ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES

The East Orange Water Commission (EOWC) is actively soliciting proposals from highly qualified persons and firms to provide comprehensive Utility Operational Accountant and Financial Consulting Services. This critical engagement aims to assist the EOWC with the management and oversight of its financial records for an initial contract term of up to twelve consecutive months. The extensive scope of work includes delivering operational and financial advisory services aligned with utility industry best practices, covering areas such as metered revenue capture, customer service billing and collection systems, efficient work order utility practices, and meticulous capital project execution and financial monitoring. Key responsibilities further involve providing robust support for capital financing and existing debt management in collaboration with bond counsel and the NJIB, strategic engagement with the Commission’s engineers and financing advisors on capital projects, and the provision of expert accounting, budgetary, financial, and long-term plan advisory services. The selected consultant will also be responsible for producing monthly and balance-of-year forecasts for revenue, expenses, and cash balances, inspecting financial transactions to ensure adherence to proper accounting procedures, and reviewing and processing financial statements and documents related to tax-abated/exempt projects. Prospective contractors must possess demonstrated professional, financial, and administrative capabilities essential for delivering the required services effectively. Crucial qualifications include in-depth knowledge of municipal auditing laws and regulations, alongside substantial experience in advising municipal entities on records compliance issues. Bidders are expected to showcase experience in assisting municipalities with budget development processes, labor negotiations, and other financially significant tasks for public entities comparable in size to the City of East Orange. Mandatory minimum requirements dictate that respondents must provide evidence of relevant education, certifications, and specific work experience within the water utility industry. Furthermore, firms must commit to assigning senior staff members with a minimum of ten years of experience in audit services and the other specialized services requested, and maintain a current principal office located within the State of New Jersey. Detailed submissions should include the names, roles, educational backgrounds, and relevant experience of the individuals proposed to perform the tasks, supported by documented past performance, professional references, and a clear description of the firm's capacity to provide timely services, including staffing plans and the location of key personnel. Proposals are required to be received by the Purchasing Committee at the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber, precisely by **Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time**, when they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Comprehensive Request for Proposal packets can be obtained for a non-refundable fee of $25.00 from the Division of Procurement, located on the 1st floor of City Hall, during business hours, or can be downloaded electronically from the City of East Orange’s official website: www.eastorange-nj.gov. All submissions must be securely enclosed in a sealed envelope, clearly bearing the consultant’s name and the title “ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES” on the exterior, and addressed to the Purchasing Agent, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Required accompanying documentation includes, but is not limited to, a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, a valid Business Registration Certificate, and both a Letter of Qualification and a Letter of Intent. All professional service contractors are mandated to comply with the stringent requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 (Business Registration of Public Contractors), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). For any inquiries regarding the RFP, interested parties should contact Lisa L. Jackson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162 or (973) 266-5163.