Rio Grande Project Drought Resilience Efforts Initiative 2026 Request for Qualifications
This grant funds regulatory compliance work for watershed projects in New Mexico’s Lower Rio Grande, supporting drought resilience and habitat restoration through permitting and environmental documentation.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: June 18, 2026 (questions due) | June 26, 2026 (proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Single contract award; budget must cover all labor, materials, and permitting for compliance on 5–7 projects; prior sample budgets suggest ~$170,000, but actual amount depends on proposal.
Summary: Contract to manage regulatory compliance for multi-benefit watershed projects in New Mexico’s Lower Rio Grande, enabling drought resilience and habitat restoration.
Key Information: Only one contractor will be selected; proposals must use the provided budget template and demonstrate expertise in NEPA, CWA, NHPA, and New Mexico permitting.
Description
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking a qualified contractor to provide regulatory compliance support for a suite of multi-benefit watershed projects under the Rio Grande Project Drought Resilience Efforts Initiative in New Mexico’s Lower Rio Grande basin. The selected contractor will facilitate the completion of environmental and cultural resource compliance documentation and secure permits from federal and state agencies, including NEPA, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and water rights permitting. The goal is to enable implementation of infrastructure improvements and habitat restoration projects that enhance water supply, reduce flooding and sedimentation, and promote ecosystem resilience to drought.
The contractor will coordinate with NFWF, the Bureau of Reclamation, and state partners, and will be responsible for preparing and submitting all compliance documentation, tracking the review process, and ensuring timely project approvals to allow implementation by 2027. This opportunity is for a single-award contract, and proposals must demonstrate relevant expertise and experience in the region and regulatory frameworks.
