Active SLED Opportunity · NEW MEXICO · CITY OF GALLUP

    Engineering Services for New Carbon Coal Substation – Design, Project Management, and Full Project Delivery

    Issued by City of Gallup
    cityRFPCity of GallupSol. 256409
    Open · 33d remaining
    DAYS TO CLOSE
    33
    due May 26, 2026
    PUBLISHED
    Apr 17, 2026
    Posting date
    JURISDICTION
    City of
    city
    NAICS CODE
    541330
    AI-classified industry

    AI Summary

    The City of Gallup requests proposals for engineering and project management services to design and deliver a new 115kV to 13.2kV electrical substation in the Carbon Coal area, supporting system reliability and regional growth. The project includes design, construction support, and commissioning with evaluation based on experience, capacity, past performance, personnel qualifications, and cost.

    Opportunity details

    Solicitation No.
    256409
    Type / RFx
    RFP
    Status
    open
    Level
    city
    Published Date
    April 17, 2026
    Due Date
    May 26, 2026
    NAICS Code
    541330AI guide
    Jurisdiction
    City of Gallup
    Agency
    City of Gallup

    Description

    The City of Gallup is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide comprehensive engineering, design, coordination, and construction support services for the development of a new 115kV to 13.2kV substation in the Carbon Coal Road area. This project is being advanced as a capital improvement initiative by the Electric Department and is intended to support long-term system reliability, load growth, and regional economic development. The City intends to procure a highly qualified firm capable of delivering a fully constructible, coordinated, and schedule-driven project, with clear accountability for all aspects of design, integration, and project execution.

    Background

    The Carbon Coal Substation project is being developed to support significant new and anticipated electrical demand within the recently annexed Carbon Coal area of the City of Gallup. This demand is driven by multiple large-scale developments, including a planned hospital facility, the Tradeport development, and continued residential, commercial, and industrial growth within the annexed region.

    The development of this substation is necessary to provide reliable and sufficient electrical infrastructure to serve these expanding loads while maintaining system stability and performance across the City’s electric system. The project is intended to ensure that the City is positioned to meet both immediate service requirements and long-term growth within this developing corridor.

    This project aligns with the City’s commitments under the 2024 Supplemental Annexation Agreement between the City of Gallup and Gallup Land Partners, LLC, which anticipates the coordinated planning, development, and long-term maintenance of utility infrastructure within the annexed area. The provision of new electric infrastructure, including this substation, is essential to support the continued development of the area and to meet the service expectations associated with these agreements.

    The Carbon Coal Substation represents a critical investment in the City’s electrical system and will serve as a key component in supporting economic development, public infrastructure, and future expansion within the Carbon Coal corridor.

    The City places a high priority on design accuracy, constructability, responsiveness, and effective project management. The selected Contractor will be expected to demonstrate a proven ability to deliver coordinated, construction-ready designs and to actively manage project execution in a manner that minimizes delays, rework, and change orders.

    Project Details

    • Reference ID: RFP No. 2025/2026/06
    • Department: Electric Department
    • Department Head: Chuck Nourse (Electric Director)

    Important Dates

    • Questions Due: 2026-05-11T23:00:00.000Z
    • Answers Posted By: 2026-05-15T23:00:00.000Z

    Evaluation Criteria

    • Firm History and Experience (20 pts)
      • Firm Background and Organizational Stability
      • Please provide a comprehensive description of your firm’s history, including the number of years in operation, ownership structure, and overall financial strength. Additionally, explain how these factors demonstrate your organization’s long-term stability and its capacity to successfully deliver large-scale, capital-intensive electrical infrastructure projects. 
      • Relevant Turnkey Project Experience
        Demonstrated experience in delivering turnkey substation projects, particularly those involving 115kV to 13.2kV (or similar voltage class) systems. Submittals should include:
        • Project name, location, and completion date
        • Voltage class and configuration
        • Scope of services performed (engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning)
        • Role of the firm (prime contractor, joint venture, subcontractor)
        • Project size (cost) and duration
      • Experience with Comparable Scope and Technical Complexity
        Proven experience with projects that include:
        • High-voltage (115kV) design and equipment specification
        • Power transformers, breakers, and switchgear integration
        • Protection and control systems (including SCADA integration)
        • Civil, structural, and site development design
        • Testing, commissioning, and energization
    • Capacity and Capability to Provide Services (20 pts)

      1. Organizational Capacity

      • Adequacy of staffing levels to support all phases of the project (engineering, design, procurement, construction support, commissioning).
      • Availability of key personnel throughout the project duration.
      • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects without impacting performance.

      2. Technical Expertise and Resources

      • Demonstrated expertise in high-voltage substation design (115kV and above) and medium-voltage distribution systems (13.2kV or similar).
      • In-house capabilities across relevant disciplines (electrical, civil, structural, protection & control, SCADA, geotechnical, etc.).
      • Access to specialized tools, software, and technologies required for analysis, modeling, and design.

      3. Project Management Capability

      • Strength and clarity of project management approach, including scheduling, cost control, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and risk management.
      • Experience with turnkey project delivery, including coordination with utilities, regulatory agencies, and contractors.
      • Ability to meet project timelines and milestones.

      4. Construction and Field Support

      • Capability to provide construction management, inspection, and field engineering support.
      • Experience supporting installation, testing, and commissioning of substations.
      • Approach to resolving field issues and minimizing delays.

      5. Subconsultant and Vendor Management

      • Ability to effectively manage subconsultants, suppliers, and contractors.
      • Established relationships with equipment manufacturers and vendors relevant to substation development.
      • Procurement and supply chain management capabilities.

      6. Past Performance Demonstrating Capacity

      • Successful completion of similar projects in size, scope, and complexity.
      • Evidence of delivering projects on schedule and within budget.

      7. Current Workload and Availability

      • Firm’s current and projected workload.
      • Demonstrated ability to allocate sufficient resources to this project.
      • Commitment to prioritize the project as required.
    • Past Record of Performance/References (20 pts)
      • Performance on Past Projects
        Demonstrated record of successfully delivering projects:
        • On schedule
        • Within budget
        • With minimal change orders and claims
        • With high-quality workmanship and documentation
      • Client References
        Quality and relevance of references from utilities, municipalities, or industrial clients for similar turnkey substation projects. References should address:
        • Overall performance
        • Responsiveness and communication
        • Problem-solving capability
        • Ability to manage subcontractors and stakeholders
      • Regulatory and Standards Expertise
        Familiarity with and successful application of applicable codes and standards (e.g., IEEE, NEC, NESC, local utility and regulatory requirements), including permitting and environmental compliance.
      • Safety Performance and Culture
        Demonstrated commitment to safety, including:
        • OSHA recordable incident rates
        • Experience Modification Rate (EMR)
        • Safety programs specific to high-voltage construction environments
        • History of safe project delivery
    • Qualifications of Key Personnel (30 pts)
      1. Relevant Experience
        • Demonstrated experience of key personnel in the design, engineering, and construction support of electrical substations of similar voltage class (115 kV and above).
        • Proven involvement in turnkey substation projects.
        • Experience with utility, municipal, or cooperative power systems.
      2. Technical Expertise
        • Depth of knowledge in substation design, including:
          • High-voltage equipment specification and layout
          • Protection and control systems
          • SCADA integration
          • Relay coordination and studies
          • Grounding, lightning protection, and insulation coordination
        • Familiarity with applicable industry standards (e.g., IEEE, NEC, NESC).
      3. Roles and Responsibilities
        • Clarity in defining roles of key personnel such as:
          • Project Manager
          • Lead Electrical Engineer
          • Protection & Control Engineer
          • Civil/Structural Engineer
          • Construction Manager
        • Appropriateness of staffing plan relative to project scope and complexity.
      4. Professional Credentials
        • Relevant licenses and certifications (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE) licensure).
        • Specialized training or certifications in substation design, safety, or project management (e.g., PMP).
      5. Project Management Capability
        • Demonstrated ability of the Project Manager to deliver projects on time and within budget.
        • Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, and contractors.
      6. Past Performance
        • Documented success of key personnel on similar projects, including references and outcomes.
        • History of delivering high-quality work with minimal change orders or delays.
      7. Availability and Commitment
        • Availability of proposed personnel for the duration of the project.
        • Commitment to continuity of key staff throughout the project lifecycle.
    • Cost (10 pts)

      Cost proposals will be evaluated for completeness, competitiveness, transparency, and overall value, not solely the lowest bid.

    • Preference (10 pts)

      Local/NM Resident/Veterans/ Native American Preference. Up to 10 points allowed if criteria met.

    Submission Requirements

    • Upload COMPLETE proposal (required)

      Include both TECHNICAL AND COST proposals 

    • Upload COST proposal only (required)

      Only upload COST proposal

      Technical proposal will be uploaded in a separate entry (question).

    • Upload TECHNICAL proposals only (required)

      Only upload TECHNICAL proposal 

      Cost proposal will be uploaded via a separate Vendor Question.

    • Acknowledgement (required)

      Proposer acknowledges having read and agreed to all Terms and Conditions contained in the RFP.

    • New Mexico Residence preference

      Please Attach Copy of your Certificate with response.

      New Mexico Resident

      New Mexico Veteran Resident

      New Mexico Native American Resident

      New Mexico Native American Veteran Resident

      N/A

    • Offeror confirmation of City's Right to reject proposals (required)

      THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS IN WHOLE OR IN PART, TO WAIVE INFORMALITIES OR TECHNICALITIES AT ITS   OPTION, AND TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL IT DEEMS TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY OF GALLUP.

    • References (required)

      The Offeror should provide a list of five (5) references of clients, preferably in the public sector, provided the same or similar type service. The reference list should include current clients for which similar services have been provided within the past three (3) years and provide a contact person, telephone number and email address. The City reserves the right to contact clients for reference checks.

    • Offeror confirmtion of City's Right to contact references (required)

      The City reserves the right to contact any references whether listed or not; or make any investigation as deemed necessary

    • Mandatory Qualifications (required)

      All lead firms responding to this request must meet the following minimum qualifications: 

      1. Where applicable Electrical engineering design services shall be performed under the direction and supervision of a licensed electrical engineer authorized by law to conduct a practice of engineering in the State of New Mexico.
      2. Lead Firm or Principals must have a minimum of 10 years of continuous experience in one or more of the following: distribution, substations, transmission & generation; and familiarity with power supply/system planning, low, medium and high voltage power system design, financial/rate analysis and development, system protection, and power requirement analysis.
      3. Working knowledge of State and Federal regulations as related to integrated resource planning, power generation and power transmission systems. 

       

    • Joint Proposal

       

      If you are submitting a joint proposal you are required to download the below documents, complete, and upload.

       

      If this is not a Joint Proposal please skip this question. 

    • LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (required)

      Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

    • CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND DEBARMENT/SUSPENSION CERTIFICATION (required)

       

      Do you have a conflict of interest or have been debarred/suspended as described below?:

      If you answer yes you will be required to answer a follow up question. 

      CONFLICT OF INTEREST As utilized herein, the term “Vendor” shall mean that entity submitting a proposal to City of Gallup in response to the above referenced bids/request for proposals. The authorized Person, Firm and/or Corporation states that to the best of his/her belief and knowledge: No employee or City Council member of the City of Gallup (or close relative), with the exception of the person(s) identified below, has a direct or indirect financial interest in the Vendor or in the proposed transaction. Vendor neither employs, nor is negotiating to employ, any City of Gallup employee, City Council member or close relative, with the exception of the person(s) identified below. Vendor did not participate, directly or indirectly, in the preparation of specifications upon which the quote or offer is made. If the Vendor is a New Mexico State Legislator or if a New Mexico State Legislator holds a controlling interest in Vendor, please identify the legislator: List below the name(s) of any City of Gallup employee, City Council member or close relative who now or within the preceding 12 months (1) works for the Vendor; (2) has an ownership interest in the Vendor (other than as an owner of less than 1% of Vendor’s stock, if Vendor is a publicly traded corporation); (3) is a partner, officer, director, trustee or consultant to the Vendor; (4) has received grant, travel, honoraria or other similar support from Vendor; or (5) has a right to receive royalties from the vendor. DEBARMENT/SUSPENSION STATUS The Vendor certifies that it is not suspended, debarred or ineligible from entering into contracts with the Federal Government, or any State agency or local public body, or in receipt of a notice or proposed debarment from any Federal or State agency or local public body. The vendor agrees to provide immediate notice to City of Gallup’s Purchasing Department in the event of being suspended, debarred or declared ineligible by any department or agency of the Federal government, or any agency of local public body of the State of New Mexico, or upon receipt of a notice of proposed debarment that is received after the submission of the quote or offer but prior to the award of the purchase order or contract. CERTIFICATION The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she has read the above CONFLICT OF INTEREST and DEBARMENT/SUSPENSION Status requirements and that he/she understands and will comply with these requirements. The undersigned further certifies that they have the authority to certify compliance for the vendor named and that the information contained in this document is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge.

    • Conflict of Interest and Debarrment/Suspension follow up (required)

      Please provide details of the conflict of interest and/or Debarrment/Suspension here: 

    • Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form (required)

      The prospective contractor must disclose whether they, a family member or a representative of the prospective contractor has made a campaign contribution to an applicable public official of the City of Gallup or the State of New Mexico during the two years prior to the date on which the contractor submits a proposal or, in the case of a sole source or small purchase contract, the two years prior to the date the contractor signs the contract, if the aggregate total of contributions given by the prospective contractor, a family member or a representative of the prospective contractor to the public official exceeds two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) over the two year period.

      THIS FORM MUST BE FILED BY ANY PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTOR WHETHER OR NOT THEY, THEIR FAMILY MEMBER, OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVE HAS MADE ANY CONTRIBUTIONS SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE.

      The following definitions apply:

      “Applicable public official” means a person elected to an office or a person appointed to complete a term of an elected office, which has the authority to award or influence the award of the contract for which the prospective contractor is submitting a competitive sealed proposal or who has the authority to negotiate a sole source or small purchase contract that may be awarded without submission of a sealed competitive proposal.

      “Campaign Contribution” means a gift, subscription, loan, advance or deposit of money or other thing of value, including the estimated value of an in-kind contribution, that is made to or received by an applicable public official or any person authorized to raise, collect or expend contributions on that official’s behalf for the purpose of electing the official to either statewide or local office. “Campaign Contribution” includes the payment of a debt incurred in an election campaign, but does not include the value of services provided without compensation or unreimbursed travel or other personal expenses of individuals who volunteer a portion or all of their time on behalf of a candidate or political committee, nor does it include the administrative or solicitation expenses of a political committee that are paid by an organization that sponsors the committee.

      “Contract” means any agreement for the procurement of items of tangible personal property, services, professional services, or construction.

      “Family member” means spouse, father, mother, child, father-in-law, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law or son-in-law.

      “Pendency of the procurement process” means the time period commencing with the public notice of the request for proposals and ending with the award of the contract or the cancellation of the request for proposals.

      “Person” means any corporation, partnership, individual, joint venture, association or any other private legal entity.

      “Prospective contractor” means a person who is subject to the competitive sealed proposal process set forth in the Procurement Code or is not required to submit a competitive sealed proposal because that person qualifies for a sole source or a small purchase contract.

      “Representative of a prospective contractor” means an officer or director of a 21 corporation, a member or manager of a limited liability corporation, a partner of a partnership or a trustee of a trust of the prospective contractor. 

    • Disclosure of Contributions (required)

      Contribution Made By:   

                           

      Relation to Prospective Contractor:     

       

      Name of Applicable Public Official:   

       

      Date Contribution(s) Made:                 

       

      Amount(s) of Contribution(s)              

       

      Nature of Contribution(s)                     

       

      Purpose of Contribution(s)

       

      --OR—

      NO CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE AGGREGATE TOTAL OVER TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($250) WERE MADE to an applicable public official by me, a family member or representation

    • Exceptions to Specifications (required)

      Do you take exception to any of the specifications, or terms and conditions in this solicitation? If you answer YES you will be asked to answer a follow up question.

      EXCEPTIONS TO SPECIFICATIONS CITY OF GALLUP PURCHASING FORMAL BID NO. 2317 IN THE INTEREST OF FAIRNESS AND SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICE, IT IS MANDATORY THAT YOU STATE ANY EXCEPTIONS TAKEN BY YOU TO OUR SPECIFICATIONS. IF YOUR BID DOES NOT MEET ALL OF OUR SPECIFICATIONS, YOU MUST SO STATE ON THE SPACES PROVIDED BELOW. ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY.

    • Exceptions to Specifications follow up (required)

      Please detail the  exceptions to the specifications here: 

    • Additional Information

      Plesae add any other pertinent information you would like the City to consider while reviewing your proposal. 

    • Will this RFP include line item pricing? (required)

      Answer YES if prposals require line item pricing (typically not required for RFPs, but it is possible)

    • Do Proposers need to submit separate COST and TECHNICAL proposals? (required)

      A YES answer will allow proposes to provide two separate documents via the Vendor Questionnaire/Proposal which can be opened separately as required. 

    • First Advertisement Publishing Company (required)
    • First Advertisement Publishing Company Date (required)

      Enter Publication Date

      Example:

      Sunday-February 21, 2021

    • Second Advertisement Publishing Company (Optional)
    • Second Advertisement Publishing Company Date (Optional)

      Enter Publication Date

      Example:

      Sunday-February 21, 2021

    • Third Advertisement Publishing Company (Optional)

      Select One

    • Third Advertisement Publishing Company Date (Optional)

      Enter Publication Date

      Example:

      Sunday-February 21, 2021

    • Submission Date for Advertisement (required)

      Example:

      11th of February, 2025

    • Mayor (required)

      Please enter Mayor's full name

    • Oral Interviews (required)

      Will Oral Interviews be Required for this RFP

    • Fee Proposal (required)

      Will Cost or Hourly Fee proposals be scored on Formula or will Committee score cost proposals.

       Lowest responsive offeror's cost ($) 
      Offeror's Points = __________________________________X Maximum Points
       This offeror's cost ($)  
    • Total Points Awarded (required)

      Enter in Maximum Points to be Awarded

    • Is Price Redetermination allowed in this RFP? (required)
    • Subcontracts (required)

      Are subcontracts allowed on this project?

    Key dates

    1. April 17, 2026Published
    2. May 26, 2026Responses Due

    AI classification tags

    Frequently asked questions

    SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.

    SamSearch Platform

    Stop searching. Start winning.

    AI-powered intelligence for the right opportunities, the right leads, and the right time.