Request for Proposals for the Preparation of Green Acres/Open Space Funding
Applications from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025

Introduction
 
Pursuant to the Fair and Open Process described under N.J.S.A. 19:44A-1, et seq., the City of Union City (“City”) seeks proposals in response to this Request for Proposals ("RFP") for individual or firms to provide professional services to the City in the preparation of applications for Green Acres and other open space funding, for a contract term from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.  All candidates are required to comply with N.J.S.A. 10:5-31, et seq., and N.J.A.C. 17:27, et seq. as amended (Affirmative Action, see Exhibit A attached hereto).  The successful candidate must be a licensed planner in the state of New Jersey and have knowledge of the requirements of the NJ. DEP Green Acres program N.J.S.A. 7:36, et seq., and experience in preparing an application packet to obtain Green Acres and similar funding for the acquisition and/or development of open space/park property.  The successful candidate will provide the City with services related, but not necessarily limited to:

1. Preparation of an application for Green Acres and other funding in accordance with the regulations set forth in N.J.A.C. 7:36, et seq. in a form appropriate for submission and approval.
    
2. Preparation of any supplemental or explanatory material or amendments as required and subsequently requested by Green Acres or other agency personnel during the review of the application.
    
3. Attendance at any public hearing required by Green Acres or other agency personnel and attendance at any meetings required by Green Acres whether in Union City or offices of Green Acres or other agency personnel to explain the programs eligibility, cost, funding and other aspects of the program.
    
4. Filing of all reports required by the Green Acres or other agency program.
    
5. Maintenance of all required records.
    
6. Monitoring the City's compliance with all required State regulations.
    
7. Preparation of other open space/ park property funding applications.
    
8. The vendor shall provide monthly billing statements that include a brief statement showing the original amount of the Contract, any increases established by amendment to the Contract, the amount previously billed under the Contract, and the total amount of unbilled funds remaining available under the Contract, and the total amount of unbilled funds remaining available under the Contract after deduction of the most recent amount billed.  A copy of each billing statement shall be made available to the State Fiscal Oversight Officer upon request.

Each candidate shall submit proof of business registration with the New Jersey Division of Taxation (P.L. 2004, C.57) prior to the award of contract, but preferably with their proposal,  and must comply with the Affirmative Action requirements contained at N.J.A.C. 17:27, et seq.  (See Exhibit A attached hereto).

Proposers are advised that the contract with the successful proposer will permit the City to make payments to the successful proposer for approved services in accordance with, and within the time permitted by, the law governing prompt payment of public contracts for the purchase of goods and services.

Professional Information and Qualifications

In addition to the forms included herewith, each interested candidate shall submit the following information:

1. Name of firm or individual;
    
2. Address of principal place of business and other offices and corresponding telephone and fax numbers. Please note specifically which consultants will be assigned to work with the City;
    
3. Description of candidate's education, experience, qualifications, number of years with the firm and a description of their experience with projects similar to those described above;
    
4. Description of candidate's experience related to preparing grant applications;
    
5. Description of candidate's experience and knowledge of the Department of Environmental Protection and its Green Acres program as well as other funding sources;
    
6. The candidate's ability to provide the services in a timely fashion (including staffing, familiarity and location of key staff);
    
7.  Cost details, including the hourly rates of each of the individuals who will perform the services and the time estimates for each individual, all expenses, and a total cost of "not to exceed" amount;
    
8. Any other information which the interested firm deems relevant;
    
9. Statement of Ownership Disclosure (form provided);
    
10. Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form (prior to the award of contract but preferably with the proposal. Form provided);
     
11. Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus (Prior to the award of contract but preferably with the proposal. Form provided);
     
12. Business Registration Certificate (prior to the award of contract but preferably with the proposal);  
     
13. Statement, see attached, executed by a corporate officer, member, partner or   sole proprietor certifying that there are no prior or pending ethics complaints against them or their company; and
     
14. The successful proposer must comply with the requirements set forth in the Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity language included herewith (Exhibit A).

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria used in awarding a contract or agreement for professional services as described herein shall include:

1. Qualifications of the individuals who will perform the tasks and the degree of their respective participation;
    
2. Experience and references;
    
3. Ability to perform the task in a timely fashion, including staffing and familiarity with the subject matter; and
    
4. Cost competitiveness; and
    
5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Submission Requirements

Sealed proposals will be publicly opened by the Acting Union City Clerk in her offices at Union City Hall, 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, at 1:15 PM on November 26, 2024.  Sealed proposals must be received no later than 1:15 PM  on November 26, 2024 by:

Hilda I. Rosario, Acting City Clerk
City of Union City
3715 Palisade Avenue
Union City, New Jersey 07087

Please submit one original and two (2) copies of the RFP.  Use white 8 ½” x 11” paper.

View Full Notice Document