Building on new mexico’s existing credentials of value (COV) work and the state’s interest in updating approaches to developing and approving programs of study (POS), partner with the new mexico public education department (NMPED) to develop a statewide P

The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) College and Career Readiness Bureau, procuring through High Plains Regional Education Cooperative #3 (HPREC #3) under an Intergovernmental Agreement, is pursuing a sole-source contract with Advance CTE to develop a statewide Career Technical Education framework, with proposals due September 5, 2026. This is a sole-source procurement — NMPED has determined that Advance CTE possesses unique expertise and capabilities that no other organization can match, specifically national leadership in CTE program design, Perkins V federal policy implementation, and the National Career Clusters Framework. The sole-source justification was approved August 5, 2026 and becomes effective upon thirty calendar days of posting without challenge and written approval by the State Purchasing Agent.

The scope includes establishing a statewide Programs of Study approval framework; conducting labor market analysis to identify talent pipeline priorities; analyzing existing programs and courses for alignment with state needs; updating the Credentials of Value list; validating and refining programs through employer and educator engagement; developing program structure and transition recommendations; establishing data reporting and accountability measures; and creating policy and governance recommendations with an implementation and rollout plan and ongoing support.

The contract value is $870,000 for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. NMPED's due diligence, conducted throughout fiscal years 2025 and 2026, included researching trade publications, reviewing statewide price agreements, contacting similar service providers, and consulting with other state CTE directors and the Association for Career Technical Education. The agency had attempted to develop these resources internally over two years without success, supporting the sole-source determination.