Finished Water 1 (FW1) Pipeline

The Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA) has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 22-0615-02 for the construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System (ENMRWS) Finished Water 1 (FW1) Pipeline project, located in Chaves County, New Mexico. The procurement seeks a contractor to install approximately 15.5 miles of 39-inch diameter welded steel pipeline, including combination air release and vacuum valve assemblies, blowoff assemblies, an isolation valve vault, a pressure reducing vault, and fiber optic conduit. Mandatory qualifications for bidders include experience with at least two projects involving 10,000 linear feet of AWWA C200 welded steel pipelines 30 inches or larger, and having a project manager and superintendent with at least 5 years of experience. The proposal evaluation will be based on a 100-point system, with points distributed across past performance, management plan, health and safety, financial capabilities, and pricing. Key dates include a mandatory pre-bid conference held on August 2, 2022, with technical and price proposal submissions due by 3:00 p.m. on September 7, 2022. The projected recommendation of award to the ENMWUA Board is scheduled for September 1, 2022, with an expected contract completion within 780 calendar days for substantial completion and 840 calendar days for final completion.

The project does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Funding for the project is sourced from multiple entities, including the New Mexico Water Trust Board Project Fund (WPF-5416 and WPF-5667) and a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Assistance Agreement (R21AC10443). The project aims to address water supply challenges in eastern New Mexico, particularly for municipalities including Clovis, Elida, Grady, Melrose, Portales, Texico, and Cannon Air Force Base, which currently rely on the declining Ogallala aquifer. While specific pricing details are not publicly disclosed, the environmental assessment suggests potential federal funding covering up to 75% of project costs, with an estimated water demand ranging from 12,340 to 22,370 acre-feet per year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already provided a No Permit Required determination, and the New Mexico Environment Department's Drinking Water Bureau has issued a Certificate of Project Approval, indicating significant regulatory progress for this critical infrastructure development.