REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Council)

The City of East Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Municipal Budget Consultant Services for its City Council. The core project involves reviewing, analyzing, and offering guidance on the Calendar Year 2019 Municipal Budget. The successful respondent will be required to meet with City Council members, attend City Council budget hearing meetings, consult with City Administration as necessary, attend all City Council meetings where formal action on the budget is scheduled, and provide relevant reports as requested by a majority of the City Council. This contract is for a one-year term, anticipated to commence in January 2019 and conclude in December 2019. Contractor qualifications for this professional service are rigorous and include specific experience and certifications. Applicants must possess a minimum of five years of experience in the development, evaluation, analysis, and revision of budgetary control systems, as well as in budget preparation and presentation. Crucially, respondents must demonstrate five years of experience with the New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budget system and a thorough knowledge of New Jersey Budget Laws and Regulations. Furthermore, individuals or firms must be a Registered Municipal Accountant in the State of New Jersey and/or a Certified Municipal Financial Officer in the State of New Jersey, each with at least five years of experience. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated for this solicitation. Proposals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, clearly marked "MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Council)" or "Sealed Submission Enclosed" with the title "Budget Consultant", and delivered to the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The absolute deadline for submission is Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 1:00 PM prevailing time, at which point proposals will be publicly opened. Required submission documents include a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Business Registration Certificate, Professional Services Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, Submission Form, and a Letter of Qualification, among others. Bidders must provide one unbound original, four additional copies, and one compact disc (CD) of their submission. For inquiries, contact Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.