Municipal Budget Consultant Services for City Administration, City of East Orange

The City of East Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is actively seeking proposals from highly qualified firms to provide comprehensive Municipal Budget Consultant services for its City Administration. This critical engagement aims to bolster the city's financial planning and operational efficiency. The extensive scope of work includes assisting with the thorough development of the 2020 annual budget, constructing sophisticated budget models for both 2019 and 2020, and implementing various analytical tools designed to enhance financial oversight. Furthermore, the selected consultant will be tasked with providing essential support and strategic guidance to the core budget team, encompassing the City Administrator, Chief Financial Officer (Finance Director), and Budget Director, to ensure seamless coordination among departmental directors and external advisors regarding both the 2019 and 2020 budgets. Additional responsibilities involve engaging with local and state officials, alongside key stakeholders such as organized labor and business groups, to explore and advance new revenue sources and facilitate broader budget restructuring initiatives. The consultant will also develop "dashboard" analytical tools for various city departments and offer management guidance for their effective utilization, culminating in the preparation of detailed reports and analyses as directed by the administration. Key deliverables for this one-year contract, spanning January through December 2020, include reviewing and modifying the 2019 budget, formulating new revenue strategies for the 2020 budget, and delivering an in-depth analysis of both the 2019 and 2020 budgets accompanied by comprehensive recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. Prospective contractors for this pivotal municipal role must demonstrate exceptional qualifications and a deep understanding of governmental financial operations. Mandatory requirements include extensive knowledge of modern government budgeting problems, concepts, practices, and methodologies, coupled with expertise in statistical and research theory, practices, and procedures. Candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) years of direct experience in the development, rigorous evaluation, insightful analysis, and revision of budgetary control systems, as well as proven proficiency in budget preparation and presentation. Specialized experience mandates five years with the New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budget and comprehensive familiarity with New Jersey Budget Laws and Regulations. Furthermore, the lead consultant or firm representative must hold a current registration as a Municipal Accountant in the State of New Jersey and/or be a Certified Municipal Financial Officer in the State of New Jersey, each with a minimum of five years of relevant experience. Required documentation for proposal submission includes the legal name and address of the individual or firm, a detailed history of years in business with specific emphasis on New Jersey calendar year municipal budgets, a comprehensive resume for the person(s) designated as the City Administration Budget Consultant, and contact information for three (3) current calendar year municipal budget clients as references. There are no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits specified for this solicitation. Detailed proposals for these professional services must be meticulously prepared and submitted by the firm deadline of Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. prevailing time. Submissions will be formally received by the Purchasing Committee in the Council Chambers located within East Orange City Hall. Interested parties can obtain the detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) documents from the Division of Procurement, situated on the 1st floor of City Hall, during regular business hours (9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday) for a non-refundable fee of $25.00 per packet, payable to the City of East Orange. Alternatively, the RFP can be conveniently downloaded from the official City of East Orange website: www.eastorange-nj.gov. All proposals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, clearly displaying the bidder's name and distinctly marked "MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Administration)." The submission package must include one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional printed copies, and one (1) compact disc (CD) containing all required documentation. Essential forms to be completed and included are a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Business Registration Certificate, and a Letter of Qualification, among others detailed in the RFP. For any inquiries regarding the solicitation, prospective bidders should directly contact Lisa L. Jackson, the Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162. No bid security or performance bonds are specified as submission requirements for this particular RFP.