Municipal Budget Consultant (for City Administration)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is actively seeking proposals from highly qualified professional services firms to provide comprehensive Municipal Budget Consultant Services for its City Administration. This critical engagement involves assisting the City in developing its 2022 budget, creating detailed budget models for both 2021 and 2022, and implementing various analytical tools to enhance fiscal oversight. The selected consultant will be instrumental in supporting the City's core budget team, including the City Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, and Budget Director, fostering seamless coordination among departmental directors and external advisors regarding the upcoming budgets. Furthermore, the role includes engaging with local and state officials, alongside key stakeholders such as organized labor and business groups, to explore and advance new revenue sources and broader budget restructuring initiatives. Key deliverables encompass a thorough review and modification of the 2021 budget, strategic development of new revenue streams for the 2022 budget, and the preparation of in-depth analyses and actionable recommendations for the 2022 fiscal plan. The contract term for these essential municipal financial services is designated for a one-year period, specifically from January 2022 through December 2022. Prospective contractors must demonstrate exceptional expertise in municipal finance and budgeting, possessing a profound knowledge of modern government budgeting problems, concepts, practices, and methodologies, coupled with strong statistical and research theory proficiency applicable to diverse municipal scenarios. Mandatory qualifications include a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the rigorous development, evaluation, analysis, and revision of budgetary control systems, alongside extensive experience in budget preparation and presentation. Crucially, respondents must have at least five years of practical experience with the New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budget, a comprehensive understanding of New Jersey Budget Laws and Regulations, and hold current registration as a Municipal Accountant and/or Certified Municipal Financial Officer within the State of New Jersey, each with a minimum of five years of experience. Proposals are required to include the firm's legal name, primary business address, years in operation, and detailed resumes for all personnel proposed for the City Administration Budget Consultant role. Additionally, firms must provide the names and contact information for three (3) current calendar year municipal budget clients as references to validate their proven track record. There is no mandatory pre-bid conference or site visit specified for this procurement opportunity. To be considered, all proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked "MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Administration)" and prominently display the bidder's name. Submissions are due on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, by 12:00 p.m. prevailing time. Public opening of proposals will occur at 1:00 p.m. on the same day in the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for hard copies of the RFP packet, payable to the CITY OF EAST ORANGE, if picked up in person from the Division of Procurement; otherwise, the document can be downloaded online. Submissions can be sent via mail, placed in the dedicated "Drop Box" at the front of City Hall, or delivered in person, ensuring receipt prior to the stipulated deadline. Each submission must include one (1) original unbound copy, four (4) hard copies, and one (1) electronic copy on a jump drive. Required documentation includes a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance, Business Registration Certificate, Qualification Affidavit, and a Submission Form detailing qualifications and cost. For specific inquiries regarding this Request for Proposal, interested parties should contact Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.