Drafting Lovington-Lea County ETZA Ordinance

The Lea County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified professional consulting services under solicitation 04 (26-27) to review, revise, and modify the Extraterritorial Zoning Authority (ETZA) Ordinance. The primary objective is to replace an outdated ordinance that has been in place since the 1990s. This is a single-term contract that will remain in effect until the project is completed. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the OpenGov Procurement portal by October 1, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Award selection is based on the most advantageous proposal, with evaluation weighted toward experience with local government and land use regulations (50 percent), familiarity with rules governing ordinances (40 percent), and education (10 percent). Proposers must provide a transmittal letter, detailed qualifications, and a project approach, though cost proposals are excluded from the technical submission as fees will be negotiated upon award. Required documentation includes a non-collusion affidavit, business and professional licenses, and staff resumes. The contract includes standard legal protections such as indemnification, hold harmless agreements, and sovereign immunity clauses. Payment will be made in arrears upon receipt of detailed invoices, and the county will pay the New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax on labor and services. Contractors must certify they are not debarred from federal transactions and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. New Mexico resident and veteran preferences will be applied according to state law.