Planning Board & Zoning Board of Adjustment Consultant

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting proposals through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Planning Board & Zoning Board of Adjustment Consultant Services. This competitive contracting process, aligned with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1(k), et seq., seeks a highly experienced consultant to provide comprehensive municipal planning assistance. The core project involves offering technical guidance for the municipal planning process, aiding the Planning Director in preparing professional development materials for both Boards, reviewing submitted plans and comments from city agencies, and drafting memoranda detailing pending projects and recommended actions for the Planning and Zoning Boards. Additionally, the consultant will be required to attend regular and special meetings of both Boards, including conference meetings with municipal entities and private developers, prepare an annual planner's report for the Boards, review all referrals including zoning and land use ordinances, and assist the Land Use Administrator in processing applications and establishing hearing procedures. The role also involves reviewing Site Plan Advisory Committee meeting minutes and other directed matters, with a requirement to serve regular office hours every Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm at East Orange City Hall for site visits and meetings. This engagement is critical for effective land use and development oversight within the municipality. Prospective contractors must demonstrate significant experience in municipal planning and a proven track record in drafting planner’s reports concerning development applications. Crucially, respondents must hold a current State of N.J. Professional Planners license and possess AICP certification, as these are explicit evaluation criteria for "Expertise." Firms are required to submit a qualification statement detailing their principal activities, personnel numbers, and office locations, along with a list of three clients for whom similar services have been provided, including contact information, dates, costs, scope of service, and status. The identity and credentials of key personnel, including their education, degrees, and certifications, must also be provided. Contractors must comply with requirements such as N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 (Business Registration), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are explicitly stated prior to the submission deadline; however, the successful consultant will be expected to maintain regular in-office hours. Sealed RFQ responses are due by Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 11:00 AM, to be received by the Purchasing Agent in the City Council Chamber, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Submissions must include one (1) original, four (4) copies, and one (1) electronic/jump drive, clearly marked with the project title: "PLANNING BOARD & ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CONSULTANT." Responses can be mailed or delivered to the Division of Procurement, First Floor, City Hall. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for RFP packets picked up on-site, payable to the City of East Orange. Required forms, such as the Proposal Cost/Signature Form, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Stockholder Disclosure, Affirmative Action Statement, and Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda, must be completed and submitted with the proposal. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive minor informalities. For any questions regarding the solicitation, prospective respondents should contact Racquel C Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.