WATER AND SEWER LINE SERVICE WARRANTY PROGRAM

The City of East Orange Board of Water Commissioners (EOBWC) is soliciting competitive contract proposals for the implementation and administration of a Water and Sewer Line Service Warranty Program. This vital initiative aims to provide residential, commercial, and industrial customers with a voluntary and affordable solution to address the financial burden and logistical challenges associated with unexpected failures of privately-owned water service lines and sewer lateral lines, which are often not covered by standard homeowner's insurance. The comprehensive scope of work requires the selected vendor to cover the inspection, investigation, repair, and/or replacement of all components from the customer's home or structure to the curb stop for water lines, and from the main house/structure drain to the EOBWC sewer main for sewer laterals. This includes all labor, materials, permitting costs, and necessary site restoration, such as backfilling, reseeding, and replacement of concrete walkways or pavements, all performed in strict compliance with state and local codes. The EOBWC is also exploring a model where it might absorb the first year's warranty costs for all customers, with a clear cost proposal required for this scenario. Proposing firms must demonstrate extensive and relevant experience, including at least five years of working with governmental entities, preferably municipal utilities, in providing similar water and/or sewer line warranty programs. Successful contractors performing repair and replacement services must be licensed Master Plumbers, approved to do business in the State of New Jersey, with a valid and active plumbing license. A licensed plumber must be present on-site for all work requiring such certification. Respondents are also required to provide a description of their firm's experience with jurisdictions comparable to East Orange in terms of age, customer accounts, population, and socioeconomic demographics, along with at least three client references. Mandatory qualifications include maintaining a recent "A+ accredited Better Business Bureau rating" for at least five years and providing documentation of financial strength. The vendor will be responsible for all program aspects, including marketing, billing, 24/7 customer service via a toll-free number, dispatching contractors, and rigorous quality assurance. Sealed proposals for this competitive contract are to be submitted to the City of East Orange's Purchasing Agent, Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA. Submissions must include one original, three hard copies, and one electronic copy on CD-ROM or USB Flash Drive. The submission package must be clearly marked "PROPOSAL FOR WATER AND SEWER LINE SERVICE WARRANTY PROGRAM" with the company name on the exterior. The definitive deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. Proposals must be delivered to the City Council Chamber, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018; facsimile or email submissions will not be accepted. Bids must remain firm for a period of sixty (60) days after the submission deadline. No specific bid security, such as a bid bond or certified check, is explicitly required in the provided text. Any questions or requests for clarification regarding the RFP were due in writing via email or facsimile by April 4, 2023.