Grants Consultant Services

The City of East Orange, NJ, through its Division of Procurement, is actively soliciting proposals for comprehensive Grants Consultant Services via a competitive contracting process, as outlined in N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1(k), et seq. The core objective of this engagement is to significantly enhance the city's grants management capabilities, thereby facilitating the acquisition of diverse grant funding across multiple crucial municipal areas. The extensive scope of work is divided into two primary task areas: Grant Research and Consultant Services, which involves identifying potential public grants, private foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships, tracking state and federal funding opportunities, and conducting onsite needs assessments to develop strategic funding plans; and Grant Writing Services, encompassing the preparation of all grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, and final submissions, providing written summaries of grant reporting requirements, and advising on the equitability of grant amounts versus required management efforts. The City aims to secure funding for vital projects such as infrastructure investment, urban beautification, open space development, educational facility enhancements, and walkway/bikeway improvements, addressing current limitations in human capital dedicated to this function. Prospective contractors are required to submit a comprehensive Qualification Statement detailing the firm's principal activities, personnel count, location, and a list of three relevant clients for whom similar services were provided, including specific contact information, project dates, costs, scope, and status. Submissions must also include the identity and credentials of key personnel and their areas of responsibility. Mandatory compliance with New Jersey statutes is strictly enforced, including N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (Contract Compliance and Equal Employment Opportunities), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). Respondents must demonstrate proven expertise in identifying grant opportunities, a strong proficiency in securing funding from both public and private sources, and a successful track record with other New Jersey municipalities. A critical insurance requirement mandates Professional Liability coverage of at least $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $1,000,000.00 aggregate. Sealed RFP responses for these essential Grants Consultant Services are due on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 11:00 AM. Proposals must be delivered to the Purchasing Agent in the Municipal Council Chamber, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Each submission package must include one original, four copies, and one compact disk (CD) set, with the submittal package clearly marked with the RFP title and the responding firm's name. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets picked up on-site, payable to the City of East Orange. Essential submission forms include the Proposal Cost/Signature Form, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Stockholder Disclosure, Affirmative Action Statement, and an Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda, among others detailed in the RFP checklist. All submitted proposals must remain firm for a minimum period of sixty (60) days following the submission deadline. For any questions or clarifications regarding this solicitation, interested parties should contact Lisa L. Jackson, the Purchasing Agent, directly at (973) 266-5162.