BOND COUNSEL SERVICES

The City of Jersey City's Law Department is seeking Bond Counsel Services through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the period from January 1st, 2025 through December 31st, 2025. The procurement requires a paper-only submission with original signatures, due by April 29th, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. to a dedicated lockbox at the Division of Purchasing. The selected bond counsel will be responsible for comprehensive legal support including preparing and reviewing bond ordinances, public finance resolutions, bond anticipation notes, special emergency notes, tax anticipation notes, general obligation bonds, preliminary and official statements, and Local Finance Board applications. Evaluation criteria will include the firm's experience, reputation, knowledge of the Law Department, government experience, availability, and commitment to equal opportunity. Respondents must provide a detailed qualification statement that outlines their proposed base fee for each transaction type, incremental fees based on obligation par amounts, and hourly rates for services that do not result in bond issuance. Compensation will be transactional, with fees determined by the specific financial obligations and services rendered.

The RFQ demonstrates a commitment to diversity, with evaluation factors explicitly including support for minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE). While no specific set-aside percentages are mentioned, the procurement language suggests preference for diverse and inclusive legal service providers. Respondents are required to provide comprehensive fee structures, including proposed base fees for different transaction types, with compensation structured as both transactional (for bond issuances) and hourly (for non-issuance services). Hourly rate submissions must include individual service provider rates, time estimates, expenses, and a total "not to exceed" amount. The document does not specify an exact budget range or total contract value, but the compensation methodology suggests flexibility based on actual services performed. Potential respondents must demonstrate substantial experience in bond counsel law and provide detailed documentation of their qualifications, with an emphasis on transparency, expertise, and ability to support the City of Jersey City's financial legal needs.