PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES/AUDITOR

The City of Bayonne, New Jersey, is actively seeking comprehensive professional accounting and auditing services through a formal Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/RFP). This solicitation aims to secure a highly qualified firm of certified public accountants to serve as the municipality's official auditor for a contract period not exceeding one year. The core scope of work encompasses expert knowledge of municipal auditing laws and regulations, proficient guidance on records compliance issues, and in-depth understanding of complex financial matters impacting municipal entities. This procurement is being conducted under a "fair and open" contracting process, strictly adhering to the New Jersey Local Unit Pay to Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44-20.4 et seq.), ensuring transparency and equitable opportunity for all qualified professional service providers seeking municipal accounting contracts. Prospective professional service providers must meet stringent qualification requirements to be considered for this critical municipal auditor role. The responding firm or entity must employ a minimum of five certified public accountants, each holding a valid New Jersey license for at least five years prior to the appointment date. Furthermore, a minimum of five years' demonstrated experience in delivering auditing services specifically to municipalities within the State of New Jersey is mandatory. Firms are also required to maintain a current principal office located within the State of New Jersey. Detailed submissions should include descriptions of any specialized services offered to municipal clients, a comprehensive list of all current and prior municipal clients, and specific examples of experience or knowledge directly relevant to the City of Bayonne's unique needs. Required insurance coverages include Worker’s Compensation, General Liability (minimum $2,000,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate), Automotive Liability (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate), and Professional Liability (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence, claims-based), with the City of Bayonne named as an additional insured on certificates of insurance. All sealed proposals and responses for the Professional Accounting Services/Auditor RFQ/RFP must be physically submitted to the City Law Department, situated at 630 Avenue C, 1st Floor, Room 15, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. The absolute submission deadline is December 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. prevailing time. Mandatory submission documents include the "Standardized Professional/Consulting/Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service RFQ/RFP SUBMISSION FORMS," which incorporate the "Proposal, Qualifications and Costs Submission Form," a signed and notarized "Non-Collusion Affidavit," and a signed Disclosure of Ownership form. Additional essential items are a Professional/Consulting/Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service Entity Information Form, a current NJ Business Registration Certificate, a Certificate of Good Standing from the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, and an Investment Activities in Iran Form. Public opening of all proposals will take place at the City Council Chambers on December 11, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. prevailing time. For further inquiries or to obtain solicitation packages, interested parties may contact the City Law Department during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).