Special Redevelopment Counsel Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for Special Redevelopment Counsel Services to represent the City in municipal redevelopment matters. This professional legal service engagement will operate under the direction and supervision of the City’s Office of Corporation Counsel. The comprehensive scope of work includes specialized knowledge and experience in Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, land use law, tax abatements, local public contracts, and zoning. Responding counsel will be responsible for reviewing Contracts of Sale, drafting Redevelopment Agreements, Financial Agreements, and Escrow Agreements, and possessing specialized knowledge concerning Bonds. Services are anticipated on an "as needed" basis, encompassing representation in all necessary aspects, meeting attendance, and providing other specialized legal assistance, with the potential for one or more firms to be selected. Prospective contractors must demonstrate robust professional, financial, and administrative capabilities, including a proven record of litigation experience across Federal, Superior, Appellate, and Workers’ Compensation courts. Required qualifications also include comprehensive resumes for all key employees and attorneys assigned to the City, a detailed description of relevant experience, a listing of past engagements with municipal government clients over the last three to five years, and a clear understanding of the City's needs and goals. Furthermore, respondents must confirm appropriate federal and state licenses to perform legal activities and disclose all immediate relatives who are City employees or elected officials. Mandatory insurance coverage includes Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per claim and a $2,000,000 aggregate per policy period, with proof required upon contract award. Submissions for this RFQ are due no later than 12:00 P.M. on November 28, 2023. Proposals must consist of one original, three hard copies, and one electronic copy, all submitted in a sealed envelope. Facsimile or email transmissions will not be accepted. All materials must be mailed or hand-delivered to the East Orange Division of Procurement, attention Racquel Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, located at East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Essential documents for submission include various compliance forms, a Business Registration Certificate, a Qualification Affidavit, a detailed Submission Form outlining proposed hourly rates for litigation and general services (paid directly by the municipality or out of escrows), a Letter of Intent, and a Letter of Qualification. For inquiries or to obtain RFQ copies, contact Racquel Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162 or via fax at (862) 444-0101.