Municipal Auditor and/or Financial Advisor Services

The City of East Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure professional Municipal Auditor and/or Financial Advisor Services. The comprehensive scope of work for the selected firm includes conducting a statutory audit of all City funds and records for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. This also involves performing rigorous tests of internal controls and ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements, specifically a federal and state single audit in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and NJ OMB Circular 04-04. Further responsibilities include the preparation of the City’s audited statutory financial statements, review of the annual budget, and providing essential accounting and tax guidance throughout the year. The chosen advisor will also be required to meet with the Mayor, Administration, and City Council as necessary, advise on legislative changes impacting record-keeping, and offer general financial and budgetary advice and analysis. The contract term is for one year, covering January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Prospective contractors must meet stringent qualification criteria to be considered for these critical financial services. Firms are mandated to possess a valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and a valid Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) license, both issued by the appropriate authority in the State of New Jersey. A minimum of ten (10) years of verifiable experience in providing comprehensive auditing services to municipalities within the State of New Jersey is strictly required. Additionally, the selected firm must commit to assigning senior staff members to the City's account, with each individual possessing at least ten years of experience in audit services and other specified RFQ services. Maintaining a current principal office within the State of New Jersey is a mandatory requirement. Respondents should also articulate their in-depth knowledge of municipal auditing laws and regulations, demonstrate extensive experience in advising municipal entities on records compliance, and highlight expertise in supporting budget development processes and other financially relevant tasks for municipalities comparable in size to East Orange. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are scheduled for this solicitation. Qualification Proposals must be submitted by the firm deadline of Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. prevailing time. Each submission package must consist of one unbound original, four additional hard copies, and one compact disc (CD) containing all required documents. Proposals must be securely enclosed in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with the consultant's name and the title "MUNICIPAL AUDITOR AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES," and addressed to the Purchasing Agent, City of East Orange, City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Delivery should be made to the Division of Procurement, First Floor. Essential submission documents include, but are not limited to, a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, a copy of the Certificate of Employee Information Report, a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, Professional Services Entity Information Form, and a Qualification Affidavit. While no specific bid security or bonds are mentioned, professional liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 aggregate per policy period is a mandatory requirement. All inquiries regarding this RFQ should be directed to Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, the Purchasing Agent, via phone at (973) 266-5162.