RFP - TEN-YEAR WATER & SEWER RATE STUDY AND TEN-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN ASSESSMENT

The City of East Orange Board of Water Commissioners (EOWC) is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive Ten-Year Water & Sewer Rate Study and a Ten-Year Capital Plan Assessment. This critical engagement aims to independently evaluate the EOWC’s existing water and sewer rates and provide actionable recommendations to adequately fund significant anticipated capital expenses over the next decade. These major capital projects include Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement (estimated at $80 million to $100 million), Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) remediation ($20 million), Water Quality Accountability Act (WQAA) compliance ($40 million over 10 years), Sanitary & Storm Sewer Rehabilitation ($20 million over 10 years), and Pumping Station Pump System Upgrade ($2 million over 3 years). The study must also incorporate an analysis of wholesale water contracts with the Cities of Orange and Livingston, and the EOWC's responsibilities for managing East Orange’s sewerage collection and stormwater systems, while striving to minimize customer rates. The broad objective is to ensure financial sustainability for utility operations, capital costs, and debt service. Prospective contractors, which can be consulting engineering firms and/or financial consultants, must possess extensive expertise in accounting, financial consulting, water utility management, financial analysis, and infrastructure planning. Key qualifications include a minimum of 10 years of utility experience, with a preference for water and wastewater operations, demonstrated experience in municipal financial utility operations, and a strong background in capital management project finance and coordination. Financial and audit experience is essential, with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) license in New Jersey being a significant plus. Consultants should also be knowledgeable in best practices for utility management, CMMS systems for maintenance and budgeting, and integrated customer service work order and billing systems utilizing meter read systems. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated in the provided documentation. Proposals are required to be submitted by Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM, prevailing time. Submissions must be delivered to the Purchasing Agent in the City of East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Bidders must enclose their proposals in a sealed envelope clearly bearing the consultant’s name and the project title: “TEN-YEAR WATER & SEWER RATE STUDY AND TEN-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN ASSESSMENT FOR THE EAST ORANGE WATER COMMISSION.” Required submission materials include one unbound original, four additional copies, and one thumb drive containing the electronic submission. Contractors must comply with all New Jersey regulations, including N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 (Business Registration of Public Contractors), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). All proposals are firm for sixty (60) days after the submission deadline. For any questions, contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.