Bond Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional Bond Counsel services. This solicitation, issued under a Fair & Open Public Solicitation Process, seeks qualified entities to provide comprehensive legal expertise in municipal finance. The scope of work for the Bond Counsel includes, but is not limited to, the preparation and review of Bond Ordinances, public finance resolutions, Bond Anticipation Notes, Special Emergency Notes, Tax Anticipation Notes, and General Obligation Bonds. Additionally, the selected firm will be responsible for preparing and reviewing Preliminary Official Statements and Official Statements for the City, as well as handling applications to the Local Finance Board and attending related meetings. The successful respondent will work jointly with the City's Finance Department and Law Department, providing legal services and representation concerning public debt instrument issuance and offering municipal bond and finance law advice as needed. The anticipated term of the contract is up to one year, commencing January 2020 through December 2020. The project aims to ensure the City's compliance and efficiency in managing its public financing needs. Prospective contractors must demonstrate significant qualifications, including being an attorney at law of New Jersey and possessing at least five (5) years of experience with New Jersey Municipal Bond and Finance Law. Respondents should also have a proven track record representing New Jersey local government entities in public financing and bond ordinances related to public projects. Mandatory minimum requirements for proposal submission include providing the legal name and address of the individual or firm, detailing years in business and specific experience, submitting resumes of the person(s) assigned as Bond Counsel, and providing names and contact information for three (3) current bond counsel clients. Furthermore, a minimum Professional Liability Insurance coverage of $1,000,000.00 per claim and $1,000,000.00 aggregate per policy period is required. The City emphasizes the importance of documented past performance, strong references, and the ability to provide timely services with adequate staffing and familiarity with the subject matter. Proposals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope clearly bearing the name of the consultant and the title “BOND COUNSEL” on the outside. These sealed submissions should be addressed to the Purchasing Agent, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The submission deadline is TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019, at 1:00 PM, at which time proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 per RFP packet is required if picked up on site, payable to the CITY OF EAST ORANGE. Required submission documents include, but are not limited to, a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, a copy of a Business Registration Certificate from the State of New Jersey, a Professional Services Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, Submission Form, Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran, and a Letter of Qualification. Bidders must submit one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional sets, and one (1) compact disc (CD) of their complete submission. All proposals must remain firm for sixty (60) days after the submission opening. For questions, contact Lisa Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.