Municipal Budget Consultant (for City Administration)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Qualification Proposals for Municipal Budget Consultant Services to support its City Administration through a comprehensive Request for Qualifications (RFQ). This crucial role requires expertise in modern government budgeting problems, concepts, practices, and methods, alongside statistical and research theory application. The extensive scope of work includes assisting the City with the development of the 2026 budget, creating 2024 and 2025 budget models, and designing various analytical tools for the 2025 budget. The chosen consultant will provide critical support and guidance to the internal budget team, including the City Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, and Budget Director, ensuring coordination among department directors and outside advisors for the 2025 and 2026 budgets. Additionally, the consultant will engage with local and state officials, and potentially key stakeholders, to explore new revenue sources and facilitate broader budget restructuring. Further responsibilities involve collaborating with City departments to develop "dashboard" analytical tools, offering management considerations, and preparing detailed reports as directed. Key deliverables include reviewing the 2025 budget for modifications, developing new revenue strategies for 2025, and providing an in-depth analysis of the 2024 and 2025 budgets with recommendations for 2025. The contract term is one year, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Contractor qualifications for this essential Municipal Budget Consultant position are rigorous, emphasizing a deep understanding of New Jersey's municipal financial environment. Prospective firms or individuals must possess a minimum of five (5) years of significant experience in the development, evaluation, analysis, and revision of budgetary control systems, combined with proven expertise in budget preparation and presentation. A thorough knowledge of New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budget processes, laws, and regulations is indispensable. Furthermore, applicants must be professionally licensed or certified, specifically as a Registered Municipal Accountant in the State of New Jersey, and/or a Certified Municipal Financial Officer in the State of New Jersey, with at least five years of experience in their respective capacities. Mandatory minimum submission requirements dictate the inclusion of the legal name and address of the entity, documentation of years in business with specific New Jersey municipal budget experience, comprehensive resumes of assigned Budget Consultant personnel, and the names and contact information for three (3) current calendar year municipal budget clients for professional references. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are scheduled for this Request for Qualifications. Qualification Proposals are due to the Purchasing Agent in the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The firm deadline for submission is Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM prevailing time, when proposals will be publicly opened. Submissions must be securely sealed in an envelope, prominently displaying the consultant’s name and the title "MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTING SERVICES FOR CITY ADMINISTRATION." Delivery can be made via mail or in-person to the Division of Procurement, First Floor, City Hall. Required submission materials include one (1) original unbound proposal, two (2) hard copies, and one (1) electronic copy on a thumb drive. Extensive documentation is required, such as a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement, various EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notices, a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, Professional Services Entity Information Form, Qualification Affidavit, Submission Form, Acknowledgment of Corrections, Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran, Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus, Statement of Indebtedness, Agreement for Payment of Commodity/Service, Letter of Intent, and Letter of Qualification. For specific inquiries regarding the RFQ process, interested parties should contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162. No explicit bid security or performance bonds are indicated in the provided documentation.