Sole Source Justification – Advance CTE (FY 2026‑27)

The State of New Mexico, through the High Plains Regional Educational Cooperative, awarded a $870,000 sole‑source professional‑services contract to Advance CTE to modernize the state’s Career‑Technical‑Education (CTE) Programs of Study and Credentials of Value. The work covers the design of statewide approval frameworks, labor‑market analysis, curriculum mapping, policy and governance recommendations, data‑reporting enhancements, and implementation support for the FY 2026‑27 period. • Scope includes creating a statewide POS approval process, talent‑pipeline priority analysis, and updating the Credentials of Value list. • Deliverables encompass handbooks, training modules, digital portals, employer‑engagement toolkits, policy briefs, and implementation‑rollout plans. • The vendor’s unique expertise—national leadership in CTE, proprietary frameworks, and experience with Perkins V legislation—was deemed irreplaceable, justifying the sole‑source award.