REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - ACCOUNTANT FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is seeking proposals for comprehensive Accountant and Financial Consulting Services for its financial records from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. The extensive scope includes providing accounting, budgetary, financial, and tax guidance; inspecting transactions for compliance; advising on legislative changes; and assigning part-time staff to assist the City’s Finance Division and Police Department with account reconciliations and statement preparations. Additional responsibilities encompass reviewing invoices, preparing financial reports, maintaining the General Ledger and essential financial records in compliance with grant funding and state requirements, and supporting the Annual Budget and City auditor. The consultant will also perform property-by-property analysis of PILOT agreements, oversee fiscal administration for tax abated/exempt projects, and maintain related revenue reporting systems. The awarded contract term is for twelve (12) consecutive months. Mandatory contractor qualifications are stringent, requiring a valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and a valid Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) license from New Jersey authorities. Firms must demonstrate a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing auditing services to New Jersey municipalities. Furthermore, the successful respondent must assign senior staff members, each with at least ten (10) years of experience in audit and related services, for regular City support. Maintaining a current principal office within New Jersey is also a prerequisite. Prospective firms should detail their overall experience, provide references, and explain the relevance of past projects. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified for this solicitation. Proposals are due to the Purchasing Committee in East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber, by Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time, when they will be publicly opened. Detailed RFP packets are available for download from www.eastorange-nj.gov or can be obtained for a non-refundable $25.00 fee at the Division of Procurement, City Hall, 1st floor. Submissions must be in a sealed envelope, clearly marked "ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES," addressed to the Purchasing Agent, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Delivery options include mail, the City’s "Drop Box," or hand-delivery. A comprehensive submission requires eighteen (18) specific documents, including Non-Collusion Affidavits, Business Registration Certificates, and insurance acknowledgements. All professional service contractors must comply with New Jersey statutes on Affirmative Action and Business Registration. Inquiries should be directed to Lisa L. Jackson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162. No bid security or performance bonds are explicitly mentioned as required for this professional services agreement.