Planning & Zoning Board Attorney Professional Services RFQ

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified individuals and firms to provide professional legal services as Planning Board Attorney and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment Attorney. The comprehensive scope of work involves offering legal support, advice, and representation to the respective Boards, including preparing for and attending all regular and special meetings, defending litigation arising from Board decisions, drafting essential legal documents such as resolutions, reports, legislation, deeds, covenants, and easements, conducting routine legal research, and reviewing various related correspondence and performance guarantees. These services are vital to ensure the Boards operate effectively and in full compliance with the Municipal Land Use Law and Local Redevelopment Housing Law, supporting the city's development and regulatory processes. Prospective contractors must be Attorneys at Law licensed in the State of New Jersey, possessing demonstrated core competency and extensive experience with Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), Housing, and Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. Evaluation criteria for selection include the firm's experience in the specific practice area, in-depth knowledge of MLUL and Redevelopment Law, familiarity with the geographical area of East Orange, availability, litigation experience, and proven ability to interpret regulations and ordinances. Submitting firms should maintain an active office within a reasonable distance to the City of East Orange, supported by adequate staff. Mandatory compliance requirements include N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq., N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (Contract Compliance and Equal Employment Opportunities in Public Contracts), and N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership). Additionally, successful respondents must maintain Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000.00 per claim and $3,000,000.00 aggregate per policy period. Qualification Proposals are due on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time. Submissions must include one original unbound copy, two bound copies, and one electronic copy, clearly marked "PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY AND/OR ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ATTORNEY" on a sealed envelope. Proposals should be delivered to the City of East Orange, Division of Procurement, Municipal Building, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 applies for RFP packets obtained physically from the Division of Procurement. The awarded contract will be for a one-year term, with legal services billed at an hourly rate not exceeding $200 and an annual total amount to the City not exceeding $30,000, excluding invoices covered by applicant escrows. All inquiries regarding this RFQ should be directed to Racquel C Ferguson, Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent, via email at racquel.ferguson@eastorange-nj.gov UNLOCK or phone at (973) 266-5162.