WATER AND SEWER LINE SERVICE WARRANTY PROGRAM

The City of East Orange Board of Water Commissioners (EOBWC) is seeking proposals through a competitive contracting process for the implementation and administration of a comprehensive Water and Sewer Line Service Warranty Program. This initiative aims to provide voluntary and affordable protection to the approximately 70,000 residents and businesses within East Orange, who are responsible for maintaining their water service lines from the meter to the curb stop and sewer laterals from the home to the EOBWC main. The selected contractor will be solely responsible for marketing, administering, billing, and arranging timely repair services for subscribing customers. The core program requires coverage for investigation, repair, and/or replacement of both water service lines and sewer lateral lines, including all associated labor, materials, necessary permits, and comprehensive site restoration. Respondents are also encouraged to propose additional warranty products, such as internal plumbing or appliance coverage, with separate fee structures. Prospective contractors must demonstrate extensive experience in implementing and administering water and sewer line service warranty programs, coupled with a thorough understanding of the EOBWC's operational framework and the City of East Orange's infrastructure. Key qualifications include a minimum of five years of experience working with governmental entities, particularly municipal utilities, on similar warranty programs, and the provision of at least three client references. All repair services must be performed by qualified, reputable plumbers holding valid and active licenses from the State of New Jersey, with a licensed professional present at all job sites to ensure compliance with all applicable building and plumbing codes. Additionally, the respondent firm must possess a recent "A+ accredited Better Business Bureau rating" maintained for at least five years and outline a detailed vetting process for all plumbing contractors and subcontractors, including background checks and verification of appropriate liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Sealed RFP responses, consisting of one original, three hard copies, and one electronic copy (CD-ROM or USB Flash Drive), must be submitted to Racquel C. Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, QPA. The submission deadline is precisely 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the City Council Chamber located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Envelopes must be clearly marked "PROPOSAL FOR WATER AND SEWER LINE SERVICE WARRANTY PROGRAM." While no bid security or performance bond percentage is specified for submission, the awarded contractor will be required to maintain comprehensive insurance, including General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $3,000,000 aggregate), Workers' Compensation, Automotive Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $3,000,000 aggregate), and Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence). Inquiries and requests for clarification must be submitted in writing via email or facsimile no later than the end of the business day on April 4, 2023, to Racquel C. Ferguson, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162 or faxed at (862) 444-0101.