors. By understanding these nuanced connections, small businesses can effectively break into or expand in federal contracting spaces connected to one of the most significant religious organizations in the United States.

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