GRO Fund Professional Programs and Services - Programming for Youth Engagement and Development

Mid-Region Council of Governments
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
For
New Mexico Government Results and
Opportunity Programs (GRO)
"Programming for Youth Engagement
and Development"
Issued: October 5, 2026 MRCOG
Procurement No. 2026-05
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Purpose of this Request for Proposals ................................................................. 5
1.2 Scope of Work ..................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Background ......................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Procurement Officer............................................................................................. 6
1.5 Definitions ............................................................................................................ 6
2.0 CONDITIONS GOVERNING PROCUREMENT ................................................... 7
2.1 Sequence of Events............................................................................................. 7
2.2 Explanation of Events .......................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 Pre-Proposal Conference ......................................................................... 7
2.2.2 Deadline to Submit Additional Questions ................................................. 7
2.2.3 Notification of Written Responses and Amendments ................................ 8
2.2.4 Procurement Distribution List for Written Responses and Amendments ... 8
2.2.5 Submission of Proposal ........................................................................... 8
2.2.6 Proposal Evaluation ................................................................................. 8
2.2.7 Selection of Finalists ................................................................................ 8
2.2.8 Oral Presentation by Finalists (Optional) .................................................. 9
2.2.9 Best and Final Offers from Finalists ......................................................... 9
2.2.10 Contract Negotiations ............................................................................... 9
2.2.11 Contract Award ........................................................................................ 9
2.2.12 Protest of Award ...................................................................................... 9
2.3 General Requirements ....................................................................................... 10
2.3.1 Acceptance of Conditions Governing the Procurement .......................... 10
2.3.2 Incurring Cost ......................................................................................... 10
2.3.4 Subcontractors ....................................................................................... 10
2.3.5 Amended Proposals ............................................................................... 10
2.3.6 Offeror's Rights to Withdraw Proposal .................................................... 10
2.3.7 Proposal Offer Firm ................................................................................ 10
2.3.8 Disclosure of Proposal Contents ............................................................ 11
2.3.9 No Obligation ......................................................................................... 11
2.3.10 Termination of RFP ................................................................................ 11
2.3.11 Sufficient Appropriation .......................................................................... 11
2.3.12 Governing Law ....................................................................................... 11
2.3.13 Basis for Proposal .................................................................................. 12
2.3.14 Contract Terms and Conditions .............................................................. 12
2.3.15 Contract Deviations ................................................................................ 12
2.3.16 Offeror Qualifications ............................................................................. 12
2.3.17 Right to Waive Technical Irregularities ................................................... 12
2.3.18 Project Team Prohibited Activities .......................................................... 12
2.3.19 Notice - Civil and Criminal Penalties ...................................................... 13
2.3.20 MRCOG Rights ...................................................................................... 13
2.3.21 Right to Publish ...................................................................................... 13
2.3.22 Ownership of Proposals ......................................................................... 13
2.3.23 Electronic Mail Address Required .......................................................... 13
2.3.24 Electronic and Web Site Versions of this RFP ........................................ 13
2.4. Special Provisions ............................................................................................. 13
2.4.1 Prohibition Against Use of Federal Funds for Lobbying .......................... 13
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2.4.2 Debarment and Suspension ................................................................... 14
2.4.3 Affirmative Action/Civil Rights Compliance ............................................. 14
2.4.4 Campaign Contribution Disclosure ......................................................... 14
3.0 RESPONSE FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION ...................................................1 4
3.1 Number of Responses ....................................................................................... 14
3.2 Number of Copies .............................................................................................. 14
3.3 Proposal Format ................................................................................................ 14
3.3.1 Proposal Organization ............................................................................ 15
3.3.2 Proposal Form ....................................................................................... 15
4.0 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................1 5
4.1 Key Elements .......................................................................................................... 15
4.1.1 Element 1. SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM FOSTERING FRIENDSHIPS.16
4.1.2 Element 2. SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM FOSTERING FRIENDSHIPS.16
4.1.3 Element 3. SUMMER AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAM
SERVING K-12TH GRADE TITLE 1 .................................................................... 16
4.1.4 Element 4. SUMMER EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR UNDERSERVED
COMMUNITIES IN ALBUQUERQUE ..................................................... 16
4.1.5 Element 5. YOUTH SERVICES FOR INCARCERATED OR
PREVIOUSLY INCARCERATED YOUTH .............................................. 17
4.1.6 Element 6. NEW MEXICO UNDERSERVED STUDENT
OPPORTUNITY..................................................................................... 17
4.2 Narrative ............................................................................................................ 17
4.2.1 Proposed Program and Services ............................................................ 17
4.2.2 Offeror Experience and Qualifications .................................................... 18
4.2.3 Project Team Resources ........................................................................ 18
4.2.4 Pre Award Form (Exhibit A reference) .................................................... 18
4.3 Organizational References............................................................18
4.4 Financial Stability........................................................................18
5.0 EVALUATION .................................................................................................... 19
5.1 Evaluation Point Summary ................................................................................ 19
5.2 Evaluation Process ............................................................................................ 19
5.2.1 Proposal Compliance ............................................................................. 19
5.2.2 Contacting Offerors ................................................................................ 19
5.2.3 Finalist Selection .................................................................................... 19
5.2.4 Mandatory Training ................................................................................ 20
APPENDIX 1 PROPOSAL FORM ...........................................................................................2 1
APPENDIX 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RFP RECEIPT ...................................................... 22
APPENDIX 3 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING ..................... 23
APPENDIX 4 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT ................................................... 24
APPENDIX 5 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE ................................................25-28
APPENDIX 6 CERTIFICATION AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT ................... 29
APPENDIX 7 ORGANIZATIONAL REFERENCE QUESTIONAIRE.............................. 30-31
EXHIBIT A Pre Award Form ................................................................................................. 32
EXHIBIT B Draft Contract ..................................................................................... 40
EXHIBIT C Scope of Services .............................................................................................. 45
EXHIBIT D Certificate of Insurance Sample Form ................................................................ 46
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
For
New Mexico Government Results and
Opportunity Program (GRO)
"Programming for Youth Engagement
and Development"
For
Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG)
MRCOG Procurement No. 2026-05
Issue Date: October 5, 2026
Pre-proposal Conference: NONE
Proposal Due Time/Date: November 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m. (MST)
Mid-Region Council of Governments
809 Copper Ave., NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Phone: (505) 247-1750
www.mrcog-nm.gov
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of this Request for Proposals
The Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) invites non-profits, individuals and firms
(Offerors) to submit proposals for a Contract for the work indicated in the title page of this RFP in
accordance with the specifications contained in this Request for Proposal (RFP). This RFP
contains specific requests for information.
The purpose of this procurement is to select multiple non-profits, individuals and or firms that will
assist the MRCOG, its member agencies and cooperating entities in providing the necessary
expertise and resources to support the outlined programs and services.
Contingent upon MRCOG's satisfaction with the performance of selected Contractor(s) and
acceptance of project deliverables under a Contract negotiated for services described in this RFP,
MRCOG may consider extending or renewing the Contract. Contract(s) for this RFP will only be
available for current Two-Year GRO Fund Appropriations Amount. The overall Contract, including
any extensions or renewals, may not exceed four (4) years in total.
This specific RFP is NOT funded with federal funds. This RFP is funded by the State of New
Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Special Appropriations GRO Fund Grant
Agreement with the Mid-Region Council of Governments.
1.2 Scope of Work
The MRCOG desires to access "Programming for Youth Engagement and Development" that
cover a range of "Key Elements" that relate to the appropriations issued by the State of New
Mexico Government Results and Opportunity Fund also known as GRO Funds, MRCOG wishes
to engage non-profits, individuals and/or firms to implement the proposed program(s) and/or
service(s) based on its knowledge and experience with the program or service development, and
the utilization of cost reimbursement funds and accountability that comes with government
funding. This is a cost reimbursement contract; please reference "Exhibit B, Section 3.
Compensation" for the cost reimbursement process. The "Key Elements" and areas of expertise
desired for this RFP are described in Section 4.1.
1.3 Background
The Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) is an association of local governments in
central New Mexico. Members include county, municipal, and special purpose units of
governments in the Counties of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia, in the 2026
Legislative Session, in the General Appropriation Act, as appropriated and enacted by Governor
Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Government Results and Opportunity Fund (GRO Fund) was
established and contains several appropriations that support the efforts of numerous entities
within the Central Region of the State. This RFP is designed to solicit non-profits, individual
and/or firms to help MRCOG carry out the services required for these programs and/or services,
thru a state funded, cost reimbursement initiative.
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1.4 Procurement Officer
MRCOG has designated a Procurement Officer who is responsible for the conduct of this
procurement. The Procurement Officer is:
Mid Region Council of Governments
Phil Pino, CPO
Chief Procurement Officer
809 Copper Ave., N.W. Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-247-1750
E-mail: rfp@mrcog-nm.gov
Any inquiries or requests regarding this procurement shall be submitted to the Procurement Officer
in writing. Offerors may contact ONLY the Procurement Officer regarding the procurement. Other
employees do not have the authority to respond on behalf of this RFP.
1.5 Definitions
This section contains definitions and abbreviations that are used throughout this RFP.
"MRCOG" The Mid-Region Council of Governments "MRCOG" is an association of local governments
in central New Mexico. Members include county, municipal, and special purpose units of governments
in the Counties of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia.
"Close of business" means 5:00 p.m. MST.
"Contract" means a written agreement for the procurement of items of tangible personal property
or services.
"Contractor" means a successful Offeror who enters into a binding Contract.
"Determination" means the written documentation of a decision by the Procurement Officer or
Procurement Officer including findings of fact supporting a decision. A determination becomes part
of the procurement file.
"Desirable" The terms "may", "can", "should", "preferably", or "prefers" identifies a desirable or
discretionary item or factor (as opposed to "mandatory").
"Evaluation Committee" means a body appointed by the Director to evaluate Offertory proposals.
"Evaluation Committee Report" means a document prepared by the Procurement Officer and the
Evaluation Committee for submission to the Director for Contract award. It contains all written
determinations resulting from the procurement.
"Finalist Offeror" is defined as an Offeror whose offer complies with all the mandatory
specifications of this RFP and whose score on evaluation factors is sufficiently high to merit further
consideration by the Evaluation Committee.
"Mandatory" The terms "must, "shall", "will", "is required", or "are required", identify a mandatory
item or factor (as opposed to "desirable"). Failure to comply with a mandatory item or factor will
result in the rejection of the Offerors proposal.
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"Offeror" is any person, corporation, or partnership who submits a proposal.
"Procurement Officer" means the person or designee authorized by the Executive Director to
manage, administer and oversee all procurements and Contracts.
"Request for Proposals" or "RFP" means all documents, including those attached or incorporated
by reference, used for soliciting proposals. "Responsible Offeror" means an Offeror who submits
a responsive proposal and who has furnished, when required, information and data to prove that
the Offeror's financial resources, production or service facilities, personnel, service reputation and
experience are adequate to make satisfactory delivery of the services or items of tangible
personal property described in the proposal.
"Responsive Offer' or "Responsive Proposal" means an offer or proposal that conforms in all
material respects to the requirements set forth in the request for proposals. Material respects of a
request for proposals include, but are not limited to, price, quality, quantity or delivery
requirements. Upon the recommendation of staff, the Director will make the final determination as
to whether an Offer is considered to be responsive.
2.0 CONDITIONS GOVERNING PROCUREMENT
This section of the RFP contains the schedule for the procurement, describes the major
procurement events and the conditions governing the procurement.
2.1 Sequence of Events
The Procurement Officer will make every effort to adhere to the Procurement Schedules shown in
this RFP. The time frames shown may be subject to change at the discretion of the MRCOG.
Issue RFP October 5, 2026
Written Questions Due October 13, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Proposals Due Date November 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Evaluation Committee Week of November 2, 2026
Orals (if necessary) Week of November 2, 2026
Selection of Finalist(s) Week of November 2, 2026
2.2 Explanation of Events
2.2.1 Pre-Proposal Conference
There will be no pre-proposal conference associated with this RFP.
2.2.2 Deadline to Submit Additional Questions
Potential Offerors may submit additional written questions to the intent or clarity of this solicitation
to the Procurement Officer. All written questions must be emailed to the Procurement Officer at
the address specified in this solicitation no later than October 13, 2026. The Procurement Officer
will provide a written response in the form of an addendum. The addendum notification will be
posted on the applicable website.
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2.2.3 Notification of Written Responses and Amendments
In order to receive notification of written responses to written questions and solicitation
amendments, if any, potential Offerors must complete and submit Appendix 2 Acknowledgement
of RFP Receipt as contained herein. The Acknowledgement of RFP Receipt may be hand-
delivered, electronically mailed, returned by facsimile, registered or certified mail to the
Procurement Officer. Offerors must include an email address on the Acknowledgement of
Receipt. The Acknowledgement of RFP Receipt must be received at least five (5) working days
prior to the proposal submittal due date in order for a potential Offeror to be placed on the
procurement distribution list.
2.2.4 Procurement Distribution List for Written Responses and Amendments
Only Offerors who submit the Acknowledgement of RFP Receipt as provided in Appendix 2 will be
included on the procurement distribution list. Written responses to written questions and any
solicitation amendments will be emailed to all potential Offerors whose organization appears on
the procurement distribution list.
2.2.5 Submission of Proposal
All proposals must be received by the Procurement Officer no later than 2:00 p.m. (MST) on
November 2, 2026. Proposals received after this deadline will not be accepted. The date and time
will be recorded on each proposal as it is received. Proposals must be submitted via email to the
email address provided in Section 3.2 of this RFP.
A log will be kept of the names of all Offeror organizations that submitted proposals. Pursuant to
Section 13-1-116 NMSA 1978, the contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed to competing
Offerors prior to Contract award.
Offers will be considered to be responsive if they conform to all material respects to the
requirements set forth herein. All offers must include certifications that are made a part of this
solicitation.
2.2.6 Proposal Evaluation
An Evaluation Committee will evaluate proposals. During this time, the Procurement Officer may
initiate discussions with Offerors who submit responsive or potentially responsive proposals for the
purpose of clarifying aspects of the proposals, but proposals may be accepted and evaluated
without such discussion. The Offerors SHALL NOT initiate discussions. Potentially responsive
proposals are proposals that could reasonably be anticipated as capable of being made
responsive.
2.2.7 Selection of Finalists
The Purchasing Officer will provide the list of finalists to the Executive Director. The Purchasing
Officer will notify the finalist Offerors of their selections. Only finalists will be invited to participate
in the subsequent steps of the procurement. The final schedule for the oral presentations (if
necessary) will be determined at this time.
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2.2.8 Oral Presentation by Finalists (Optional)
Finalist Offerors may be required to present their proposals to the Evaluation Committee. The
Procurement Manager will schedule the time for each Offeror presentation. All Offeror
presentations will be held at the MRCOG address noted herein. Each presentation will be limited
to one hour with an additional fifteen minutes for questions and answers.
2.2.9 Best and Final Offers from Finalists
Finalist Offerors may be asked to submit revisions to their proposals for the purpose of obtaining
best and final offers.
2.2.10 Contract Negotiations
A draft Contract is made a part of this solicitation as evidenced in Exhibit A. Contract is subject
to change and shall be negotiated with the Finalist Offerors selected for award by the Executive
Director. In the event that mutually agreeable terms cannot be reached within a reasonable time,
defined herein as within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date that the Finalist Offeror is notified
of the award, the MRCOG reserves the right to negotiate a Contract with another Finalist
Offeror without undertaking a new procurement process. MRCOG also reserves the right to make
multiple Contract awards per element.
2.2.11 Contract Award
The Contract shall be awarded to the Finalist Offeror or Offerors whose scores on the evaluation
factors specified herein is sufficiently high and who negotiates a Contract of mutually agreeable
terms with the MRCOG within a reasonable time as defined in this solicitation. Contracts will
awarded to multiple offerors based on the applicable Element that they have submitted a
response to.
Contracts are not valid until signed by all parties to the Contract issued in response to this RFP.
2.2.12 Protest of Award
An Offeror who has submitted a responsive Offer on this RFP may protest the award of a Contract
resulting from the RFP. The protest must be timely and in conformance with Section 13-1-172
NMSA 1978 and applicable procurement regulations. The protest period will begin on the day
following the Contract award and will end at close of business on the following fifteenth calendar
day. Protests must be written and must include the name and address of the protestor and the
Request for Proposal number. It must also contain a statement of grounds for protest including
appropriate supporting exhibits and it must specify the ruling requested from the Procurement
Officer. The protest must be delivered to the Procurement Officer.
Phil Pino
Mid-Region Council of Governments
809 Copper Ave., N.W.
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-247-1750
E-mail: rfp@mrcog-nm.gov
Protests received after the deadline will not be accepted.
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2.3 General Requirements
This procurement will be conducted in accordance with the MRCOG procurement policy, the New
Mexico Procurement Code and if applicable Federal regulations.
MRCOG requires that all Offerors agree to be bound by the "General Requirements" contained in
this RFP. Any Offeror concerns must be promptly brought to the attention of the Procurement
Officer.
2.3.1 Acceptance of Conditions Governing the Procurement
Offerors should indicate their acceptance of the "Conditions Governing the Procurement" section
in the letter of transmittal. However, submission of a proposal constitutes acceptance of the
evaluation factors contained specified in this RFP.
2.3.2 Incurring Cost
Any cost incurred by the Offeror in preparation, transmittal, presentation of any proposal or material
submitted in response to this RFP shall be borne solely by the Offeror.
Any Offeror awarded a Contract as a result of this RFP will be solely responsible for fulfillment of
the Contract with MRCOG. MRCOG will make payments only to the prime Contractor when they
are approved by State of New Mexico DFA requirements (Reference Section 3 of Exhibit A).
2.3.4 Subcontractors
Intended use of subcontractors must be clearly explained in the proposal, and major subcontractors
must be identified by name. The prime Contractor shall be solely responsible for the entire
performance of the Contract whether or not subcontractors are identified in the proposal or used
in the performance of the Contract.
2.3.5 Amended Proposals
An Offeror may submit an amended proposal before the deadline for receipt of proposals. Such
amended proposals must be complete replacements for a previously submitted proposal and must
be clearly identified as such in the transmittal letter. MRCOG personnel will not merge, collate, or
assemble proposal materials.
2.3.6 Offeror's Rights to Withdraw Proposal
Offerors will be allowed to withdraw their proposals at any time prior to the deadline for receipt of
proposals. The Offeror must submit a written withdrawal request signed by the Offeror's duly
authorized representative addressed to the Procurement Officer.
2.3.7 Proposal Offer Firm
Responses to this RFP will be considered firm in that revisions, alterations or changes will not be
considered, other than Best and Final Offers solicited by the Evaluation Committee, for a period of
ninety (90) calendar days after the due date for receipt of proposals.
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