What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe City of Union City seeks proposals from qualified law firms to serve as Special Counsel – Bond for a one-year term from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027. The selected firm will provide legal guidance, render bond counsel opinions on validity and federal tax excludability, prepare and review financing and offering documents, and assist with governmental approvals and bond rating presentations. Eligible applicants must be law firms licensed in New Jersey with significant experience representing New Jersey municipalities or public entities as bond counsel. The City will evaluate proposals based on criteria including experience, references, and cost competitiveness, and proposers must submit hourly rates, a not-to-exceed cost, and required state compliance disclosures. Proposers must submit one original and two copies of their sealed proposal on white 8 ½” x 11” paper to 3715 Palisade Avenue no later than 9:15 am on November 20, 2026.
Scope of work
- Provide legal research and advisory opinions as needed.
- Render bond counsel opinions on bond validity, security, and federal tax excludability.
- Prepare and review bond authorization, issuance, sale, and delivery documents.
- Assist in seeking governmental approvals, permissions, and exemptions for bond issuance.
- Review legal issues regarding bond structure, election proceedings, and validation proceedings.
- Review or prepare offering document sections, notice of sale, and continuing disclosure undertakings.
- Represent the City in litigation resulting from bond issuance or intent to issue.
- Attend Board of Commissioners meetings upon request and provide monthly billing statements.
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 representing New Jersey municipalities or public entities in bond matters.
- At least four references, three with knowledge of public entity bond representation.
- Proof of business registration with the New Jersey Division of Taxation.
- Compliance with Affirmative Action requirements under N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.
Documents to include with your response
- Firm name, office addresses, and assigned attorneys' qualifications and experience
- Public entity bond representation experience, success examples, and four references
- Cost details including hourly rates, time estimates, and not-to-exceed amount
- Statement of Ownership Disclosure
- Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form
- Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus
- New Jersey Business Registration Certificate
- Statement Concerning Ethics Complaints
- Affirmative Action compliance documentation (Letter, Certificate, or Form AA-302)
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed hard copy
- Instructions
- Submit one original and two (2) copies on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper to Hilda I. Rosario, City Clerk, City of Union City, 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, New Jersey 07087.