Sole Source Purchase for Strategic Counsel and Communications Support

The University of New Mexico is seeking to purchase strategic counsel and communications support services from Burness, a firm with deep institutional knowledge of Project ECHO's culture, stakeholders, and communications needs. The services will include identifying strategic media opportunities, refining and implementing an updated messaging approach, and supporting the development of a comprehensive communications plan. The contract term is from February 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The purchase is needed to strengthen the ECHO Institute's strategic positioning and ensure its communications efforts are aligned with evolving organizational priorities and external opportunities. * The contract term is 10 months * The purchase amount is $150,000 * The services will be provided by Burness, a firm with unique capabilities and deep institutional knowledge of Project ECHO * The purchase is a sole source procurement, as no other vendor is known to have the same level of knowledge and expertise