Grants Consultant Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for comprehensive Grants Consultant Services. This competitive contracting process aims to secure expert assistance in grants management, enabling the City to acquire various external funding opportunities across multiple key areas. The scope of work encompasses two primary task areas: Grant Research and Grant Writing. Grant Research involves identifying potential funding sources, including public grants, private foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships, while meticulously presenting all grant requirements, criteria, matching fund stipulations, reporting obligations, and terms and conditions. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible for tracking state and federal funding opportunities pertinent to the City's objectives and conducting an onsite needs assessment to develop strategic funding acquisition plans. Priority areas for grant identification include Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Economic Development, the Police Department, and the Fire Department. The second core task, Grant Writing, requires the consultant to facilitate and conduct responses to grant proposals on behalf of various City departments. This includes developing compelling narratives, providing other writing services, gathering necessary statistical data, securing letters of support, preparing detailed budgets, and ensuring final submissions meet all requirements. The consultant will also prepare written summaries of all grant reporting requirements, criteria, obligations, matching fund details, terms and conditions, deadlines, and evaluation criteria prior to submission. Furthermore, advising the City on the equity of grant amounts versus required grant management, overseeing administrative services to meet grant requirements, and preparing/reviewing grant reports and applications are crucial components. Professional Service Contractors must adhere to New Jersey statutes including N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (Equal Employment Opportunities), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). Mandatory requirements also include a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Respondents must provide a detailed Qualification Statement outlining their firm's activities, personnel, location, and three client references for similar services, including contact information and project details. Key personnel credentials and professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate are also required. Sealed RFQ responses for Grants Consultant Services must be submitted by Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM, to the Purchasing Agent in the Municipal Council Chamber, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Submittal packages must be clearly marked "GRANTS CONSULTANT SERVICES" and include one (1) original, two (2) copies, and one (1) electronic/thumb drive. Detailed Request for Proposals documents are available for download from www.eastorange-nj.gov or can be obtained on-site from the Division of Procurement for a non-refundable fee of $25.00, payable to the City of East Orange. All proposals must remain firm for sixty (60) days after the submission date. For any questions or clarifications regarding this solicitation, interested parties should contact Racquel C Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162. No specific bid security or performance bonds are mentioned for the submission phase. The initial contract term is one year, with an option for two additional one-year extensions based on mutual agreement and the New Jersey "Index Rate."