The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission (Commission) requests proposals from local units of government, state agencies, federal agencies, non-profit organizations, (those exempt from federal income tax as described in Section 501 (c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code), or federally-recognized Native American tribes to sponsor projects authorized by the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 9-5B-1 through 9-5B-11. The Commission has approximately $3.9 million to distribute among all approved projects and plans to enter into multiple contracts as a result of this Request for Proposals (RFP).

Copies of the RFP may be accessed at the following website: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/YCC or obtained from Wendy Kent or Kristine Vigil, New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps, 141 E. De Vargas Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501; telephone (505) 827-1437/1438. The YCC Application (Application) is in a web based format and may be found on the website: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/YCC. The RFP and application will be posted on the website April 25, 2011. Successful Applicants may be required to obtain signatures from partners or property owners. Potential Applicants should NOT WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE to complete their web-based electronic Application, or they may be unable to obtain the required partner or property-owner signatures by the August 4, 2011 application deadline.

Projects must be completed in six months or less. Corps members shall be between the ages of 14 to 25 and generally be involved in projects in New Mexico that:

• preserve, maintain and enhance natural resources by protecting air, fish, forest land, water and wildlife;
• rehabilitate and improve cultural, historical and agricultural resources by helping to maintain and improve botanical gardens, historic sites, libraries, museums, parks, parkways, refuges, trails, zoos and other recreational and natural areas;
• benefit recreational areas and parks by improving their use and access;
• assist with emergency operations, including fires, floods, and rescue of lost or injured persons;
• beautify, improve and restore urban areas;
• renovate community facilities including those for the elderly or indigent;
• reinforce the "Keep New Mexico Beautiful" campaign; or
• provide disaster relief, increase energy conservation and recycling, improve fire prevention, beautify New Mexico highways, upgrade public lands and facilities, revitalize urban areas and further goals of community renewal, protection and enhancement of natural resources.

Applications must conform to the prescribed "Request for Proposals" format in order to be considered for funding. Applicants must submit their application online, as well as provide one original document with original signatures and dates and nine copies to the YCC office, 141 East De Vargas Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, no later than 4 p.m. MDT on Thursday, August 4, 2011.

YCC staff will lead four "Writing a YCC Application" workshops in various locations around the state. The YCC Commission and staff strongly recommend that Applicants attend one of these workshops. The locations, dates, and times are as follows:

• Wednesday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Town of Silver City Annex, 106 W. 12th Street, Silver City, 2nd floor conference room,. (Parking is available across the street.)
• Tuesday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New Mexico Commission of Public Records (State Library), 1205 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
• Wednesday, May 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Roswell Adult Center Computer Lab, 807 North Missouri, Roswell
• Thursday, June 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Town of Bernalillo Police Training Room 739 Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo

When the Commission reviews and scores the Applications, Applicants who have attended a workshop will receive five additional points. YCC will notify successful Applicants of their selection by letter.

Questions regarding this RFP should be addressed to: Wendy Kent or Kristine Vigil, New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps, 141 E. De Vargas Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501; telephone (505) 827-1437/1438.