N.M. Stat. § 73-9-29
[Contracts for construction of works; advertisement; bids;
contractor's bond; supervision by engineer.]
After adopting a plan for the construction of canals, reservoirs and works, the board
of directors shall give notice, by publication thereof, not less than twenty days in a
newspaper published in each of the counties into which any such irrigation district
extends, provided a newspaper is published therein, and in such other newspapers as
they may deem advisable, calling for bids for the construction of said work or any
portion thereof; if less than the whole work is advertised, then the portion so advertised
must be particularly described in such notice; said notice shall set forth that plans and
specifications can be seen at the office of the board, and that the board will receive
sealed proposals therefor and that the contract will be let to the lowest responsible
bidder, stating the time and the place for opening the proposals, which at said time and
place shall be opened in public, and as soon as convenient thereafter the board shall let
said work, either in portions or as a whole, to the lowest responsible bidder, or they may
reject any or all bids and readvertise for proposals or may proceed to construct the work
under their own superintendence.
Contracts for the purchase of material shall be awarded to the lowest responsible
bidder. The person or persons to whom a contract may be awarded shall enter into a
bond with good and sufficient sureties, to be approved by the board, payable to said
district for its use, for not less than ten percent of the amount of the contract price,
conditioned for the faithful performance of said contract. The work shall be done under
the direction and to the satisfaction of the engineer in charge subject to the approval of
the board.