Municipal budget consultant services for city administration

The City of East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey is requesting qualifications for Municipal Budget Consultant services for City Administration under a one-year contract term (January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027), with qualifications due December 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. via PlanetBids. Respondents must hold either a Registered Municipal Accountant or Certified Municipal Financial Officer credential in New Jersey — a mandatory eligibility requirement.

The scope encompasses development and revision of the 2027 municipal budget and 2025–2026 budget models, analytical support to the City Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, and Budget Director, stakeholder engagement on revenue sources and budget restructuring, development of analytical dashboard tools, and preparation of strategic analyses and reports. Deliverables include budget review and modification, new revenue strategy development, and in-depth comparative analysis of 2026 and 2027 budgets with recommendations.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience developing, evaluating, analyzing, and revising budgetary control systems and budget preparation and presentation, with specific knowledge of New Jersey Calendar Year Municipal Budgets and New Jersey Budget Laws and Regulations. Submissions must include firm legal name and address, years in business, resumes of assigned personnel, and contact information for three current municipal budget clients, plus 19 required compliance documents (non-collusion affidavits, ownership disclosures, EEO/Affirmative Action certifications, business registration certificates, and certifications regarding Iran investment activities and Russia/Belarus involvement).

Evaluation is weighted equally across qualifications of individuals performing services (25%), experience and references (25%), ability to perform services timely including staffing (25%), and cost including hourly rates and not-to-exceed amounts (25%). Professional liability insurance with minimum limits of $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate is required. Questions are due November 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. No minimum payment is guaranteed; the City reserves the right to cancel any contract with 30 days written notice. Invoices are due within 60 days and payment processes on the 1st and 15th of each month.