Municipal Budget Consultant (for City Council)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, Division of Procurement, is soliciting qualification proposals through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Municipal Budget Consultant to serve the City Council. This critical professional service aims to secure expertise for the financial records and the Calendar Year 2025 Municipal Budget, covering the period from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The selected firm or individual will be responsible for a comprehensive scope of work, including reviewing, analyzing, and providing expert guidance on the municipal budget. Key responsibilities encompass meeting directly with City Council members and Administration as necessary, actively participating in all City Council budget hearing meetings, attending City Council meetings where formal budget actions are scheduled, and generating relevant financial reports as requested by a majority of the City Council. This engagement is crucial for transparent and effective financial oversight within the City of East Orange. Prospective contractors must demonstrate a robust set of qualifications to be considered for this municipal budget consultant role. Mandatory requirements include a deep knowledge of modern government budgeting problems, concepts, practices, and methods, along with their practical application to specific situations. Candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) years of direct experience in the development, evaluation, analysis, and revision of budgetary control systems, as well as in budget preparation and presentation. Furthermore, successful respondents need at least five (5) years of experience with the New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budget, a thorough understanding of New Jersey Budget Laws and Regulations, and must be either a Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) or a Certified Municipal Financial Officer (CMFO) in the State of New Jersey, each with a minimum of five years' experience. Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate per policy period is also a prerequisite for the awarded contract. Qualification proposals for this professional services solicitation are due on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM prevailing time. Submissions must be delivered to the Purchasing Agent at the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Proposals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope clearly marked "MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Council)" or "MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTING SERVICES FOR CITY COUNCIL". Required submission elements include one original unbound proposal, two copies, and one electronic copy on a thumb drive. Critical documents such as Non-Collusion Affidavits, Disclosure of Ownership Forms, Business Registration Certificates (N.J.S.A. 52:32-44), EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notices (N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.), and other specified forms listed in the checklist must be completed and submitted. For any questions regarding the RFQ, interested parties should contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.