RFP: Newark Community Solutions Program

The City of Newark, New Jersey Department of Administration issued RFP 2025-101, the Newark Community Solutions Program, seeking qualified organizations to operate a community solutions center providing restorative justice services for low-level, non-violent offenders. The procurement is administered through the City's e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newarknj, with electronic submissions required by 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, followed by public bid opening via Zoom (Meeting ID: 949 706 0885) and in-person at the Division of Central Purchasing. The selected contractor must provide resource coordination, alternative sanctions services, compliance monitoring, counseling, case management, and other support services to operate Newark's Community Court and Youth Court. The contract term spans twelve consecutive months with two two-year renewal options, with compensation structured as hourly rates for all personnel classifications performing work under the contract, based on actual hours worked and submitted invoices. Evaluation will be assessed across seven criteria totaling 100 points: Experience and Reputation in the Field (20 points), Knowledge of the City's Municipal Court (15 points), Knowledge and Experience of Scope of Work Areas (20 points), Availability to Accommodate Changes Based on Needs and Data (15 points), and three approval-related criteria (10 points each). Proposers must submit a detailed Rate Schedule, minimum three references demonstrating prior completion of similar contracts within the last three years, resumes for key personnel, evidence of experience with governmental agencies, New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, W-9 form, Certificate of Employee Information Report or AA-302 application, non-collusion affidavit, Federal debarment certification, Hold Harmless agreement, and compliance disclosures regarding Russia-Belarus activities and Iran investments. The deadline for submitting questions is December 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM.

The RFP documents do not explicitly identify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, women-owned enterprises, or other restricted categories; however, the procurement requires compliance with affirmative action and non-discrimination laws applicable to state and local contracts. No incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requiring integration are identified in the procurement materials. The estimated annual expenditure for the Newark Community Solutions Program is $185,000, though actual usage may vary based on service demands and operational needs. All successful proposers must comply with mandatory state certifications and disclosures, including Federal Non-Debarment Certification, Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran, and Certification of Noninvolvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus, as required under New Jersey law. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and will conduct discussions with proposers if clarification is necessary prior to award determination.