2025 RFQ - Planning Services

C ITY OF E LIZABETH , C OUNTY OF U NION , N EW J ERSEY REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS PROFES S IONAL PLANNING SERVICES Contract Term JULY 1, 202 5 through JUNE 30, 202 6 SUBMISSION DEADLINE 4 :00 P .M. MAY 29TH , 202 5 ADDRESS ALL QUALIFICATIONS STATEMENT PROPOSALS IN THE FORM REQUIRED IN THE SPECIFICATIONS AND ONE (1) ORIGINAL AND ( 2 ) COPIES MUST BE DELIVERED TO: MARIA Z CARVALHO DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY OF ELIZABETH 50 WINFIELD SCOTT PLAZA – Room 114 ELIZABETH, NJ 07201 - 2 - GENERAL INFORMATION & SUMMARY ORGANIZATION REQUESTING QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS (PROPOSALS) CITY OF ELIZABETH DEPARTME NT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 50 WINFIELD SCOTT PLAZA – ROOM 114 ELIZABETH, NJ 07201 CONTACT PERSON MARIA Z. CARVALHO DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COMMU N ITY DEVELOPMENT CITY OF ELIZABETH 50 WINFIELD SCOTT PLAZA – ROOM 114 ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY 07201 (908) 820 - 4 072 E - MAIL: MCARVALHO @elizabethnj.org PURPOSE OF REQUEST Th is document, entitled a Request for Qualifications for Planner . This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is for the sole purpose of pre - qualifying prospective planning consultants based on Qualification Statements and experience achieved for the above category of professional planning services. This RFQ does not constitute a bid and is intended solely to obtain qualifications from which the City may choose a planner that best meets its needs. It is the City's intent that no statutory, regulatory, or common law bidding requirement apply to this RFQ. The City intends to award contracts for these services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11 - 5 (a)(i) and Chapter 19, P.L. 2004 - N.J.S.A. 19:44A - 20. 5 et seq. One or more individuals/firms may be selected to provide services. Accordingly, this Request For Qualifications is being solicited under a fair and open process. PERIOD OF CONTRACT July 1, 202 5 through June 30 , 202 6 . CONTRACT FORM The successful Firm shall be required to execute the City ’ s contract, which includes the indemnification, insurance, termination and licensing provisions. It is also agreed and understood that the acceptance of the final payment by Contractor shall be considered a release in full of all claims against the City arising out of, or by reason of, the work done and materials furnished under this Contract. - 3 - DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNING SERVICES FOR THE PLANNING BOARD AND BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS 1. CITY OF ELIZABETH - FACTS AND FIGURES – The City of Elizabeth is a legal, governmental entity. The City was incorporated in 1855 and operates under N.J.S.A 40:69A - 1 et seq. , “the Optional Municipal Charter Law - Mayor - Council Plan.” The legislative authority and responsibilities of the City of Elizabeth is vested in the elected nine - member City Council. The executive power of the City is exercised by the Mayor who is responsible for enforcing the ordinances and general laws of the City. The Planning Board is established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D - 1, et seq., “T he Municipal Land Use Law” and Chapter 17.12 of the Code of the City of Elizabeth . The City of Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey. The City’s population is in excess of 120,000 and it consists of approximately 11.7 square miles of area. The City employs approximately 1,200 people. A regional center of labor, retail, manufacturing, and transportation, the City is also the County seat of Union County, attracting the corresponding concentration of government, legal and related professional services. The largest employment sectors in the City include commercial, health, transportation, construction, retail and light industry. The City’s operating budget is approximately $170 million. It provides a variety of services consisting of police and fire protection, maintenance of City streets, water and sewer systems, health and human services, park and recreational facilities, cultural activities, and refuse collection. 2. NATURE/ SCOPE OF S