CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING and URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) 2020-2025 CONSOLIDATED PLAN and ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) and HOME PROGRAM

The City of East Orange is actively seeking professional consultant services for the preparation of its U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, specifically addressing the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program requirements. This document, Addendum #1, provides critical clarifications and adjusts the submission timeline for this Request for Proposal (RFP). The awarded consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing draft plans, developing priority recommendations based on community needs, and finalizing the comprehensive plan. The project timeline indicates commencement of work in July 2021, with City Council approval anticipated by August 9th and the final HUD submission targeted for August 13th. The Consolidated Plan is currently estimated to be between 60-70% complete, with particular emphasis needed on the Needs Assessment and Housing Marketing Analysis sections. Prospective proposers for these essential consultant services must demonstrate extensive experience in preparing HUD Consolidated Plans and Annual Action Plans, specifically pertaining to CDBG and HOME Programs. While this addendum does not explicitly detail specific contractor qualifications or licensing requirements like NJ Public Works Contractor Registration, it is implied that a robust background in federal housing and community development program compliance, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role. Pre-proposal conferences were held on Thursday, June 3, 2021, and Tuesday, June 8, 2021, where questions from interested bidders were addressed. The addendum notes that four focus groups, covering Seniors, the Business Community, Religious Groups, and Non-Profit Groups, have already been conducted, alongside the completion of 475 surveys. The submission deadline for the Consultant Services RFP has been officially revised and rescheduled to Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. This updated deadline supersedes the previously advertised submission date of Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. This addendum does not specify any requirements for bid security, performance bonds, or other financial assurances. Proposers should note that no further revisions to the plans and specifications previously issued are in effect beyond the information provided in this addendum. For any additional inquiries or concerns regarding this Request for Proposal, interested parties are directed to contact Lisa L. Jackson at (973) 266-5162.