The City of Clifton is seeking proposals for Labor Counsel Services for the period of June 6, 2026, to June 5, 2027. Proposals are due by April 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Qualified law firms specializing in public sector labor law and management representation are invited to submit proposals. Key requirements include experience with civil service jurisdictions, labor unions, collective bargaining, grievances, and investigations. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five consecutive years of experience representing management in labor and employment law, and currently represent at least three public entities of similar size. Proposals must include a price proposal for services. All questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing to the purchasing agent no later than seven days prior to the proposal deadline. Any questions that warrant a reply or amendment will be furnished to all parties at least five days prior to the proposal receipt deadline. A comprehensive list of required documents and certifications must be submitted with the proposal, including affirmative action compliance, non-collusion affidavit, and business registration certificate. Failure to submit any required item may result in rejection of the bid.
The bid notice states that proposals shall be delivered by April 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The contract period is from June 6, 2026, to June 5, 2027.
The bid notice states that payment to the successful respondent shall be based on hourly rates with monthly invoices submitted to the city, broken down by tenths of hours and categorized by the union or matter. All expenses and fees other than compensation shall be actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the consultant without any additions for overhead. No additional charges will be billed for fax transmissions or online research fees, and copy costs will be billed at 15 cents per page. The firm's fees shall be paid after receipt of a proper invoice and executed payment voucher.
The bid notice states that the city of Clifton reserves the right to award a contract to the respondent whose response is most advantageous, price and other factors considered to the City of Clifton.
The minimum qualifications include at least five consecutive years of experience as labor and employment counsel representing management, currently representing at least three public entities of similar size to the City of Clifton, demonstrating a consistent pattern of successfully managing personnel matters, maintaining an office within a reasonable distance to the City of Clifton, and displaying a high degree of knowledge of applicable New Jersey statutes and federal labor laws. The respondent must also have sufficient staff and not have any conflicts of interest. Professional liability insurance of at least one million dollars per occurrence and one million dollars aggregate is required.
The bid notice mentions that if the director finds a person or entity to be in violation of the Iran Sanctions Act, she shall take action as may be appropriate and provided by law, rule or contract, including but not limited to, imposition of sanctions, seeking compliance, recovering damages, declaring the party in default and seeking debarment or suspension of the person or entity. Similar penalties are mentioned for violations related to prohibited activities in Russia or Belarus.
The bid notice states that all questions relating to the RFP shall be in writing to the purchasing agent no later than seven days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.