About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Township of Mantua seeks qualifications from an attorney-at-law or law firm of New Jersey to serve as special counsel for Open Public Records Act matters. The selected attorney will represent the township in litigation, provide internal legal opinions, and advise municipal officials and departments on public records disclosure requirements offsite. Eligible applicants must be licensed New Jersey attorneys or law firms whose members are New Jersey attorneys-at-law. Submissions must include one original signed copy of the proposal along with proposed costs and hourly rates, malpractice insurance documentation, a completed proposal checklist, a notarized non-collusion affidavit, and a stockholder disclosure certification. Proposals must be delivered to Jennica Bileci, Township Administrator, by December 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The township evaluates proposals based on qualifications, merit, experience and references, and cost competitiveness. The contract term is one year from the date of award.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Township of Mantua
Scope of work
- Provide legal guidance to the Township regarding Open Public Records Act (OPRA) Requests
- Legal representation in OPRA litigation matters
- Government Records Council (GRC) representation
- Internal legal opinions as to the disclosure requirements of documents when requested
- Advise and assist the Township Committee, Township Administrator, and Departments
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Qualifications of the individual or firms who will perform the service or activity | Not specified |
| Experience and references | Not specified |
| Ability to perform the service or activity in a timely fashion, including staffing and staff familiarity | Not specified |
| Cost Competitiveness | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Attorney-at-law of New Jersey, or firm where all members are attorneys-at-law of New Jersey
- Demonstrated knowledge of general New Jersey municipal law and OPRA law
Documents to include with your response
- Original signed copy of complete proposal
- Request for Proposal Checklist
- Non-Collusion Affidavit properly notarized
- Stockholder Disclosure Certification
- Authorized signatures on all forms
- Disclosure of Contributions to NJ ELEC
- Business Registration Certificate(s)
- Documentation of professional liability/malpractice insurance coverage
- Statement of compliance with Law Against Discrimination and Affirmative Action
- Proposed cost of service(s) including hourly rates and expenses
Key dates
- Submission Deadline
- December 2, 2026 3:00 PM
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed hard copy
- Instructions
- Address all proposals to Township of Mantua, Attn: Jennica Bileci, Township Administrator, 401 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051. Submit one (1) copy.
Contract details
- Term
- One (1) year from date of award (or one year from the first day of January of the year of appointment)
- Insurance and bonding
- Documentation that insurance for professional liability/malpractice coverage with limits as to liability acceptable to the Township.