IN REM TAX FORECLOSURE SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL

The City of East Orange is actively seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from highly experienced legal firms to provide comprehensive In Rem Tax Foreclosure Special Legal Counsel services. This critical engagement involves representing the City in all aspects of tax foreclosure matters, encompassing the diligent prosecution and robust defense of cases brought before the Superior Court of New Jersey and the United States Bankruptcy Court. The selected firm will operate under the direct guidance and supervision of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel, ensuring seamless integration with existing legal frameworks and strategic objectives. The scope of work is extensive, requiring a firm capable of handling complex legal proceedings and navigating intricate municipal, state, and federal legal landscapes to protect the City's interests in tax revenue collection and property management. This is a crucial opportunity for specialized legal entities to partner with a vibrant New Jersey municipality. Prospective contractors must demonstrate full compliance with several key New Jersey statutes and administrative codes to be considered eligible for this professional services engagement. These include N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. pertaining to Affirmative Action, N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. which govern Contract Compliance and Equal Employment Opportunities in Public Contracts, and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2, mandating the Disclosure of Ownership. While specific licenses are not detailed beyond legal qualifications inherent to such a role, adherence to these statutory requirements is non-negotiable. The Request for Qualification does not indicate any mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits, directing firms to focus on their qualifications and experience as outlined. All Statements of Qualifications must be submitted electronically through the City of East Orange's Procurement Portal, accessible via https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/eastorange-nj/projects/139295. The strict deadline for electronic submission is Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing local time. Firms are advised that, unless explicitly stated otherwise in a supplement to the instructions, no proposal may be modified, withdrawn, or canceled for sixty (60) days following this designated receipt time. Questions regarding the RFQ should be directed to Racquel C Ferguson, the Purchasing Agent, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162. No bid security or performance bonds are specified as requirements for this particular Request for Qualification.