Democracy Program
July 15, 2026
Project
Technical Assistance for Election Observation Data Systems and Reporting
Organization
Observe New Mexico Elections / The Carter Center
Proposal Release Date
July 15, 2026
Proposal Due Date
July 31, 2026
Contract Period
September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027
Location of Performance
New Mexico (Remote work with coordination as needed)
Project Manager
Sarah Cooper
Background
The Carter Center, in partnership with Observe New Mexico Elections (ONE), seeks proposals from qualified organizations or consultants to provide technical assistance supporting nonpartisan election observation for New Mexico elections.
The selected contractor will develop, implement, and maintain election observation data collection systems and processes that support observer deployment, training, data quality, analysis, and reporting. The work will focus primarily on the 2026 general election while laying the foundation for future elections.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will provide technical assistance in the following areas.
1. Observation Materials and Data Collection Tools
The contractor will finalize and operationalize observation instruments required for observing New Mexico elections
Responsibilities include:
- Revising and finalizing observer checklists and field guides in collaboration with project partners
- Working with ONME and TCC staff to ensure that observation materials align with New Mexico election procedures and project objectives
- Designing, testing, and deploying data collection forms
- Developing supporting workflows for field data collection
- Conducting logic testing, validation testing, skip-pattern testing, and quality assurance prior to deployment
2. Personnel and Deployment Data Management
The contractor will identify, configure, and implement a system for managing election observation personnel and deployment information.
Responsibilities include:
- Recommending and implementing an appropriate software solution
- Managing observer and coordinator records
- Tracking:
- Contact information
- Training completion
- Voter registration verification
- Developing data standards and documentation
- Establishing workflows for project staff
- Supporting implementation and adoption throughout electoral periods
3. Training Support and Evaluation
The contractor will support project training activities through data-informed planning and evaluation.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing training support materials related to data collection
- Designing and administering training evaluation surveys
- Analyzing survey results
- Providing recommendations for improving training effectiveness
- Planning and administering a pre-election observer simulation exercise to test:
- Data collection tools
- Reporting workflows
- Escalation procedures
4. Observation Data Monitoring, Cleaning, and Analysis
The contractor will provide ongoing data management throughout the election period.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring incoming observation data
- Conducting routine quality assurance and quality control
- Identifying missing, inconsistent, or erroneous data
- Coordinating with project staff to resolve data issues
- Verifying observer voter registration status
- Cleaning datasets in near real time
- Updating observer guides and checklists based on lessons learned from the primary election
- Conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis of observation findings following Election Day
5. Primary Election Reporting and Design
The contractor will produce a public-facing report summarizing election observation findings.
Responsibilities include:
- Drafting a findings report
- Preparing data visualizations
- Presenting findings in accessible, plain language
- Incorporating partner feedback
- Designing the report for publication
- Ensuring consistency with nonpartisan election observation standards
Deliverables
The selected contractor will provide the following deliverables in close coordination with appropriate counterparts at ONME:
- Final New Mexico observer checklists and field guides for the election
- Fully tested data collection forms
- Implemented personnel and deployment management system
- Training evaluation instruments and analysis summary
- Primary election observer simulation exercise
- Cleaned and documented election observation dataset
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis of observation data
- Designed election findings report
- Updated observer guides and checklists reflecting lessons learned from the election
- Initial framework and build of the New Mexico general election dashboard
Minimum Qualifications
Proposals should demonstrate:
- Experience supporting election observation, civic engagement, or election administration projects
- Experience designing and managing ODK or comparable mobile data collection platforms
- Experience with data management, cleaning, and quality assurance
- Experience producing data analysis and public-facing reports
- Experience developing dashboards and data visualization tools
- Strong project management and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple partners and stakeholders
Proposal Requirements
Interested applicants should submit:
- Organizational overview and relevant experience
- Technical approach describing how the scope of work will be completed
- Proposed work plan and timeline
- Qualifications of key personnel
- Examples of similar projects completed
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- At least three professional references
Submission Instructions
Proposals should be submitted via email to USelections@cartercenter.org by July 31, 2026
Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to:
Colin Dailey
Colin.Dailey@cartercenter.org
The Carter Center reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, negotiate with selected applicants, or cancel this solicitation without award.