Impact Evaluation of PNM Substation and Transmission Line Project

Bernalillo County's Procurement and Business Services Department, on behalf of the Planning and Development Services Department, is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposals (RFP) 49-26-BB for an independent impact evaluation of a Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) substation and transmission line project application. The evaluation will assess the merits and accuracy of PNM's land use application and associated electrical transmission infrastructure located in the North Albuquerque Acres/Sandia Heights area to facilitate the Bernalillo County Commission's decision-making process. The scope of work includes comprehensive project background review, community engagement through a minimum of three public meetings, substation and transmission line siting analysis, technical evaluation of grid capacity, alternatives analysis, and cost analysis for undergrounding transmission lines. Required qualifications include demonstrated expertise in electrical infrastructure, land use evaluation, and community engagement. Evaluation criteria allocate 30 points for technical approach, 25 points for experience and qualifications, 15 points for community engagement approach, 10 points for project management and schedule, 5 points for proposal quality, and 15 points for cost based on a lowest-cost-favoring ratio formula. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via MS Teams; the written questions deadline is May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with responses issued by May 22, 2026. Sealed proposals must be submitted electronically through the County's Bonfire eProcurement system by June 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time, with proposal evaluation occurring the week of June 29, 2026, finalist notification the week of July 6, 2026, interviews the week of July 13, 2026, contract negotiations the week of July 20, 2026, and County Commission award anticipated for August 11, 2026.

State of New Mexico preferences apply to this procurement, including resident business (5%), Native American resident business (8%), and resident veteran business (10%) designations. Bernalillo County local business and small business preferences (5% each) and pay equity preference (5%) may also apply if eligibility is demonstrated, with total preference limitations not exceeding 18% of total possible points and county preferences capped at $180,000. All offerors must submit a Pay Equity Reporting Form, Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form, and Unfair Business Practices Disclosure Form, and must demonstrate proof of required insurance coverage including commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate), automobile liability ($1,000,000 per accident), workers' compensation, and professional liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate). The contract term is four years with potential for termination by either party under specified conditions. Pricing is not predetermined and will be negotiated with the highest-ranked offeror based on specific services, reimbursable expenses, and contractor requirements; all costs including labor, materials, travel, meeting facilitation, and reporting must be inclusive unless otherwise specified. The contract is contingent on sufficient appropriations and authorization by the County Commission and is governed by New Mexico law.