REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - BOND COUNSEL

The City of East Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFPs) for highly specialized professional legal services for a Bond Counsel. This solicitation, part of a Fair & Open Public Solicitation Process, seeks firms or individuals with extensive expertise in municipal finance law to serve as Bond Counsel for a contract term commencing January 2021 through December 2021. The comprehensive scope of work includes providing legal advice, preparing and reviewing bond ordinances, public finance resolutions, and various types of notes (Bond Anticipation, Special Emergency, Tax Anticipation). The selected Bond Counsel will also be responsible for the preparation and issuance of General Obligation Bonds, reviewing Preliminary Official Statements and Official Statements, and handling applications to the Local Finance Board, including attending related meetings. This critical role demands a deep understanding of New Jersey statutes, administrative regulations, and case law pertaining to municipal finance. The Bond Counsel will collaborate closely with the City’s Finance and Law Departments, offering essential municipal bond and finance law advice as required. Prospective contractors must meet stringent qualification requirements to be considered for this professional services engagement. Applicants must be an attorney at law of New Jersey and demonstrate at least five years of experience with New Jersey Municipal Bond and Finance Law. Furthermore, respondents must provide evidence of their experience representing New Jersey local government entities in public financing and bond ordinances related to public projects. Mandatory minimum submission requirements include the legal name and address of the individual or firm, details of years in business, and a resume for the person(s) designated as Bond Counsel. Firms must also furnish the names and contact information for three current bond counsel clients. While no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified, firms are encouraged to thoroughly review all solicitation documents to ensure full compliance with the outlined criteria and requirements for this high-profile legal service. Proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly bearing the consultant's name and the title “BOND COUNSEL” on the exterior, addressed to the Purchasing Agent at City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Submissions must be received by **Friday, November 13, 2020, at 11:00 AM**, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in the East Orange City Hall Council Chamber. Proposals can be mailed, delivered to the City’s “Drop Box” in the rear parking lot, or presented in person. Each submission package must include one unbound original, four additional copies, and one compact disc (CD) of the sealed submission. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets picked up on-site, payable to the City of East Orange. Required submission documents include a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Business Registration Certificate, a Professional Services Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, and a Submission Form detailing qualifications, references, ability to perform, and cost details (hourly rates and expenses). For any questions, contact Lisa Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.