Request for Proposal - Grants Consultant Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, through its Office of the City Administrator, Division of Procurement, is soliciting proposals for Grants Consultant Services. This competitive contract, issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP), aims to secure expert assistance in grants management to help the City successfully acquire various grants across multiple critical areas. The comprehensive scope of work includes proactive identification and research of potential public and private funding sources, rigorous tracking of state and federal funding opportunities pertinent to the City’s strategic objectives, and the execution of onsite needs assessments to develop tailored funding plans. Key priority areas for grant acquisition span infrastructure investment, beautification initiatives, open space projects, educational facility enhancements, and walkway/bikeway improvements. Furthermore, the selected consultant will be responsible for providing extensive grant writing services, encompassing the preparation of detailed narratives, statistical data gathering, securing letters of support, developing budgets, and managing final submissions on behalf of diverse City departments. The consultant is also expected to summarize grant reporting requirements, advise on the equity of grant amounts relative to management needs, and oversee all necessary administrative services. Prospective contractors must demonstrate substantial qualifications and adhere to strict regulatory compliance, including all requirements under N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (Contract Compliance and Equal Employment Opportunities). Bidders are required to submit a comprehensive qualification statement detailing the firm's principal activities, personnel count, location, and a list of three clients for whom similar services have been successfully provided, including contact information, dates, costs, and project status. Identification and credentials of key personnel, along with their areas of responsibility, are mandatory. The successful proposer must maintain professional liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $1,000,000.00 aggregate. Furthermore, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Stockholder Disclosure, a Non-Collusion Affidavit, and possession of a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate (prior to contract award) are explicitly required. There is no mention of a mandatory pre-bid meeting or site visit for this RFP. All sealed RFP responses for Grants Consultant Services must be submitted to the Purchasing Agent by Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at precisely 11:00 AM. Submissions are to be delivered to the Municipal Council Chamber, Municipal Building, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Each submission must consist of one original, four copies, and one compact disk (CD) set, with the outer envelope clearly marked "GRANTS CONSULTANT SERVICES." Proposals, once submitted, must remain firm for a period of sixty (60) days. Required forms include the Proposal Cost/Signature Form, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Stockholder Disclosure, Affirmative Action Statement, and Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda, among other documents detailed in the RFP checklist. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets obtained physically from the Division of Procurement. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162. No bid security or performance bonds are specified as a submission requirement in the provided text, though adequate insurance is a contract requirement.