REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFQ/RFP) FOR THE BLOCK 587, LOTS 3.01, 3.02 AND 3.03 REDEVELOPMENT AREA

The City of Linden, New Jersey, is soliciting Requests for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/RFP) from qualified developers for the acquisition and comprehensive redevelopment of Block 587, Lots 3.01, 3.02, and 3.03. This approximately 25.03-acre site, located in the southeastern part of the city, was formerly a disused chemical/gas manufacturing facility and is currently designated as an "area in need of non-condemnation redevelopment." The overarching goal is to revitalize this underutilized area by developing assembly and packaging facilities, data centers, public utilities, tank farms, manufacturing, processing, fabrication, assembly, or other industrial service uses. The project aims to eliminate blight and create an attractive, visually appealing environment. Proposals offering alternatives to the existing Redevelopment Plan, which outlines these specific industrial uses, will be considered, potentially requiring an amendment to the plan. Respondents must acknowledge that the Redevelopment Area contains extensive environmental contamination, is listed on the National Priorities List (a Superfund Site), and is offered for purchase "as is," with all due diligence regarding environmental conditions being the sole responsibility of the respondent without reimbursement from the Issuer. The Redevelopment Plan, prepared February 7, 2020, and adopted April 21, 2020, sets the standards for development. Contractors are required to demonstrate significant financial capacity to implement the proposed development, including the acquisition of the Redevelopment Area. This includes providing a detailed summary of anticipated investment capital (debt and equity), a list of three financial references (including a banking reference), and audited financial statements for the general partner or controlling entity for the last three years. Furthermore, respondents must provide evidence of their ability to secure builder's risk insurance and performance bonding capacity. Technical qualifications are critical, demanding a description of prior related projects with details on scope, cost, time, completion dates, funding sources, and documented post-construction success. Respondents should also list current or pending projects and provide three public entity references for similar development work. While not mandatory, a Pre-Submission Conference was held telephonically on May 26, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., for prospective developers to discuss the project and RFQ/RFP. Responses must be submitted electronically via email by the strict deadline of June 18, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. prevailing time. Email submissions should be sent to William W. Northgrave, Esq. at wnorthgrave@msbnj.com, UNLOCK James E. Polles, Esq. at jpolles@msbnj.com, UNLOCK with a copy to awhelan@linden-nj.org. UNLOCK Respondents should be prepared to provide an original and ten hard copies of their response, along with any additional documentation required by the City and its Purchasing Agent, at a future date. Key submission requirements include an Executive Summary detailing the proposed purchase price, a Respondent’s Statement for Public Disclosure, a Statement of Qualifications and Financial Responsibility, a Letter of Intent, an Acknowledgment of Addenda, a Request for Qualifications Checklist, a Non-Collusion Affidavit, and an Affirmative Action Statement. While no specific bid security is required at submission, the Linden Planning Board may require performance guarantees during site plan approval. All communications, questions, or clarification requests were to be directed in writing to Alex Lospinoso, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, at ALospinoso@linden-nj.org, UNLOCK by May 29, 2020. The City of Linden reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.