PUBLIC NOTICE FOR THE SOLICITATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
PLEASE INSERT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION GLOBALLY:
Township of West Orange
66 Main Street,
West Orange, New Jersey 07052 Essex County
Panayiota Reynolds,
Purchasing Agent
973-325-4056
Submission Date: February 25, 2026 at 11:00AM
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A.
19:44A-20.5, qualifications are being solicited by the Township of West Orange for the following
professional services for the 2026 calendar year. The submission date is February 25, 2026 at
11:00AM. Proposal packages are available via email to: preynolds@westorange.org or on the
Township website www.westorange.org/bids .
Professional Services Requested: AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNSEL
Please submit sealed request for qualifications no later than February 25, 2026 at 11:00AM to
the Township of West Orange, 66 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052, Attn: Panayiota
Reynolds, QPA. Envelopes should be clearly marked with title of RFQ, name and address of party
submitting, at the address mentioned above and should be mailed or hand delivery will be
accepted at in the Purchasing Office, room 111 at the above address. Bid opening will be held
at the above address in the Council Chambers. Submissions by Corporations, Partnerships and
sole proprietors must include a completed Disclosure of Ownership (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2), a valid
NJ Business Registration Certificate P.L. 2004, c57, and must comply with the Equal Employment
Opportunity requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27. Additional Pay to Play
Requirements Contractors are advised of the responsibility to file an annual disclosure statement
on political contributions with the New Jersey Election Enforcement Commission, pursuant to
N.J.S.A. 19:44-20.13(P.L. 2005, c, 271, s.3), if the contractor receives contracts in excess of
$50,000 in the aggregate from public entities during the calendar year. It is the contractor’s
responsibility to determine if filing is necessary. Additional information on this requirement is
available from ELEC at 888-313-3532 or at www.elec.state.nj.us .
Panayiota Reynolds
Purchasing Agent, R.P.P. S, QPA
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GENERAL INFORMATION SUMMARY ORGANIZATION REQUESTING QUALIFICATIONS
Township of West Orange
66 Main St.
West Orange, NJ 07052
CONTACT PERSON
Panayiota Reynolds
Purchasing Agent, R.P.P.S, QPA
preynolds@westorange.org
Telephone (973) 325-4056
FAX
(973) 736-8380
PURPOSE OF REQUEST
The Township of West Orange will be in need of a variety of Professional Service Contracts during
the calendar year of 2026. This Request for Qualification “RFQ” will serve as a source of reference
for the Township regarding the hire of an individual and or a company for a particular
professional service during this contract period. Submissions will be evaluated in accordance
with the criteria set forth in this RFQ. One or more individuals/firms may be selected to provide
services. Submission of the RFQ does not guarantee the Township will hire your company during
the contract year. The RFQ process allows the Township to be compliant with the "Pay to Play"
rules and regulations of the State of New Jersey. This RFQ represents a "Fair and Open" process
in which we can secure professional services throughout a 12-month time period.
PERIOD OF CONTRACT
In the event respondent’s services are chosen during this 12-month contract period. The
successful respondent shall be required to execute the Township's form contract, which includes
the indemnification, insurance, termination and licensing provisions. A complete copy of a draft
Township form contract is available upon request. The Township Mayor and Council shall
approval such contracts through resolution.
It is also agreed and understood that the acceptance of the final payment by a contractor shall
be considered a release in full of all claims against the Township arising out of, or by reason of, the
work done and material furnished under this contract.
GLOSSARY
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The following definitions shall apply to and are used in this Request for Qualification:
"Township" - refers to the Township of West Orange.
"Qualification Statement" - refers to the complete response to this RFQ submitted by the
Respondents.
"Qualified Respondent" - refers to those Respondents who (in the sole judgment of the.
(Township)) has satisfied the qualification criteria set forth in this RFQ.
"RFQ" --- refers to this Request for Qualification, including any amendments thereof or
supplement thereto.
'Respondent" or 'Respondents"- refers to the interested party that submitted a Qualification
Statement.
Township of West Orange: The Township of West Orange, New Jersey, is the fifth largest
municipality in Essex County, with an area of 12.1 square miles and a population of
approximately 49,000. Due to the Urban Rim District that exists along the border of West
Orange and Orange, the Township considers itself a suburban/urban community that serves as
the County’s transition from a largely depressed urban environment to a middle-class suburban
community. Originally developed as a series of neighborhoods nestled within the Watchung
Mountains, the town still maintains the feel of a collection of distinct communities, each with
its own history and unique challenges. West Orange is also economically and demographically
diverse, with a racial/ethnic composition of approximately 43% White/Non-Hispanic, 27%
Black/African American, 6% Asian, 9% Two or More Races, 0.3% American Indian and Native
Alaskan Alone, and 20% Hispanic/Latino. Additionally, 21.4% of the population is under 18
years old, while 18.6% are aged 65 or older.
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SECTION 1.
The following is a brief description of the professional services needed, including, were
appropriate, a description of tasks involved. Services are not limited to what is described here.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNSEL
Represent the townships interests in establishing and implementing a fourth-round affordable
housing plan, and engaging in related litigation with respect to objectors to said plan and/or
defending the township from builder’s remedy lawsuits. This attorney will serve as Co-counsel
to the Township attorney and work with the township's affordable housing planner and other
professionals associated with the same.
The Affordable Housing Counsel shall be a New Jersey licensed firm or individual with
substantive experience in all aspects of municipal planning including extensive work with
and knowledge of the Fair Housing Act, COAH, affordable housing issues, Master Plans,
Affordable Housing Element of Master Plan, and familiarity with titles 40 & 40A of
The individual primarily assigned shall have at least ten (10) years of experience In Municipal Land Use
Law with extensive experience with affordable housing and shall be a licensed Attorney in the State
of New Jersey.
SECTION 2
INTRODUCTION OF GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 Introduction and Purpose
The Township of West Orange is soliciting Qualification Statements from interested persons
and/or Firms for the provision of various Professional Services for the Township of West Orange.
Through a Request for Qualification (RFQ) process described herein, the Township will create a
prequalified list of professionals that can provide such services. The Township will first consider
companies for such services that respond to this RFQ. The Qualification Statement submission
shall include all the information required to be include as described herein. The Township intends
to qualify respondents professional and administrative capabilities to provide proposed services,
and will agree to work under the compensation terms and conditions determined by the
Township.
2.2 Procurement Process and Schedule
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.
