REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) TRIBAL MEMBER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER JICARILLA APACHE NATION GEOTHERMAL FEASIBILITY STUDY (PHASE 1)

RFP Issuance Date: August 10, 2026

Proposal Due Date: August 31, 2026

Issuing Entity: SMK Geoscience, LLC (Primary Technical Lead) in collaboration with Jicarilla Apache Nation Oil & Gas Administration (JOGA) 

Funding Source: State of New Mexico Geothermal Grant Allocation

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  1. PROJECT OVERVIEW & CONTEXT 

The project is evaluating deep subsurface geothermal resources across tribal lands in northern New Mexico to assess potential for direct use, industrial heat, hot spring pools, aquaculture, residential heating, and power generation.

A core priority of this feasibility study is ensuring robust, transparent, educational, and culturally respectful engagement with the Jicarilla Apache community throughout the Phase 1 study. SMK Geoscience is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified Jicarilla Apache tribal members, local community organizers, or experienced native-owned outreach consultants to serve as the Tribal Member Community Engagement Manager.

  1. SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) The selected Contractor shall lead and execute all community outreach, geothermal public education, local event coordination, and survey logistics under the direction of SMK Geoscience.

Contractor tasks shall include:

Task A: Geothermal Public Education & Interest Building

  • Educate tribal members and local stakeholders on fundamental geothermal energy concepts, resource sustainability, and prospective regional opportunities.

  • Build community awareness and assess public interest across diverse geothermal application tracks, including:

    •  Direct-Use Development: Commercial hot spring pools, therapeutic spas, and local tourism facilities. 

    •  Agricultural & Economic Uses: Geothermal aquaculture, greenhouse operations, and food processing. 

    •  Heating Infrastructure: District/residential heating loops and commercial building HVAC integration. 

    • Electrical Power Generation: Utility-scale base-load power and microgrid energy independence.

  • Plan and execute at least three (3) dedicated educational visits and interactive presentations at Dulce High School to engage local youth, students, and educators on geothermal science and career pathways.

Task B: Community Town Halls & Meeting Logistics (9 Monthly Sessions)

  • Plan, schedule, promote, and facilitate nine (9) monthly community meetings throughout the project lifecycle: 

    • At least five (5) meetings must be held in person in Dulce, NM (managing venue bookings, technical setup, printed informational materials, and meeting catering).

    • Up to four (4) meetings may be conducted virtually via Zoom (managing digital invitations, remote presentation moderation, and online attendee participation).

  • Coordinate with tribal leadership, local chapter houses, and community groups to maximize community attendance and engagement across both in-person and virtual formats.

Task C: Community Surveying & Feedback Collection

  • Design and administer community feedback surveys (in print in the Jicarilla Chieftain and digital formats) to gauge public sentiment, gather questions, and identify tribal priorities regarding geothermal applications (power generation, heating, aquaculture, hot springs).

  • Oversee survey response incentive pools and distribution logistics in accordance with grant guidelines.

  • Synthesize monthly survey results and attendance logs into brief metrics summaries for state grant progress reporting.

Task D: Geothermal "Vision Statement" & Final Synthesis

  • Synthesize monthly community input, educational feedback, and survey findings into a final, community-driven Geothermal "Vision Statement."

  • Support SMK and JOGA in presenting final outreach outcomes during executive presentations to the Jicarilla Apache Legislative Council.


  1. DELIVERABLES & MILESTONE TIMELINE All deliverables shall be submitted to SMK Geoscience according to the following schedule:

  • Deliverable 1: Monthly Town Hall & Outreach Summaries (Submitted monthly; documenting the 5 in-person and 4 virtual Zoom sessions)

  • Deliverable 2: High School Educational Visits Summary & Materials (Completed by Month 6)

  • Deliverable 3: Survey Data & Public Interest Metrics Summaries (Submitted quarterly, Months 3, 6, and 9)

  • Deliverable 4: Final Community-Driven Geothermal "Vision Statement" Report (Month 9 / Milestone M10)


  1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE & BUDGET

Period of Performance: September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (9-month active engagement window).

Authorized Allocation: Total proposed compensation (including professional retainer fee, event catering, Zoom hosting, high school presentation materials, logistics, print consumables, and survey incentives) shall be funded out of the $96,700.00 pre-approved Community Outreach budget allocation.

  1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Interested individuals or firms must submit a concise proposal (3 pages maximum, excluding resume/qualifications) containing the following:

    1. Statement of Qualifications: Detailed summary of relevant experience in community outreach, public education, event planning, or tribal administration within the Jicarilla Apache Nation.

    2. Technical Approach: Narrative detailing the proposed strategy for educating the public on geothermal applications (hot springs, aquaculture, residential heating, power generation), executing the high school visit, and hosting the required mix of 5 in-person and 4 virtual meetings.

    3. Fee Proposal & Cost Breakdown: Itemized monthly retainer fee and estimated direct expense budget for Tasks A, B, C and D as outlined above.  Total must not exceed the total Task Track allocation.

    4. References: Contact details for two (2) professional or community references.

  2. SELECTION CRITERIA Proposals will be evaluated by SMK Geoscience and JOGA administration based on:

  • Enrollment as a Jicarilla Apache Tribal Member or demonstrated deep connection/experience with the Jicarilla Apache community (50%)

  • Clarity and strength of community educational strategy across various geothermal use cases (20%)

  • Relevant qualifications and past outreach/coordination experience (20%)

  • Cost reasonableness and budget structure (10%)

  1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION & INQUIRIES Proposals must be submitted via email to smkraushaar@gmail.com and donnamontoya@jicarillaoga.comin PDF format (or delivered in hard copy to the JOGA office) no later than 5:00 PM MDT on August 31st, 2026.