FINANCIAL ADVISOR

The City of Bayonne, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/RFP) for professional financial advisor services. This initiative, conducted under a "fair and open" contracting process per the New Jersey Local Unit Pay to Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44-20.4 et seq.), aims to secure expert assistance for a broad range of municipal finance activities. The selected financial advisor will be responsible for the preparation and selling of various municipal debt instruments, including Municipal Bonds, Refunding Bonds, and Bond Anticipation Notes. Key responsibilities encompass assisting with the preparation and review of the City's Official Statement, conducting necessary calculations for bond and note sales, and facilitating interactions with Bond Counsel on all past, present, and future City of Bayonne bond and note issues. Furthermore, the advisor will aid City personnel during bond and note rating processes, represent the City at Local Finance Board Meetings, assist in applying to the Local Finance Board, procure Bond Insurance, and provide crucial financial analyses related to the timing of bond refundings and permanent financing of temporary debt. The scope also includes supporting financial analysis and preparation of financial agreements, alongside advising the City on pertinent legislation affecting municipal finance matters. The contract period will not exceed one year, with an option for one additional one-year renewal at the City's discretion. Prospective contractors must demonstrate extensive qualifications, including substantial licensure, experience, and a strong reputation within the financial advisory field, particularly concerning municipal finance. Essential capabilities include a proven ability to address, complete, and facilitate all outlined scope of services, deep experience and knowledge of the municipal bond market, and a track record of dealing with New Jersey State Agencies, Bond Rating Companies, Bond Insurance Companies, and municipal debt instrument bidders. Expertise in conducting bond and note sales, coupled with comprehensive knowledge of the Qualified Bond Act and New Jersey State Budget and Fiscal Statutes, is mandatory. Additionally, respondents must demonstrate familiarity with the City of Bayonne and be available to accommodate required meetings. Mandatory insurance coverage includes Worker’s Compensation, General Liability with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, Automotive Liability with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and Professional Liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. Certificates of insurance must name the City as an additional insured. Sealed proposals must be delivered to the City Law Department, located at 630 Avenue C, 1st Floor, Room 15, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. The submission deadline is firm: December 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. prevailing time. Required submission documents include the "Standardized Professional/Consulting/Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service RFQ/RFP SUBMISSION FORMS," which comprise the "Proposal, Qualifications and Costs Submission Form" (signed and dated, referencing attachments like a submission letter, service description, and fee schedule), a signed and notarized "Non-Collusion Affidavit," and a signed "Disclosure of Ownership form." Additionally, a signed "Professional/Consulting/Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service Entity Information Form," a copy of the vendor's current "NJ Business Registration Certificate," a "State of NJ, Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Certificate of Good Standing," and a "Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form" are required. Interested parties can obtain standardized documents from the City of Bayonne website (www.BayonneNJ.org under "RFQ – RFP’s") or at the City Law Department during business hours. The City reserves the right to reject all submissions, waive non-mandatory items, and award contracts based on price and other factors.