Accountant and Financial Consulting Services

The City of East Orange Board of Water Commissioners (EOWC) is actively soliciting qualification proposals from highly experienced persons and/or firms for comprehensive Accountant and Financial Consulting Services. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to secure a professional entity for the period spanning January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, providing critical financial support to the City of East Orange. The extensive scope of work includes offering operational and financial advisory services aligned with utility industry standards, encompassing metered revenue capture, customer service billing and collection systems, capital project execution and monitoring at a financial level, and support for capital financing and existing debt management in collaboration with bond counsel and NJIB. Furthermore, the selected consultant will produce monthly and balance-of-year forecasts for revenue and expenses, inspect financial transactions for regulatory compliance, advise on legislative changes impacting financial records, and provide dedicated staff support, including a minimum of one employee on a part-time basis for seven days a month to assist the Commission’s Finance Team with statements and audit reporting, alongside remote assistance for calls, meetings, and reporting. Additional responsibilities involve attending EOBWC Monthly Commissioner’s meetings and Committee Calls, managing expense invoice review and recording, maintaining the General Ledger and all books of account, reconciling checking accounts, preparing checks, compiling various financial reports, aiding in the preparation of the Annual Budget, and assisting the City’s retained auditor by providing necessary financial information, ensuring compliance with grant funding and state recordkeeping requirements. The contract term for these professional services will be for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, as per N.J.S.A. 40A: 11-3(b). To be considered for these critical municipal finance services, prospective contractors must meet stringent qualifications demonstrating their expertise and experience. Mandatory minimum requirements include possessing a valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and a valid Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) license, both issued by the appropriate authority of the State of New Jersey. Firms are also required to have a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience specifically in providing auditing services to municipalities within the State of New Jersey. The proposal must detail the names and roles of individuals who will perform the tasks, along with descriptions of their education and experience relevant to the services outlined. Importantly, the selected firm must assign senior staff members as regular support for the City, with these individuals having at least ten (10) years of experience in audit services and other requested specialized services. Maintaining a current principal office within the State of New Jersey is also a prerequisite. Respondents should provide documented past performance, references demonstrating a record of success in similar services, and a comprehensive description of their ability to provide the services in a timely fashion, including staffing plans, familiarity with the subject matter, and the location of key staff. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated for this RFQ. All Qualification Proposals must be submitted and received by Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time. Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud at the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement. Interested firms must prepare and submit one (1) unbound original, four (4) additional sets, and one (1) thumb drive of their sealed submission. The submission package must be enclosed in a sealed envelope clearly bearing the name of the consultant and the title “ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES” on the outside, addressed to the PURCHASING AGENT, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Proposals can be delivered in person to the Division of Procurement, First Floor, City Hall, or sent by mail, ensuring receipt prior to the specified opening time. A comprehensive list of required submission documents, including a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notices, Business Registration Certificate, and a Qualification Affidavit, must be completed in their entirety and included in the submission package. For any questions pertaining to the RFQ, potential respondents should contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.