ZONING BOARD ATTORNEY

The City of Bayonne, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualifications and Proposals from experienced legal professionals to serve as the Zoning Board Attorney. This professional services contract, operating under a "fair and open" contracting process as defined by the New Jersey Local Unit Pay to Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44-20.4 et seq.), requires an attorney to represent the City in all zoning-related matters. The comprehensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to, attending and participating in hearings before the Zoning Board, providing legal counsel on land use issues, preparing necessary legal documents and resolutions, and coordinating effectively with City of Bayonne personnel. The contract term is established for the period commencing January 1, 2026, and concluding December 31, 2026, with an estimated base value not to exceed $18,000 for core legal and administrative duties, supplemented by additional compensation for escrow billings and potential litigation. This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to secure specialized legal expertise essential for the proper functioning of the municipal Zoning Board. Potential respondents should carefully review the full notice document for complete details on the required services and contractual obligations. Prospective contractors must meet stringent qualification criteria to be considered for the Zoning Board Attorney role. Essential requirements mandate that the responding firm or entity must be licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of ten (10) years prior to the proposed appointment, with eligibility to appear before all state and federal courts and New Jersey administrative agencies. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate at least ten (10) years of specific experience representing municipal governments in zoning issues and maintain a bona fide principal office within the State of New Jersey. Bidders are also required to possess sufficient support staff to handle all necessary legal services, including tracking, researching, litigation, and document preparation. The solicitation package outlines mandatory insurance coverage, including 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), with the City of Bayonne named as an additional insured. While no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified, all firms must obtain and complete the official solicitation package. Responses to this Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/RFP) must be submitted as one (1) original and three (3) copies, sealed, and received by the City of Bayonne Law Department, Room 15, 630 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. The firm deadline for submission is November 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. prevailing time. Required submission documents include the Standardized Professional/Consulting/Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service RFQ/RFP SUBMISSION FORMS, a signed and notarized Non-Collusion Affidavit, a signed Disclosure of Ownership form, a Professional/Consulting/Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service Entity Information Form, a copy of the vendor's current NJ Business Registration Certificate, a Certificate of Good Standing from the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, and a Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form. All proposals will be publicly opened at the Dorothy E. Harrington Municipal Council Chambers, 630 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey, on November 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. For any inquiries or to obtain the full solicitation package, interested parties may contact the City Law Department during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, excluding holidays.