MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Council)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, through its Division of Procurement, is actively seeking Qualification Proposals from experienced individuals and/or firms to provide comprehensive Municipal Budget Consultant Services specifically for its City Council. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) aims to secure a qualified consultant to thoroughly review, analyze, and offer strategic guidance on the Calendar Year 2025 Municipal Budget. The core scope of work for the successful respondent will include meeting with City Council members, attending critical City Council budget hearing meetings, conducting necessary meetings with the City Administration, being present at all City Council meetings where formal action on the budget is scheduled, and delivering relevant financial reports as requested by a majority of the City Council. The intended contract term for these vital services spans one year, commencing on January 1, 2025, and concluding on December 31, 2025. Prospective contractors must possess a robust understanding of modern government budgeting challenges, concepts, practices, and methodologies, coupled with expertise in statistical and research theory and procedures. Mandatory qualifications require a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in the development, evaluation, analysis, and revision of budgetary control systems, as well as in budget preparation and presentation within a municipal context. Additionally, candidates must have five years of experience specifically with the New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budget, a profound knowledge of New Jersey Budget Laws and Regulations, and be either a Registered Municipal Accountant in the State of New Jersey or a Certified Municipal Financial Officer, each with at least five years of relevant experience. Qualification proposals must include the legal name and address of the individual or firm, years in business, detailed resumes of the personnel assigned to the project, and contact information for three current municipal budget clients for reference verification. Completed Qualification Proposals must be submitted to the Purchasing Agent in the East Orange City Hall, Division of Procurement, on or before Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM prevailing time. All proposals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, prominently bearing the consultant's name and clearly marked with the title “MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONSULTANT (for City Council)” on the exterior. Submissions can be sent via mail or hand-delivered to the Division of Procurement, First Floor, City Hall, located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The City of East Orange does not explicitly require bid security or performance bonds for this specific Request for Qualifications. For any inquiries or clarification regarding this solicitation, interested parties are directed to contact Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.