LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Establish a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization to Support the Development and Sustainability of the Rio Grande Trail The Rio Grande Trail Commission (RGTC), housed within the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to establish a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (NPO) that will support the development and long-term sustainability of the Rio Grande Trail (RGT). The selected contractor will conduct public engagement, produce a governance report, assist in forming a Board of Directors, and guide the initial organizational steps of the NPO. The total available budget for this contract is $100,000. Minimum qualifications include demonstrated success in public engagement in New Mexico and experience in non-profit operations and strategic planning. Preferred qualifications include experience with outdoor recreation projects, stakeholder engagement on public lands, and working with Tribal Nations. Proposals will be evaluated based on qualifications, approach, timeline, budget clarity, and understanding of the RGT mission. Full proposal requirements and evaluation criteria are detailed in the RFP document. A webinar regarding this RFP will be held from 3:00–4:00 PM on November 11, 2025. Please join using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88082084340?pwd=d9Yz7APLzu0a0gMhfzJg9AKTgZZcun.1 Zoom Meeting Passcode: 079612 Submit questions related to this RFP by 5:00 PM on November 18, 2025, to Ben Bajema at benjamin.bajema@emnrd.nm.gov. EMNRD will publish answered questions to the RGTC website by 5:00 PM on November 21, 2025: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/riograndetrailcommission/rgtcrequestsforproposals/ Submit completed proposals to Ben Bajema at benjamin.bajema@emnrd.nm.gov by 5:00 PM on December 1, 2025. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered. This contract is subject to the availability and authorization of funding appropriated by the New Mexico Legislature. Specifically, the contract is contingent upon the following appropriation language from the 2025 House Bill 2 (HB2): The period of time for expending the two hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($225,000) appropriated from the general fund in Subsection 101 of Section 5 of Chapter 69 of Laws 2024 for development of the Rio Grande Trail Commission is extended through fiscal year 2026. EMNRD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or cancel the RFP when it is in EMNRD's best interest. EMNRD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, or modify the scope of work as needed. The Procurement Code, Sections 13-1-28 through 13-1-199 NMSA 1978, imposes civil, misdemeanor, and felony criminal penalties for its violation. In addition, New Mexico criminal statutes impose felony penalties for bribes, gratuities, and kickbacks. November 6, 9 2025 LACO0402189