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Systems-Based Projects

This funding helps New Mexico schools create safer, healthier, and more efficient learning environments by addressing critical infrastructure needs. These projects focus on the core systems that keep a school running—like heating, lighting, water, and safety features—and are essential to maintaining daily operations and student well-being. Upgrading outdated or failing systems can reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and ensure schools remain open and functional. This type of funding supports repairs and replacements that are often invisible but vital to supporting effective teaching and learning. By focusing on schools with the most urgent needs, the program helps protect students, staff, and the long-term use of public school facilities.

Applications are now OPEN.

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Systems-Based Funding Details

This funding helps to cover the replacement or upgrade of building systems. School facilities in the top 300 of the current wNMCI ranking are eligible for this funding. (NMCI is the New Mexico Condition Index, a scoring system used  to measure the condition of public school buildings to ensure that resources go to the schools most in need of repairs, upgrades, or replacement.)

Eligible systems include:

  • Exterior envelope (roof, walls, windows, doors)
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Special Systems (fire detection, fire suppression, communications)
  • Site Drainage and Utilities
  • ANY systems identified in the FAD as Category 1 (critical issues that pose immediate threats to life, health or safety)
  • Demolition of abandoned facilities (regardless of rank or building type)

HVAC & Controls Design Guidelines

PSFA has developed design guidelines to help schools and design professionals plan heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and control systems for new construction and renovation projects.

These guidelines support better system performance, easier maintenance, and smart long-term costs. The goal is to make sure school HVAC systems are reliable, energy-efficient, and meet PSFA standards. The document linked below provides helpful details and direction for anyone involved in designing or upgrading these systems in New Mexico schools.

Systems Design Standards

Requirements for ALL Capital Funding Programs 

  • District local match percentage available at time of award
  • Current Facility Master Plan (FMP)
  • Current Preventive Maintenance (PM) Plan
  • District use of a Facility Information Maintenance System (FIMS)
  • Recommended Facility Maintenance Assessment Report (FMAR) minimal score of 70%, satisfactory

Pre-Application

Submit a Letter of Intent to the PSFA Programs Manager: programs@nmpsfa.org

Use this sample letter of intent to help you in your efforts to receive funding.