Planning Board & Zoning Board of Adjustment Consultant Services

The City of East Orange, through its Department of Business Administration, Division of Procurement, is seeking proposals from qualified consultants for Planning Board & Zoning Board of Adjustment Consultant Services. This competitive contract solicitation, conducted under N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1(k), et seq., aims to secure a consultant with significant expertise in municipal planning and drafting planner’s reports for development applications. The comprehensive scope of work includes providing technical assistance in implementing municipal planning processes, preparing professional development materials for both boards, reviewing plans and city agency comments, drafting memoranda on pending projects, advising on appropriate board actions, attending regular and special board meetings, preparing annual board planner’s reports, reviewing all referrals (including zoning and land use ordinances), evaluating site plan or variance applications, assisting the Land Use Administrator with application procedures, reviewing Site Plan Advisory Committee minutes, and performing other directed tasks. The consultant is also required to maintain regular office hours (Wednesdays, 10 AM to 2 PM) at East Orange City Hall for site visits and meetings with Board Chairs and City staff. Prospective contractors must demonstrate substantial experience in municipal planning, particularly in drafting planner's reports for development applications. Mandatory qualifications include compliance with New Jersey’s Affirmative Action requirements (N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.), Business Registration for Public Contractors (N.J.S.A. 52:32-44), and Disclosure of Ownership (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2). Bidders must provide a detailed qualification statement outlining their firm's principal activities, personnel, location, and a list of three (3) clients for whom similar services were provided, including contact information, dates, costs, scope, and project status. Key personnel information, including credentials, degrees, and certifications, must be furnished. A current New Jersey Professional Planners license and AICP certification are expressly required for evaluation, demonstrating expertise in redevelopment projects. Additionally, Professional Liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $1,000,000.00 aggregate is required. Sealed RFP responses are due to the Purchasing Agent by Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 2:00 PM in the City Council Chamber located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Proposals must include one (1) original, four (4) copies, and one (1) 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 applies for RFP packets picked up on site. Required forms to be completed and submitted as part of the proposal include the Proposal Cost/Signature Form, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Stockholder Disclosure, Affirmative Action Statement, and Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda. Proposals must remain firm for sixty (60) days after the submission date. All questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162, with interpretations and clarifications issued via formal written Addenda.