Municipal Auditor and/or Financial Advisor Services

The City of East Orange is actively seeking proposals for comprehensive Municipal Auditor and/or Financial Advisor Services to conduct the annual audit of the city's financial records for the calendar year spanning January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018. This critical procurement involves a detailed scope of work designed to ensure fiscal transparency and regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include performing a statutory audit of all fund accounts and records, conducting thorough tests of internal controls, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements, and executing federal and state single audits in strict accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and NJ OMB Circular 04-04. Furthermore, the selected firm will be responsible for the preparation of the City’s audited statutory financial statements, a meticulous review of the annual budget, providing essential accounting and tax guidance as needed throughout the year, and engaging with the Mayor, Administration, and City Council for advisory meetings. The scope also extends to advising on legislative changes necessitating record modifications and offering ongoing financial and budgetary analysis. The anticipated contract term for these vital services is one year. Prospective contractors must possess robust professional, financial, and administrative capabilities tailored for municipal environments. Specific mandatory qualifications require firms to hold a Valid Certified Public Accountants license and a Valid Registered Municipal Accountants license, both issued by the appropriate authority of the State of New Jersey. A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in providing auditing services to municipalities within the State of New Jersey is essential. Furthermore, the firm must commit to assigning senior staff members to the City’s account, with each designated individual possessing at least ten (10) years of experience in audit services and other requested specialized services. Maintaining a current principal office within the State of New Jersey is a prerequisite. Respondents should also demonstrate a deep understanding of municipal auditing laws and regulations, proven experience in advising municipal entities on records compliance issues, and a track record of supporting municipalities in critical functions such as budget development and labor negotiations for entities comparable in size to East Orange. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified in the solicitation. Proposals must be submitted to the Purchasing Committee in the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber, by the firm deadline of Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, where they will be publicly opened and read aloud. All submissions must be securely enclosed in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with the consultant's name and the title "MUNICIPAL AUDITOR AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES," and addressed to the Purchasing Agent, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets picked up physically from the Division of Procurement, payable to the City of East Orange. Required submission documents are extensive, including a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Business Registration Certificate, Professional Services Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, Submission Form, Letter of Intent, and Letter of Qualification, among others. Firms are required to provide one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional hard copies, and one (1) compact disc (CD) of their complete submission. For inquiries concerning this RFP, prospective bidders may contact Lisa L. Jackson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.