Mechanical failure of two municipal water wells

The State of New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has initiated an emergency procurement for debris removal services in Lincoln County, specifically targeting the Village of Ruidoso following the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire in 2024. The contract, awarded to DRC Emergency Services, LLC, involves comprehensive right-of-way debris clearance with a comprehensive scope of work including site setup, mobilization, demobilization, debris assessment, identification, categorization, and detailed reporting. The project requires clearing an estimated 120,000 cubic yards of debris, with the vendor mandated to mobilize services within 48 hours of selection and coordinate closely with local, county, and state agencies. The emergency procurement is justified by the urgent need to restore safe access for residents and emergency responders, prevent infrastructure damage, and reduce flooding risks in areas designated under Federal Disaster FEMA-4795-DR-NM. Sub-contractors must be pre-approved by DHSEM, with an initial consideration area extending 100 miles from Lincoln County and potential statewide expansion if qualified contractors are unavailable.

The contract, valued at $50,000,000 with a six-month term, was sole-sourced to DRC Emergency Services, LLC based on their existing mobilization for private property debris removal through a previous competitive RFP process. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the procurement emphasizes environmental compliance, community communication, health and safety protocols, and coordination with local authorities. The agency plans to develop future RFPs for statewide disaster services to mitigate the need for emergency procurements. The contract was posted on July 15, 2025, with a due date of August 15, 2025, allowing potential contractors approximately one month to prepare and submit their qualifications. The procurement demonstrates a strategic approach to emergency response, focusing on rapid deployment, comprehensive debris management, and collaboration with local government entities to address critical infrastructure and community safety needs.