RFQ Bond Counsel 2027

The City of Summit is soliciting Qualification Statements from qualified firms and organizations for the provision of 2027 Legal Services – Bond Counsel. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks to identify professionals with demonstrated expertise in advising the City on municipal finance matters, including general obligation approvals, bond issuances, multi-series bond issues, and notes issued in anticipation of bonds. The scope of work also encompasses research for complex legal questions, review and preparation of specialized financing documents, providing special tax counsel opinions, and attending necessary meetings, all aimed at securing high-quality, cost-effective legal services beneficial to Summit taxpayers. Prospective respondents must demonstrate robust professional, administrative, and financial capabilities, along with a willingness to deliver high-quality services. Key requirements include compliance with the New Jersey Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 et seq.), Summit Pay to Play Ordinance 2-90, Affirmative Action (N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27), Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC S12101 et seq.), and Business Registration (N.J.S.A. 52:32-44). Firms must submit an executive summary, executed Letters of Qualification and Intent, and a Payment Conditions and Rate Schedules Form. Required documentation also includes a description of the firm's business organization, ownership details (especially principals with 10% or more ownership), years in business, current management, disclosure of any professional malpractice judgments within the last three years, or bankruptcy/re-organization proceedings within ten years, and a copy of their New Jersey Business Registration Certificate. Firms must detail their overall experience in bond counsel services, provide at least two references, submit resumes of key employees, and articulate their understanding of the City’s specific needs and goals. An original and one copy of the Qualification Statement must be submitted to Tammie Baldwin, City Administrator, City of Summit, located at 512 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901. Submissions are strictly accepted via hand delivery, delivery service, or US Postal Service, with no acceptance for facsimile transmissions or e-mail. The mandatory submission deadline is November 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. prevailing time. Statements not received by this deadline or those that are incomplete will be rejected. All communications regarding this RFQ must be directed in writing to the Designated Contact Person, Tammie Baldwin, City Administrator. No bid security or performance bonds are specified for this Request for Qualifications.