Creation of 5-year UEZ Development Plan

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, operating within Essex County, is soliciting proposals for comprehensive professional planning services to develop a 5-year Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Development Plan. This critical initiative aims to enhance the economic and social conditions within the designated enterprise zone, benefiting both residents and businesses. The selected firm will be responsible for defining UEZ boundaries, conducting thorough analyses of existing economic and social conditions, and formulating strategic proposals. The extensive scope of work includes leveraging municipal powers and State assistance (P.L.1983, c.303) to stimulate investment and economic growth, fostering involvement from private entities and community organizations, recommending revisions to municipal planning and zoning ordinances to attract developers, and improving the availability and efficiency of public and private support services essential for commercial and industrial facilities. Key planning areas encompass community overview, economic and social conditions, community and business outreach, review of past UEZ accomplishments, vision/goal setting, coordination with other regional and municipal plans, potential UEZ boundary adjustments, and outlining major initiatives such as loan programs, redevelopment projects, façade grants, infrastructure upgrades, training programs, special events, and maintenance of commercial corridors. To qualify for this engagement, prospective consultants must demonstrate substantial expertise and experience. Mandatory minimum professional qualifications require the Planner or UEZ Consulting firm to possess a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing UEZ planning, economic development, community development, and redevelopment planning services, with at least ten (10) years of experience specifically servicing other governmental entities. Furthermore, all assigned personnel must hold a valid Professional Planners (PP) license in the State of New Jersey and be certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Submissions must detail the education, qualifications, experience, and training of all individuals proposed for the project, alongside a list of engagements showcasing similar services delivered over the past five years. References from at least three municipal recipients of comparable services and a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate are also essential. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated within the provided document. Detailed proposals must be submitted as one (1) bound original, two (2) copies, and a digital file. These materials are to be delivered to the City of East Orange, Procurement Division, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018, directed to the attention of Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent. The firm deadline for submission is Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM prevailing time. The comprehensive submission package requires various forms, including a Statement of Corporate Ownership, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Affirmative Action Statement, project profiles, and a 2024 Fee Schedule. While a non-refundable cost of $25.00 applies for RFP packets picked up on-site, no bid security or bonds are specified as part of the initial proposal submission. All inquiries regarding the RFP should be directed to Racquel Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, via phone at (973) 266-5162. Proposers are advised that proposals will remain subject to acceptance for a period of sixty (60) calendar days after the submission date.