Professional Services - Planning Board Attorney and Zoning Board of Adjustment Attorney

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is actively seeking proposals for Professional Services to secure highly qualified attorneys for its Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) aims to retain legal professionals who will provide comprehensive legal support, expert advice, and diligent representation to these municipal boards. The extensive scope of work includes preparing for and attending all regular and special board meetings, managing and defending litigation arising from board decisions in accordance with the Municipal Land Use Law and Local Redevelopment Housing Law, drafting essential legal documents, conducting thorough legal research, reviewing pertinent documents such as deeds, covenants, and easements, and responding promptly to routine inquiries from staff. The compensation structure for these critical roles specifies an hourly rate not to exceed $200 per hour, with an annual amount to the City not exceeding $30,000 for each board attorney position. It is important to note that this annual cap excludes invoices covered by escrows established by the Planning Department with planning and zoning board applicants. Prospective contractors must be attorneys duly licensed to practice law within the State of New Jersey and must demonstrate a robust core competency and extensive practical experience in both the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. Key evaluation criteria for selection emphasize proven experience in these specific areas of practice, a strong background in litigation, a demonstrated ability to accurately interpret complex municipal regulations and ordinances, and a familiarity with the geographical area of East Orange. Proposers are required to provide a detailed qualification statement outlining their firm's principal activities, personnel count, office location, and include three client references for similar services previously provided, complete with contact information, project dates, cost, and scope of service. Mandatory submission forms include a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Stockholder Disclosure, Insurance Requirements Acknowledgement, EEO/Affirmative Action Statement, and a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate. All proposals must be submitted no later than Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to the Purchasing Committee in the Municipal Building, Council Chamber, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Each submission must consist of one original unbound copy, four bound copies, and one electronic copy. The submission package must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, distinctly marked with the title: "PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY AND/OR ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ATTORNEY." A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets obtained in person, payable by check to the CITY OF EAST ORANGE. The contract term for the successful respondent will not exceed one year from the date of award. For any inquiries regarding the RFP or submission process, prospective bidders should contact Lisa L. Jackson, Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162 or via email at lisa.jackson@eastorange-nj.gov. UNLOCK Additionally, Dan Jennings, Policy & Planning Director, can be reached at (973) 266-5118 or dan.jennings@eastorange-nj.gov UNLOCK for using department information.