Specifications include, but are not limited to:The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT or Department) is requesting proposals from qualified firms or Offerors for the purpose of hiring a Contractor to produce a study for the development, and distribution, of native plant germplasm possessing the following attributes: drought tolerant, quick-establishing, deep-rooted, and ability to reclaim and control dust-generating soils within right-of-way, specifically in problem areas in New Mexico. Germplasm is living plant tissue such as a seed, leaf, pollen, cells, etc. that can be collected and used to produce new plants. Upon completion of the restoration experiment, wild collected seed from successful species and/or sources will be delivered to commercial producers to grow on speculation and sell on the open market (see Paragraph 7 below). If cuttings are utilized, plant age, location of cuttings, and season should all be considered at the time of collection. 4. Field test for potential establishment. Following seed/collection, the Contractor shall install one acre test blocks at five unique dust-prone sites on or near NMDOT right-of-way in Luna, Grant, Hidalgo, or Cibola Counties, as specified by the Department. The Contractor shall create and implement a statistically defensible research design that compares the NMDOT standard seed mix (‘control’ treatment) against local genotypes of the same species composition, and against novel native species with desired attributes. One acre test blocks will contain multiple comparison plots. Test block configuration (shape and distribution of plots within) may vary depending on space available at each site. The number and size of plots within each block and study treatments shall be identified in the Contractor’s research design. The test blocks may be on NMDOT right-of-way or on cooperating land management agencies’ land. Each test block shall be fenced with rabbit-proof fencing. The control plots (within the test block) shall use NMDOT standard revegetation seed mixes from a commercial source as per Department web-based interactive map found here: http://arcg.is/1RHjFkJ. Local genotypes shall be sourced within the ecoregion and habitat of study sites selected. The Contractor shall utilize NMDOT Special Provision 632 (“Appendix A” to this RFP) for all seeding procedures including inspections by the NMDOT Revegetation Specialist. The Contractor shall measure and compare survival, plant vigor, and percent of established and sustained ground cover from research test plantings against ‘control’ plantings at each site. The NMDOT Environmental Bureau will provide the environmental clearance for the test sites.