What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Union City seeks proposals from law firms licensed to practice in New Jersey to serve as Special Hearing Officer from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027. The selected firm will preside over civil disputes such as tax lien impositions, license actions, and disciplinary matters, while preparing detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law, rendering impartial decisions, performing legal research, and attending meetings upon request. Eligible firms must demonstrate significant experience representing New Jersey municipalities as hearing officers and possess extensive civil trial experience. Candidates must submit one original and two copies of their sealed proposal on 8 ½” x 11” paper to 3715 Palisade Avenue no later than 10:45 am on November 2026. Submissions must include attorney qualifications, at least four references, cost details with hourly rates and not-to-exceed figures, and required state compliance forms. The city evaluates proposals based on experience, references, and cost competitiveness.
Scope of work
- Serving as a hearing officer for various civil disputes including tax liens, license actions, and disciplines
- Prepare detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law with respect to hearings
- Render fair and impartial decisions with respect to hearings
- Legal research and/or advisory opinions as needed
- Attend meetings of the Governing Body upon request
- Any other matters as directed by the City
- Extensive civil trial experience
- Provide monthly billing statements showing contract amounts, increases, billed amounts, and remaining unbilled funds
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Qualifications of the individuals who will perform the tasks and the amounts of their respective participation | Not specified |
| Experience and references | Not specified |
| Ability to perform the task in a timely fashion, including staffing and familiarity with the subject matter | Not specified |
| Cost competitiveness | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey
- Significant experience in representing New Jersey municipalities as a hearing officer
- Proven experience representing public entities on administrative issues
- Extensive civil trial experience
- Proof of business registration with the New Jersey Division of Taxation
Documents to include with your response
- Firm name, addresses, phone/fax numbers, and specific attorneys assigned to work with the City
- Description of attorneys' education, experience, qualifications, years with firm, and relevant project experience
- Experience related to representation of public entities regarding administrative hearings
- At least four (4) references, three of which must have knowledge of public entity representation
- Cost details, hourly rates of individuals, time estimates, expenses, and total cost of not to exceed
- Statement of Ownership Disclosure (c.52:25-24.2)
- Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form
- Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus
- New Jersey Business Registration Certificate
- Statement executed by an authorized representative certifying no prior or pending ethics complaints
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed proposals
- Instructions
- Submit one original and two (2) copies on white 8 ½” x 11” paper to Hilda I. Rosario, City Clerk, City of Union City, 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, New Jersey 07087. Proposals will be publicly opened at Union City Hall.