Municipal Budget Consultant (for City Council)

The City of East Orange, in Essex County, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals for a Municipal Budget Consultant to specifically serve the City Council for the Calendar Year 2018. This critical professional service encompasses a comprehensive review, meticulous analysis, and expert guidance on the City's 2018 municipal budget. The selected consultant's responsibilities will include attending and actively participating in City Council budget hearing meetings, formal action meetings related to the budget, and necessary meetings with City Administration. Additionally, the scope mandates providing relevant and timely reports as requested by a majority of the City Council, ensuring transparent and informed decision-making processes. The anticipated contract term for these services is one year, spanning from February 2018 through December 2018, reinforcing the immediate and detailed need for budgetary oversight and support. To qualify for this engagement, firms must demonstrate profound knowledge of modern government budgeting problems, concepts, practices, and methodologies, alongside expertise in statistical and research theory and procedures. A mandatory minimum of five (5) years of extensive experience is required in the development, evaluation, analysis, and revision of budgetary control systems, as well as in budget preparation and presentation. Furthermore, successful respondents must possess at least five (5) years of practical experience with the New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budget and a thorough understanding of New Jersey Budget Laws and Regulations. Applicants are also required to be a Registered Municipal Accountant and/or a Certified Municipal Financial Officer in the State of New Jersey, each with a minimum of five years of experience. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified within this Request for Proposal. Proposals must be meticulously prepared and submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked "MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Council)" and distinctly showing the bidder's name. Submissions are due on Thursday, February 1, 2018, by 1:00 PM prevailing time, and will be publicly opened at the East Orange City Hall, Council Chamber, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets obtained onsite, payable to the City of East Orange. For any questions regarding this solicitation, interested parties should contact Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162. No bid security or bonds are mentioned as required for submission.