What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Española, New Mexico requests proposals from an attorney or law firm to provide ongoing general legal services, counsel, and representation. The scope includes advising City officials and staff, preparing and reviewing contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and land-use documents, attending meetings, and advising on personnel, contract disputes, intergovernmental cooperation, municipal utility law, and public finance. Only onshore USA organizations are eligible to bid, and the contractor will perform the work offsite. Offerors must submit questions by November 18, 2026, and submit electronic proposals through the Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/espanolanm by 3:00 pm Mountain Standard Time on November 25, 2026. Proposals must include a cost proposal with hourly rates and deliverable estimates, a Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form, and proof of required insurance. An evaluation committee will assess proposals using the stated evaluation factors, and the City may conduct discussions or request Best and Final Offers before awarding the contract to the most advantageous responsible offeror.
Scope of work
- Provide legal advice and counsel to the City, officers, agents, and employees
- Prepare and review contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and land use documents
- Offer legal advice on personnel, contract disputes, utilities, and public finance
- Attend City Council, Board, or Commission meetings as requested by the Mayor
- Represent the City in administrative proceedings before administrative agencies
- Provide oversight for specialized legal services such as water rights and insurance claims
- Lobby on specified issues before the New Mexico Legislature and other public entities
- Provide regular status reports on ongoing legal matters
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Experience & Qualifications | 40 (40% of Total) |
| Approach & Methodology | 25 (25% of Total) |
| References | 15 (15% of Total) |
| Cost of Services | 20 (20% of Total) |
Minimum qualifications
- Licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico
- In good standing with the New Mexico State Bar
- Minimum of twenty-five (25) years of experience practicing law
- Adhere to New Mexico State Bar and American Bar Association ethical standards
- Available on an as-needed basis, including evenings and weekends
- Standard response time of no more than 48 hours
Documents to include with your response
- Complete Proposal
- Cost Proposal
- Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form
- Current W9
- Proof of Insurance Coverage
- Sub-consultant list and qualifications (if applicable)
- Resident Business Certificate (if seeking preference)
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via the Procurement Portal
- Instructions
- Submit through the Vendor Questionnaire at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/espanolanm. Typewritten on 8.5 x 11 inch paper, maximum 30 pages excluding covers.
