Rfp Rfp Bond Counsel Posted: 08/03/2026 04:00 Pm Due By: 08/14/2026 10:00 Am

The City of Bayonne, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals from professional services providers for municipal Bond Counsel. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is conducted under the "fair and open" contracting process, as defined by the New Jersey Local Unit Pay to Play Law. The appointed Bond Counsel will serve as the primary legal representative for the City in all matters pertaining to the issuance of public debt instruments. The scope of work requires vendors to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of municipal bond and finance law, as well as general New Jersey municipal and local finance law, ensuring the City's financial operations comply with all relevant regulations and best practices. Prospective contractors must meet stringent qualification requirements to be considered. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of ten (10) years prior to appointment and be eligible to appear before all state and federal courts and administrative offices within New Jersey. A minimum of ten (10) years' experience representing municipal entities in connection with debt obligations is mandatory, along with maintaining a bona fide principal office in New Jersey. Firms must possess sufficient support staff to handle all required services, including the preparation of documents for bond issuance and other municipal obligations. Furthermore, successful respondents must list their past and present municipal or government authorities represented. The contract term is anticipated to run from October 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Mandatory insurance coverage includes Workers Compensation, General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), Automotive Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), and Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, claims-based), with the City of Bayonne named as an additional insured. Proposals are due by August 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local prevailing time. Submissions must include one original signed copy, bound or stapled, and one electronic copy on a USB drive or disc. Required standardized submission forms, available on the City's website or from the City Clerk's Office, include the "Proposal, Qualifications and Costs Submission Form," a signed and notarized "Non-Collusion Affidavit," a Disclosure of Ownership form, a current New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, a New Jersey Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, and a signed W-9 form. Responses must be sealed, clearly marked with the vendor's name and the nature of the professional services. Proposals will be publicly opened on August 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Dorothy E. Harrington Municipal Council Chambers. The Office of the City Clerk, located at 630 Avenue C, Room 2, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, is the designated recipient for all responses.