Request for Qualifications - Bond Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is actively soliciting Qualification Statements from professional services entities to serve as Bond Counsel. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks highly experienced legal firms or individuals specializing in municipal finance law to provide critical advisory and representation services. The comprehensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the preparation and rigorous review of Bond Ordinances, various public finance resolutions, and the issuance documents for Bond Anticipation Notes, Special Emergency Notes, Tax Anticipation Notes, and General Obligation Bonds. Furthermore, the selected Bond Counsel will be responsible for drafting and/or reviewing Preliminary Official Statements and Official Statements for the City, managing applications to the Local Finance Board, and attending all necessary related meetings. This vital role requires close collaboration with the City's Finance Department and Law Department to ensure legal compliance and sound financial practices for all public debt instruments. The initial contract term is for up to one year, commencing January 2022 and extending through December 2022. Prospective contractors must demonstrate substantial expertise in New Jersey Municipal Bond and Finance Law, requiring a minimum of five (5) years of direct experience in this specialized field. Additionally, respondents must show a proven track record of representing New Jersey local government entities in public financing endeavors and the development of bond ordinances for public projects. Key submission requirements include providing the legal name and address of the firm or individual, a detailed account of years in business with specific experience in NJ municipal bond and finance law, and comprehensive resumes for all persons proposed to be assigned as Bond Counsel. Submissions must also include the names and contact information for three (3) current bond counsel clients, enabling the City to assess past performance and references. While no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified, the selection criteria emphasize the qualifications of assigned individuals, their education, degrees, certifications, and overall ability to deliver services efficiently, considering staffing, familiarity with the subject matter, and key staff location. Qualification Statements must be submitted by Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 11:00 AM. Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber. Submissions must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with the consultant's name and "BOND COUNSEL," and addressed to the Purchasing Agent, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Delivery options include mail, the City's "Drop Box" in the rear parking lot, or in-person presentation at the stipulated date and time. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 per RFP packet is required if documents are picked up on-site, payable to the City of East Orange. Required documentation includes a comprehensive checklist of forms such as Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement (Professional Liability minimum $1,000,000 per claim, $1,000,000 aggregate), EEO/Affirmative Action compliance, a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, and a Qualification Affidavit, among others. Respondents must submit one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional copies, and one (1) compact disc (CD) of their complete submission. All inquiries regarding the solicitation should be directed to Lisa Jackson, Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.