1-4 RNG 2025 RFP Final 2.26.26.pdf

RFP-2025-729-TRA-GS, “RIN Credit Management for Renewable Natural Gas” 1

City of Albuquerque

Request for Proposals

Solicitation Number: RFP-2025-729-TRA-GS_

Procurement and RIN Credit Management for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

February 26, 2026

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: March 28, 2026: 4:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) The City eProcurement System will not allow Proposals to be submitted after this date and time.

Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference: Zoom Meeting at https://cabq.zoom.us/j/86564281455

City of Albuquerque Department of Finance and Administrative Services

Purchasing Division

V2024.07.10 JLB

RFP-2025-729-TRA-GS, “RIN Credit Management for Renewable Natural Gas” 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Introduction 3

Part 1 Instructions to Offerors 4

Part 2 Proposal Format 15

Part 3 Scope of Services 17

Part 4 Evaluation of Proposals 20

Appendix A Cost Proposal Forms 25

Attachment (In Bonfire/EUNA)

Exhibit A: Fuel Cost Data

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INTRODUCTION

The City of Albuquerque Transit Department (ABQ Ride) currently has a bus fleet that includes compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles as part of its public transit services. As of September 2025, approximately 45 CNG vehicles are operating daily in revenue service, with plans to add additional vehicles over the next three years, bringing the total to 69 CNG vehicles in daily revenue service by late 2028. Since July 2020, ABQ Ride has gradually decreased transit service by approximately 40 percent, due to an increase in driver and mechanic vacancies over this time period. Currently, the department is working to restore service to 95% of the service level it was in March 2020 over the next three years.

ABQ Ride dispensed 651,369 diesel gallon equivalents (DGE) of compressed natural gas in 2024. It is estimated that for the calendar year 2025, ABQ Ride will dispense 704,185 DGE. The agreement that results from this solicitation shall accommodate increases and/or decreases in natural gas use.

ABQ Ride is seeking a vendor to support the City’s sustainability goals and generate new revenue streams through the virtual attribution of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to its existing compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet operations. The objective of this engagement is to generate Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

The awarded vendor will be responsible for identifying and attributing an equivalent volume of RNG via the pipeline, based on ABQ Ride’s current DGE consumption. This volume shall be assigned to ABQ Ride for the specific purpose of generating RIN credits.

The selected awarded vendor shall oversee all aspects of RIN generation, including registration, tracking, processing, and reporting. In addition, the awarded vendor shall share a portion of the generated RIN revenue with ABQ Ride in accordance with the terms outlined in the proposal. This partnership enables ABQ Ride to utilize environmental credits without modifying its existing fueling infrastructure, while also advancing clean energy objectives and generating a new revenue stream through RIN participation.

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PART 1

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1.1 RFP Number and Title: RFP-2025-729-TRA-EW

Procurement and RIN Credit Management for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

1.2 Proposal Due Date: March 28, 2026 - NLT 4:00 PM (Local Time MST) The time and date Proposals are due shall be strictly observed.

1.2.1 Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference: This is not a mandatory pre- Proposal conference, but highly recommended. Those vendors who choose not to attend shall be solely responsible for obtaining any additional information, clarifications or addenda resulting from this meeting.

https://cabq.zoom.us/j/86564281455

1.2.2 Questions: All questions shall be submitted in written format in the City’s eProcurement system prior to the close date for questions and answers.

1.3 Purchasing Division: This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is issued on behalf of the City of Albuquerque by its Purchasing Division, which is the sole point of contact during the entire procurement process.

1.4 Authority: Chapter 5, Article 5 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Albuquerque, 1994 (“Public Purchases Ordinance”). The City Council, pursuant to Article 1 of the Charter of the City of Albuquerque and Article X, Section 6 of the Constitution of New Mexico, has enacted this Public Purchases Ordinance as authorized by such provisions and for the purpose of providing maximum local self-government. To that end, it is intended that this Public Purchases Ordinance shall govern all purchasing transactions of the City and shall serve to exempt the City from all provisions of the New Mexico Procurement Code, as provided in Section 13-1-98K, NMSA 1978.

1.5 Acceptance of Proposal: Acceptance of Proposal is contingent upon the Offeror's certification and agreement by submittal of its Proposal, to comply and act in accordance with all provisions of the following:

1.5.1 City Public Purchases Ordinance

1.5.2 City Purchasing Rules and Regulations: These Rules and Regulations (“Regulations”) are written to clarify and implement the provisions of the Public Purchases Ordinance. These Regulations establish policies, procedures, and guidelines relating to the procurement, management, control, and disposal of goods, services, and construction, as applicable, under the authority of the Ordinance.

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1.5.3 Civil Rights Compliance: Acceptance of Proposal is contingent upon the Offeror's certification and agreement by submittal of its Proposal, to comply and act in accordance with all provisions of the Albuquerque Human Rights Ordinance, the New Mexico Human Rights Act, Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and all federal statutes and executive orders, New Mexico statutes and City of Albuquerque ordinances and resolutions relating to the enforcement of civil rights and affirmative action. Questions regarding civil rights or affirmative action compliance requirements should be directed to the City of Albuquerque Human Rights Office.

1.5.4 Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance: The Offeror certifies and agrees, by submittal of its Proposal, to comply and act in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and federal regulations promulgated thereunder.

1.5.5 Insurance and Bonding Compliance: Acceptance of Proposal is contingent upon the Offeror's ability to comply with the insurance requirements as stated herein. Please include a certificate or statement of compliance in your Proposal and bonds as required.

1.5.6 Ethics:

1.5.6.1 Fair Dealing. The Offeror warrants that its Proposal is submitted and entered into without collusion on the part of the Offeror with any person or firm, without fraud, and in good faith. Offeror also warrants that no gratuities, in the form of entertainment, gifts or otherwise, were, or will be offered or given by the Offeror, or any agent or representative of the Offeror to any officer or employee of the City with a view toward securing a recommendation of award or subsequent contract or for securing more favorable treatment with respect to making a recommendation of award.

1.5.6.2 Conflict of Interest. The Offeror warrants that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required under the contract resulting from this RFP. The Offeror also warrants that, to the best of its knowledge, no officer, agent, or employee of the City who shall participate in any decision relating to this RFP and the resulting contract, currently has, or will have in the future, a personal or pecuniary interest in the Offeror’s business.

1.5.7 Participation/Offeror Preparation: The Offeror may not use the consultation or assistance of any person, firm, or company who has participated in whole or in part in the writing of these specifications or the Scope of Services, for the preparation of its Proposal or in the management of its business if awarded the

RFP-2025-729-TRA-GS, “RIN Credit Management for Renewable Natural Gas” 6 contract resulting from this RFP.

1.5.8 Debarment or Ineligibility Compliance: By submitting its Proposal in response to this RFP, the Offeror certifies that (i) it has not been debarred or otherwise found ineligible to receive funds by any agency of the federal government, the State of New Mexico, any local public body of the State, or any state of the United States; and (ii) should any notice of debarment, suspension, ineligibility or exclusion be received by the Offeror, the Offeror will notify the City immediately.

Any Proposal received from an Offeror that is, at the time of submitting its Proposal or before receipt of award of a contract, debarred by or otherwise ineligible to receive funds from any agency of the federal government, the State of New Mexico, any local public body of the State, or any state of the United States, shall be rejected.

Upon receipt of notice of debarment of an Offeror awarded a contract as a result of this RFP (“Contractor”), or other ineligibility of the Contractor to receive funds from any agency of the federal government, the State of New Mexico, any local public body of the State, or any state of the United States, the City shall have the right to cancel the contract with the Contractor resulting from this RFP for cause in accordance with the terms of said contract.

1.5.9 Goods Produced Under Decent Working Conditions: It is the policy of the City not to purchase, lease, or rent goods for use or for resale at City-owned enterprises that were produced under sweatshop conditions. The Offeror certifies, by submittal of its Proposal in response to this solicitation, that the goods offered to the City were produced under decent working conditions. The City defines “under decent working conditions” as production in a factory in which child labor and forced labor are not employed; in which adequate wages and benefits are paid to workers;

in which workers are not required to work more than 48 hours per week (or less if a shorter workweek applies); in which employees are free from physical, sexual or verbal harassment; and in which employees can speak freely about working conditions and can participate in and form unions. [Council Bill No. M-8, Enactment No. 9-1998]

1.5.10 Graffiti Free: When required, the Contractor will be required to furnish equipment, facilities, or other items required to complete these services that are graffiti-free. Failure of the Contractor to comply with this requirement may result in cancellation of the contract resulting from this RFP.

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1.6 City Contact: The sole point of contact for this RFP is the City of Albuquerque Purchasing Division. Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to the following Purchasing representative unless otherwise specified in the solicitation. The City Contact will communicate with Offerors through its e-procurement system, Bonfire. Offerors will receive e-mail notifications from Bonfire to the e-mail address that the Offeror included in its Bonfire registration. Offerors are responsible for monitoring any communications sent through Bonfire and responding to any requests for information or directives within stated deadlines. Offerors who fail to abide by this instruction may be deemed nonresponsive.

• Emily Werley Senior Buyer, Department of Finance and Administrative Services, Purchasing Division

• Phone: (505) 768-3310 or ewerley@cabq.gov

• Post Office Box 1293, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103

1.7 Contract Management: The contract resulting from this RFP will be managed by the Albuquerque Transit Department, Transit Division.

1.8 Clarification: Any explanation desired by an Offeror regarding the meaning or interpretation of this RFP shall be requested in writing not less than ten (10) working days before the deadline for the receipt of Proposals to allow sufficient time for a reply to reach all Offerors before the submission of their Proposals. No extension of time will be granted based on the submission of inquiries subsequent to the required date, nor will such inquiries be answered. All inquiries shall be directed to the Purchasing Division as stated herein, and shall be submitted through the City’s eProcurement system, Bonfire. The City will not respond to questions that are submitted by any means other than electronically through the City’s eProcurement system. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of the contract or at any time will not be binding.

Purchasing shall prepare answers to questions in the form of Addenda to this RFP and shall post all such Addenda to the online eProcurement System.

1. 9 Submission of Proposals. The Offeror’s Proposal shall be submitted electronically through the eProcurement system pursuant to the following requirements:

1.9.1 Electronic Copy. Submit your complete Proposal, including all forms, attachments, exhibits, Technical Proposal, Revenue Proposal, etc., using the eProcurement System at https://cabq.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities.

Please allow a minimum of two (2) business days to submit your proposal. If you do not have a username and password, please register, as this is the only method to submit electronically on the Bonfire portal. Please make sure to register on the system in order to receive notices and submit a response to a solicitation. For assistance, please contact support@gobonfire.com or 1-800-354-8010. Failure to submit your proposal electronically through the City’s eProcurement system shall result in your proposal being deemed nonresponsive.

mailto:ewerley@cabq.gov https://cabq.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities http://www.cabq.gov/vendor/email-notification mailto:support@gobonfire.com

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1.9.2 Format. Each file uploaded to the eProcurement System shall be in a single PDF format unless otherwise indicated. The City’s preferred format is Optical Character Recognition (OCR) searchable PDF format. Do not encrypt files, and do not password-protect the documents submitted.

1.9.3 ALL PROPOSALS SHALL BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY PURCHASING

DIVISION AS SPECIFIED HEREIN. IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE SUBMISSION

REQUIREMENTS IN THIS SECTION 1.9, THE CITY SHALL DEEM YOUR PROPOSAL

NONRESPONSIVE.

1.9.4 No other methods of Proposal delivery. Neither telephone, facsimile, nor telegraphic Proposals shall be accepted.

1.9.5 Modification. Proposals may be modified or withdrawn only by written notice, provided such notice is received before the Proposal Due Date.

1.9.6 Receipt of Proposals. The only acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt of Proposals by the City Purchasing Office is the time-date stamp of the EProcurement System.

1.9.7 Acknowledgment of Addenda to the Request for Proposals. Receipt of Addenda to this RFP by an Offeror shall be acknowledged in the City’s eProcurement system. Failure to acknowledge an Addendum may result in your response being deemed non-responsive.

1.10 Modifications to Scope of Services: In the event that sufficient funds do not become available to complete each task in the Scope of Services, the Scope of Services may be amended, based upon the cost breakdown required in the Revenue Proposal.

1.11 Required Contract Terms:

1.11.1 City Terms and Conditions: The Required Contract Terms can be accessed at this link https://www.cabq.gov/dfa/purchasing-division/vendor-services/terms-and-conditions, click on “Request for Proposals Required Contract Terms”. The Offeror certifies that it accepts the Required Contract Terms in 1.11.1, or has uploaded its exceptions to the Required Contract Terms in the City’s e-Procurement system, under “Requested Information” “Exceptions to Section 1.11.1 Required Contract Terms.” Any exceptions shall be identified by the RFP Section, Subsection, and shall state the specific exception the Offeror has, as well as any alternative language. The Offeror certifies that it accepts the Required Contract Terms, or has noted exceptions in its response. The City’s receipt of exceptions in a response is not an acceptance of any requested changes to the Required Contract Terms. The Required Contact Terms may differ from the terms in the final contract awarded under this RFP.

1.12 Contract Term: The contract resulting from this solicitation is anticipated to have a term of three years with possible extensions of three (3) one-year periods. Term not to https://www.cabq.gov/dfa/purchasing-division/vendor-services/terms-and-conditions https://www.cabq.gov/dfa/purchasing-division/vendor-services/terms-and-conditions

RFP-2025-729-TRA-GS, “RIN Credit Management for Renewable Natural Gas” 9 exceed Six (6) years.

1.13 Evaluation Period: The City reserves the right to analyze, examine, and interpret any Proposal for a period of ninety (90) days after the hour and date specified for the receipt of Proposals. The City reserves the right to extend the evaluation period if it feels, in its sole discretion, that such an extension would be in the best interest of the City.

Responses to this RFP, including proposal prices for services, will be considered firm during the evaluation period and up to contract award.

1.14 Evaluation Assistance: The City, in evaluating Proposals, reserves the right to use any assistance deemed advisable, including City contractors and consultants.

1.15 Rejection and Waiver: The City reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive informalities and minor irregularities in Proposals received.

1.16 Award of Contract:

1.16.1 When Award Occurs: Award of contract occurs when a Purchase Order is issued or other evidence of acceptance by the City is provided to the Offeror. A Recommendation of Award does not constitute an award of contract.

1.16.2 Award: If a contract is awarded, it shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible Offeror whose Proposal conforming to this RFP will be most advantageous to the City as outlined in the Evaluation Criteria.

1.17 Cancellation: This RFP may be canceled for any reason, and all Proposals may be rejected in whole or in part when it is in the best interests of the City.

1.18 Negotiations: Negotiations may be conducted with the Offeror(s) recommended for award of the contract.

1.19 City-Furnished Property: No material, labor, or facilities will be furnished by the City unless otherwise provided for in this RFP.

1.20 Public Records:

1.20.1 The Purchasing Division’s procurement file and any documents relating to this RFP, including the Proposals submitted by Offerors, shall be open to public inspection in accordance with applicable law after the recommendation of award of a contract has been approved by the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee.

1.20.2 An Offeror who chooses to submit material they consider a “Trade Secret” shall do so in a segregated file clearly designated as containing trade secrets both in the file name and within the contents of the file itself. These segregated files are to be used by the City for reference only. An Offeror’s failure to segregate such materials constitutes a failure to reasonably, under the circumstances, maintain the materials’ secrecy, and the Offeror indemnifies and holds the City harmless for any and all liability resulting from the disclosure of any materials not segregated as described above.

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1.20.3 If an Offeror submits with a proposal material required by law to be kept confidential, the Offeror shall segregate such material in a separate file. Such a file should be clearly designated as “Legally Confidential” in both the file name and within the contents of the file. The contents of the file shall include a description and citation to the legal basis for why the material shall be kept confidential. Failure to segregate the material and describe the legal basis for why it is to be kept confidential may result in the information being disclosed. Designating the entire proposal confidential is not acceptable without providing the legal basis and may result in the information being disclosed. Offeror indemnifies and holds the City harmless for any and all liability resulting from such disclosure, resulting from information not segregated as described above.

1.20.4 Pricing, makes and models, or catalog numbers of items offered, delivery terms, and terms of payment shall not be designated as trade secrets or required to be kept confidential by law.

1.20.5 The City will endeavor to restrict the release of material segregated and designated as “Trade Secret” or “Legally Confidential to only those individuals involved in the review and analysis of the Proposals, and to any other party as required by law or court order. Under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (Sections 14-2-1 et seq, NMSA 1978) (“Act”), the City may redact trade secrets and other material required to be kept confidential by law, but may not redact proprietary or confidential information. Any Proprietary or Confidential Data provided as part of a Proposal is subject to public inspection under the Act.

Notwithstanding any provision of this RFP, the City shall not be responsible or liable to the Offeror for any disclosure of records required by the Act or an order of a court or other tribunal with jurisdiction over the City.

1.21 Procurement Preferences: A Pay Equity Preference, as provided in Section 5-5- 31 R.O.A. 1994 (as amended by C/S O-17-33) and the State Preferences as provided in 13-1-21 NMSA 1978, apply to this solicitation. To request the application of a preference, as applicable, Offeror shall submit with its Proposal a City Pay Equity Preference Form or the New Mexico State Certification for the requested preference.

1.22 Request for Proposals Protest Process:

1.22.1 RFP Documents: If the protest concerns the specifications for the RFP or other matters pertaining to the solicitation documents, the protest shall be filed with the Chief Procurement Officer no later than 5:00 p.m., ten (10) business days prior to the deadline for the receipt of Proposals.

1.22.2 Recommendation of Award: If the protest concerns the Recommendation of Award, the protest shall be filed with the Chief Procurement Officer no later than 5:00 p.m. of the tenth (10th) business day after the receipt of notice of the

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Recommendation of Award.

1.22.3 Timely Protests: Protests shall be received by the Chief Procurement Officer before the appropriate deadline as set out herein, or they will be rejected.

The Chief Procurement Officer may waive the deadline for good cause, including a delay caused by the fault of the City. Late delivery by the U.S. Postal Service or other carrier shall not be considered good cause.

1.22.4 How to File: Any Offeror who is aggrieved in connection with a competitive solicitation or recommendation of award of a contract may protest to the City Chief Procurement Officer. The protest shall be addressed to the Chief Procurement Officer, shall be submitted in written form, and shall be legible. Protests may be electronically delivered via email or mailed. Facsimile, telephonic, telegraphic or any other type of electronic protests will not be accepted.

1.22.5 Required Information: The protest shall contain at a minimum the following:

1.22.5.1 The name and address of the protesting party;

1.22.5.2 The number of the competitive solicitation;

1.22.5.3 A clear statement of the reason(s) for the protest detailing the provisions believed to have been violated;

1.22.5.4 Details concerning the facts which support the protest;

1.22.5.5 Attachments of any written evidence available to substantiate the claims of the protest; and

1.22.5.6 A statement specifying the ruling requested.

1.22.6 Delivery of Protests:

1.22.6.1 By Mail: Protests may be mailed in an envelope marked “PROTEST” with the solicitation number. Protests that are mailed should be addressed as follows:

Kathleen Oney Chief Procurement Officer City of Albuquerque, Purchasing Division P.O. Box 1293 Albuquerque, NM 87103 PROTEST, RFP Number:

1.22.6.2 By Electronic Mail: Protests may be emailed to:

Kathleen Oney, Chief Procurement Officer, koney@cabq.gov

The message should clearly indicate “PROTEST” and the RFP number in the subject line.

mailto:koney@cabq.gov

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1.22.7 Protest Response by Chief Procurement Officer: The Chief Procurement Officer will, after evaluation of a protest, issue a response. Only the issues outlined in the written protest will be considered by the Chief Procurement Officer.

1.22.8 Protest Hearing: If a hearing is requested, the request shall be included in the protest and received within the time limit. Only the issues outlined in the protest will be considered by the Chief Procurement Officer, or may be raised at a protest hearing. The granting of a hearing shall be at the discretion of the Chief Procurement Officer following review of the request.

1.23 Insurance:

1.23.1 General Conditions: The City will require the successful Offeror, referred to as the Contractor, to procure and maintain at its expense during the term of the contract resulting from the RFP, insurance in the kinds and amounts hereinafter provided with insurance companies authorized to do business in the State of New Mexico, covering all operations of the Contractor under the contract. Upon execution of the contract and on the renewal of all coverages, the Contractor shall furnish to the City a certificate or certificates in form satisfactory to the City, as well as the rider or endorsement showing that it has complied with these insurance requirements. All certificates of insurance shall provide those thirty (30) day written notice be given to the Risk Manager, Department of Finance and Administrative Services, City of Albuquerque, P.O. Box 470, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87103, before a policy is canceled, materially changed, or not renewed. Various types of required insurance may be written in one or more policies. With respect to all coverages required other than professional liability or workers’ compensation, the City shall be named an additional insured. All coverages afforded shall be primary with respect to operations provided.

1.23.2 Approval of Insurance: Even though the Contractor may have been given notice to proceed, it shall not begin any work under the contract resulting from this RFP until the required insurance has been obtained and the proper certificates (or policies) are filed with the City. Neither approval nor failure to disapprove certificates, policies, or the insurance by the City shall relieve the Contractor of full responsibility to maintain the required insurance in full force and effect. If part of the contract is sublet, the Contractor shall include any or all subcontractors in its insurance policies or require the subcontractor to secure insurance to protect itself against all hazards enumerated herein, which are not covered by the Contractor's insurance policies.

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1.23.3 Coverage Required: The kinds and amounts of insurance required are as follows:

1.23.3.1 Commercial General Liability Insurance. A commercial general liability insurance policy with combined limits of liability for bodily injury or property damage as follows:

$2,000,000 Per Occurrence

$2,000,000 Policy Aggregate

$1,000,000 Products Liability/Completed Operations

$1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury

$ 5,000 Medical Payments

The said policy of insurance shall include coverage for all operations performed for the City by the Contractor, and contractual liability coverage shall specifically insure the hold harmless provisions of the contract resulting from this RFP.

1.23.3.2 Professional Liability Insurance. Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit of liability per occurrence with a general aggregate of $1,000,000.

1.23.3.3 Automobile Liability Insurance. A comprehensive automobile liability insurance policy with liability limits in amounts not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit of liability for bodily injury, including death, and property damage in any one occurrence. The policy shall include coverage for the use of all owned, non-owned, hired automobiles, vehicles, and other equipment both on and off work.

1.23.3.4 Workers' Compensation Insurance. Workers' compensation insurance policy for the Contractor's employees, in accordance with the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act of the State of New Mexico (the "Act"). If the Contractor employs fewer than three employees and has determined that it is not subject to the Act, it will certify, in a signed statement, that it is not subject to the Act. The Contractor will notify the City and comply with the Act should it employ three or more persons during the term of the contract resulting from this RFP.

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1.23.4 Increased Limits: During the life of the contract, the City may require the Contractor to increase the maximum limits of any insurance required herein. In the event that the Contractor is so required to increase the limits of such insurance, an appropriate adjustment in the contract amount will be made.

1.23.5 Additional Insurance: The City may, as a condition of award of a contract, require a successful Offeror to carry additional types of insurance. The type and limit of additional insurance are dependent upon the type of services provided via the contract by the successful Offeror.

1.24 Pay Equity Documentation. All Proposals shall include a Pay Equity Reporting Form that can be accessed at https://www.cabq.gov/gender-pay-equity-initiative. Offerors who believe they are exempt because they are an out-of-state contractor (meaning that you have no facilities and no employees working in New Mexico) are not required to report data, but shall still submit a Pay Equity Reporting Form with the box verifying the exempt status checked. Any Proposal that does not include a Pay Equity Reporting Form shall be deemed nonresponsive, as stated in the Public Purchases Ordinance, 5-5-

31. A Pay Equity Reporting Form will be automatically issued within two (2) business days of completing your information at the link above. To ensure you have your form before the deadline for solicitation closes, please access the link at least three (3) business days prior to the solicitation deadline. Please contact the “City Contact” identified above in Section

1.6 with any questions about the Pay Equity Reporting Form.

https://www.cabq.gov/gender-pay-equity-initiative

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PART 2

PROPOSAL FORMAT

2.1 Technical Proposal Format, Section One

2.1.1 Offeror Identification: State name and address of your organization or office and nature of organization (individual, partnership, or corporation, private or public, profit or non-profit). Subcontractors, if any, shall be identified similarly.

Include the name, email address, and telephone number of person(s) in your organization authorized to execute the contract resulting from this RFP. Submit a statement of compliance with all laws stated herein. Submit a statement of agreement to the Required Contract Terms; state exceptions as directed in Section

1.11. Show receipt of Addenda if applicable. Provide a statement or show the ability to carry the insurance specified.

2.1.2 Experience:

2.1.2.1 Current Experience. State relevant experience of the company and person(s) who will be actively engaged in the proposed project, including experience of subcontractors. Submit resumes for the individuals who will be performing the services for the City.

2.1.2.2 Past Experience. Describe a minimum of three (3) projects of similar scope and size; state for whom the work was performed, and a letter of reference for each regarding the work. References shall be for work performed in the past five (5) years or currently under contract. DO NOT use City employees or any City elected officials as a reference. The City will not contact or assign any evaluation points for references from City employees or elected officials. State relevant experience with other municipalities or government entities. For each project, list the following:

2.1.2.3 Client name and location

2.1.2.4. Duration of contract

2.1.2.5 Number of vehicles in the client’s bus fleet and number of CNG vehicles

2.1.2.6. Explanation of pricing methodology

2.1.3 Proposed Approach to Tasks: Discuss fully your proposed approach to each of the tasks described in Part 3, Scope of Services. Use charts to illustrate the number of hours dedicated to each task and who will be performing each task [individual(s)/firm(s)]. Reference Appendix A, attached hereto, without stating the price structure.

2.1.4 Management Summary: Describe individual staff and subcontractors' responsibilities with lines of authority and interface with the City of Albuquerque staff. Describe resources to be drawn from to complete tasks.

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2.2 Revenue Proposal Format, Section Two

2.2.1 Total Cost: Submit your Revenue Proposal (Appendix A) separately from your Technical Proposal (upload Appendix A in the City’s eProcurement system).

Failure to submit your cost separately from your Technical Proposal shall result in your proposal being deemed non-responsive.

2.2.2 The Cost Proposal shall, at a minimum, contain the following information:

• Cost-effectiveness and compensation amount for RIN credits

• Pricing structure.

• Payment terms for RIN Credits shall be compliant with City terms and conditions.

2.2.3 Detail how the Offeror would accommodate potential increases and/or decreases in CNG usage and the effects on pricing.

2.2.4 All Costs: All costs to be incurred and billed to the City should be described by the Offeror for each item. All costs should include any applicable gross receipts taxes. The Offeror should understand that the City will not pay for any amounts not included in the cost Proposal -- for example, insurance or taxes -- and that liability for items not included remains with the Offeror.

2.2.5 An example of the preferred format is attached to this RFP as Appendix A.

Your response to this section will be used in performing a revenue/price analysis.

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PART 3

SCOPE OF SERVICES

3.1 ABQ Ride seeks proposals from qualified vendors to manage associated

Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) credits. This will involve the virtual allocation of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) equivalent to ABQ Ride's compressed natural gas (CNG) consumption, tracking and filing for applicable RIN credits, and revenue-sharing.

The awarded bidder shall:

3.1.1 Register ABQ Ride’s fueling station with the Environmental Protection Agency to qualify for RIN credits.

3.1.2 Source and allocate RNG volumes virtually, equivalent to the City of (ABQ Ride) CNG usage, measured in DGE.

3.1.3 Ensure RNG allocation is virtual (book-and-claim model); physical fuel delivery to ABQ Ride will remain unchanged.

3.2 RIN Management & Revenue Sharing

3.2.1 File, track, and manage all RINs generated through RNG allocation on behalf of ABQ Ride.

3.2.2 Provide a revenue percentage to ABQ Ride for the percentage of RIN credits sold.

3.2.3 Cover all administrative costs, fees, and regulatory expenses associated with RIN filing and compliance. The vendor bears sole liability for errors in RIN filing.

3.2.4 Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Consideration. The Awarded Bidder shall make commercially reasonable efforts to generate revenue for the City of ABQ Ride under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) currently under development in New Mexico. Upon enactment of the LCFS (currently scheduled for July 1, 2026), the Awarded Bidder shall be required to engage in good-faith discussions with the City to incorporate LCFS-related provisions into the RNG contract, including potential revenue-sharing opportunities and compliance responsibilities.

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3.3 Reporting & Compliance

Provide detailed, recurring reports including:

3.3.1 RNG volumes allocated.

3.3.2 RIN credits generated and filed.

3.3.3 Revenue from RIN sales.

3.3.4 ABQ Ride share and Offeror share of revenue.

3.3.5 Market pricing trends and compliance updates.

3.3.6 Maintain complete documentation and ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The awarded bidder shall be fully responsible for managing and responding to any audits related to RNG allocation, RIN generation, or regulatory compliance.

The proposer must maintain complete and accurate documentation and ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including all EPA Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program requirements. The proposer must also be fully compliant with all EPA RFS regulations and manage all required reporting in the EPA’s Moderated Transaction System (EMTS).

The awarded proposer shall be fully responsible for managing and responding to any audits related to RNG allocation, RIN generation, or other regulatory compliance obligations. The City reserves the right to audit the vendor’s books, records, and all supporting documentation related to RIN and LCFS transactions at any time.

The vendor must provide full disclosure during such audits. Failure to disclose required information, or the discovery of inaccuracies, may result in penalties, including but not limited to financial penalties, contract remedies, or termination for cause

3.3.7 Ensure that all RNG sourced under this contract qualifies under federal RFS guidelines.

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3.4 ABQ Ride Shall:

3.4.1 Provide accurate CNG fuel usage data. See Exhibit A.

3.4.2 Collaborate on reporting and compliance documentation.

3.4.3 Receive and audit shared RIN revenue reports on a quarterly basis, sent to the Transit Department’s Fiscal Manager. The performance of the Contractor is subject to the review and approval of the Fiscal Manager or designee by the Transit Department Director.

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PART 4

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

4.1 Selection Process. The Mayor of Albuquerque shall name, for the purpose of evaluating the Proposals, an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. Based on the evaluation criteria established in this RFP, the Committee shall submit to the Mayor a list of qualified firms in the order in which they are recommended. Proposal documentation requirements outlined in this RFP are designed to guide the Offeror concerning the type of documentation that will be used by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. Offerors should be prepared to respond to requests by the Purchasing Office on behalf of the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee for oral presentations, facility surveys, demonstrations, or other areas deemed necessary to assist in the detailed evaluation process. Offerors are advised that the City, at its option, may award this request based on the initial Proposals.

4.1.1 Selection of Finalist Offerors (If Applicable). The Ad Hoc Advisory Committee may select Finalist Offerors (also known as the “short list”). The Purchasing Office will notify the Finalist Offerors. Only Finalist Offerors will be invited to participate in the subsequent steps of the procurement if this Finalist process is used.

4.1. 2. Oral Presentation or Demonstrations by Finalists (If Applicable). Finalist Offerors may be required to present their proposals to the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee (“Oral Presentation”). The Purchasing Office will schedule the time for each Finalist Offeror’s presentation. All Finalist Offeror Oral Presentations will be held remotely via Zoom unless notified otherwise. Each Oral Presentation will be limited to one (1) hour in duration unless notified otherwise. NOTE: The scores from the initial proposal evaluation will only carry over to the Oral Presentation evaluation in the case of a tie score after Oral Presentations.

4.2 Evaluation Criteria. The following general criteria, not listed in order of significance, will be used by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee in recommending a contract award to the Mayor. The Proposal factors will be rated on a scale of 0-1000 with weight relationships as stated below.

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4.2.1 Evaluation Factors:

Evaluation Scoring Criteria (Total: 1,000 Points)

Evaluation Criteria Description Evaluation Focus

RIN Credit Generation & Revenue-Sharing Strategy

Evaluation of the bidder’s plan to generate, manage, and monetize RIN credits under the EPA Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Includes assessment of experience with RIN registration, including the ability to register ABQ Ride’s fueling station, compliance, credit transfer processes, transparency of reporting, and a clearly defined revenue-sharing model that maximizes return to ABQ Ride. Proactive stance on incorporating future LCFS-related revenue opportunities (e.g., NM LCFS in 2026)

Cost Proposal Total cost of RNG attribution services, including administrative, regulatory, and transaction fees. Evaluation will focus on cost-effectiveness relative to projected RIN revenue returned to ABQ Ride, not on the physical delivery of RNG.

Experience & Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise in managing RIN credits, particularly with public sector or transit clients. Include 5 years of experience supported by references, prior success in maximizing RIN-related returns, and a history of regulatory compliance.

Method of RNG Attribution and Compliance Approach

Soundness and regulatory compliance of the bidder’s proposed method for matching RNG to ABQ Ride’s CNG usage (e.g., book-and-claim model). Evaluation will emphasize the ability to ensure RIN eligibility, minimize risk, and avoid the need for physical fuel delivery.

TOTAL Composite score reflecting technical merit, financial value, and RIN revenue potential.

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RIN Credit Generation & Revenue-Sharing Strategy (450 pts) -

• Strength and clarity of the plan to generate, manage, and monetize RIN credits under EPA RFS.

• Ability to register ABQ Ride’s fueling station with the EPA for RIN generation.

• Clear, well-defined revenue-sharing model that maximizes return to ABQ Ride.

• Transparency in reporting: volumes allocated, RINs generated/sold, revenue splits, and pricing trends.

• Commitment to ongoing reporting and documentation (quarterly reporting to the Fiscal Manager).

• Proactive stance on incorporating future LCFS-related revenue opportunities (e.g., NM LCFS in 2026).

Cost Proposal (200 pts) -

• Total cost of RNG attribution services, including admin, regulatory, and transaction fees.

• All costs covered by vendor (no costs passed to ABQ Ride).

• Net projected revenue to ABQ Ride after all expenses.

• Financial transparency and cost-effectiveness relative to projected RIN revenue.

Experience & Qualifications (200 pts) -

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing RIN credits, especially for public or transit entities.

• Demonstrated success in maximizing RIN-related returns.

• Positive references from similar clients. Provide references from clients whose operations closely align with the scope of the services being evaluated. “Similar clients” are defined as those with comparable fleet sizes (e.g., number of buses), similar daily ridership or passenger population, and equivalent mileage or operational intensity.

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• Documented track record of regulatory compliance, including Audits and EPA engagements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. All EPA and related compliance records are maintained by the vendor at the designated location. The City has the right to review and audit all compliance records upon request.

• Offeror shall provide at least one (1) sample report used at an existing location that describes, through dashboard or other tools, key performance metrics, including customer and performance data.

Method of RNG Attribution and Compliance Approach (150 pts) -

• Use of virtual RNG allocation (book-and-claim model)

• No physical delivery required, ensuring operational continuity

• Strong compliance with EPA RFS requirements

• Clear procedures for audit support, traceability, and documentation.

• Strategy to ensure RIN eligibility and minimize regulatory risk.

4.2.6 Revenue Sharing - The revenue proposal evaluation will be performed by the City Purchasing Division or designee. A preliminary review will ensure that each Offeror has complied with all revenue instructions and requirements. In addition, revenue proposals will be examined to ensure that all proposed elements are clearly presented. Revenue Proposals that are incomplete or reflect significant inconsistencies or inaccuracies will be scored accordingly or may be rejected by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee if lacking in information to determine the revenue generation to the services proposed.

4.3 All responsive proposals shall be evaluated by the Adhoc Committee for ABQ RIDE using the criteria outlined in Section 4.2.1. Each proposal will be assessed based on its overall responsiveness, clarity, and alignment with the technical and operational goals of the City, particularly regarding the effective attribution of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to generate Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) under the EPA Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

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4.3.1 The recommendation for contract award will be made to the Awarded Offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the ABQ Ride, considering both price and the qualitative merits of the proposal.

4.3.2 Adhoc Committee will assign scores for each category based on the weighted criteria outlined in Sections 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, and 4.2.5.

Proposals may be further reviewed through interviews or presentations if deemed necessary.

4.3.3 Final contract negotiations will be initiated with the top-ranked Proposer. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the City of Albuquerque Transit Department reserves the right to proceed with the next highest-ranked bidder or to take alternative procurement action, in accordance with City procurement regulations.

4.3.4 In the event of a tie in total scoring, the Adhoc Committee will prioritize the proposal with the highest score in the ‘RIN Credit Generation & Revenue-Sharing Strategy’ category

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APPENDIX A

The Annual Gross Revenue Table is to be completed by the Offeror.

Annual Gross Revenue Table

Item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 3-Year Total Projected Revenue $ $ $ $ RNG Attribution Service Costs

– Administrative Fees $ $ $ $

– Regulatory Fees $ $ $ $

– Transaction Fees $ $ $ $ Total RNG Attribution Costs $ $ $ $

Offerors shall complete this table to show projected revenue, costs, and the proposed revenue-sharing model that maximizes return to ABQ Ride.

Item Year

Year

Year

3-Year Total Notes

Projected Revenue $ $ $ $ Total projected revenue from RIN credits or other applicable programs

ABQ Ride Share $ $ $ $ Portion of revenue allocated to ABQ Ride under the proposed revenue-sharing model

Vendor Share $ $ $ $ Portion of revenue retained by the vendor

RNG Attribution Service Costs

Total administrative, regulatory, and transaction fees associated with RNG attribution

– Administrative Fees $ $ $ $ Included in total costs above

– Regulatory Fees $ $ $ $ Included in total costs above

– Transaction Fees $ $ $ $ Included in total costs above Total RNG Attribution Costs $ $ $ $ Sum of administrative, regulatory, and transaction fees

• Offerors shall provide a clear, well-defined revenue-sharing model that maximizes return to ABQ Ride.

• The table shall reflect the proposed allocation between ABQ Ride and the awarded bidder.

• Any assumptions or methods used to calculate projected revenue or shares shall be fully documented.

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