Contractor will staff and supervise two community health workers and two partner heros to serve older adults in mckinley county. They will conduct community outreach in northwest new mexico and provide assistance to older adults who need help accessing

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is seeking a sole source procurement for a project to serve older adults in McKinley County, New Mexico. The contractor, the New Mexico Foundation/New Mexico Social Justice and Equity Institute (NMSJEI), will staff and supervise two Community Health Workers and two Partner HEROs to conduct community outreach in northwest New Mexico and provide assistance to older adults who need help accessing services and benefit programs. The project aims to address social determinants of health using a culturally sensitive approach, with a focus on improving health disparities in tribal communities. The project term is from September 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with a total cost of $238,366.70. The sole source justification is based on NMSJEI's unique capabilities, including their cultural sensitivity, deep understanding of the local Navajo population, and existing approvals from tribal councils and the Navajo Nation Tribal IRB/HRRB.

The sole source procurement is due to the limited number of non-profit organizations in the area with the capacity to serve older adults in a culturally-sensitive manner and provide the required staffing. UNM has engaged with the local community through a health council meeting but was unable to identify other vendors that could satisfy the project's requirements, which include serving older adults, providing bilingual services, and working in accessible locations. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are listed, and the awarded contract is expected to be within the $238,366.70 budget.