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Housing Consultant Services for Developer Engagement and Replacement Housing Planning

Publish date: February 6, 2026

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Housing Consultant Services for Developer Engagement and Replacement Housing Planning
Salem Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Program – Westside Court Redevelopment

RFP Issued: February 11, 2026
Estimated Budget: Not to exceed $50,000
Primary Contact / Submission Email: Sean Brown, City of Salem –
Mailing/Delivery Address: City of Salem / Salem Housing Authority, 125 W. Broadway, Salem, NJ 08079

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All procurement activities shall be conducted in compliance with the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.), applicable pay-to-play requirements (N.J.S.A. 19:44A‑20.4 et seq.), and HUD procurement requirements applicable to the Salem Housing Authority (SHA) and Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) funded activities.

I. Introduction

The City of Salem, New Jersey, in partnership with the Salem Housing Authority (SHA), is seeking proposals from qualified housing and redevelopment consultants to provide targeted technical assistance related to developer engagement and preparation of a mixed-income housing plan for the revitalization of the Westside Court site as part of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Program (CNP).

This engagement will help the City and SHA complete the Salem Transformation Plan and advance it into implementation readiness by establishing a clear, HUD-compliant developer selection process and refining the replacement housing, financing, and relocation strategy for the existing 75 units at Westside Court. The total budget for this assignment shall not exceed $50,000.

II. Background

The City of Salem is in Year 2 of a 24-month HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant. Westside Court, the target housing site, has been identified for phased demolition and redevelopment due to severe physical distress.

Thriven Design, serving as Planning Coordinator, has completed a housing plan informed by a resident needs assessment and a housing market analysis completed in 2025. The next critical phase is to:

  • Identify and engage qualified development partners
  • Prepare a clear and defensible developer procurement process compliant with SHA and HUD requirements
  • Support completion of the housing strategy with a financial plan and relocation strategy aligned with HUD requirements

This RFP is being issued to support those objectives and position the City and SHA for successful implementation funding.

III. Scope of Work

A. Developer Identification and Outreach

  • Develop a targeted list of qualified developers with experience in affordable housing, federal and state programs including Choice Neighborhoods, LIHTC, RAD, and public‑private partnerships.
  • Assist the City and SHA with drafting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and/or Request for Proposals (RFP) for a development partner.
  • Coordinate and facilitate one (1) developer interest session (virtual or in-person).
  • Prepare written responses to developer questions and any necessary RFP addenda.
  • Support the City and SHA during proposal evaluation, interviews, and preliminary negotiations (MOUs or term sheets, as applicable).

B. Developer Selection Process Design

  • Design a transparent, HUD-compliant developer selection and evaluation framework.
  • Prepare scoring criteria, evaluation rubrics, and review protocols consistent with City, SHA, and HUD procurement standards.

C. Stakeholder Coordination

  • Facilitate structured working sessions with City staff, SHA leadership, and resident representatives.
  • Prepare concise meeting summaries and decision memos documenting outcomes and next steps.

D. Replacement Housing Strategy

  • Review and advise the planning team on the proposed housing plan, including target sites, unit mix, affordability levels, and phasing assumptions.
  • Identify potential sites for replacement housing, including infill and scattered-site opportunities.
  • Prepare conceptual financing approaches for each development phase, identifying potential public and private funding sources.

E. Relocation Planning Support

  • Assist the SHA in refining a resident relocation framework consistent with the HUD Uniform Relocation Act (URA) and Choice Neighborhoods requirements.
  • Identify housing options, voucher utilization strategies, and potential relocation assistance resources.
  • Support development of resident-facing communication materials related to relocation.
  • Attend meetings with residents and community stakeholders.

IV. Deliverables

All deliverables shall be scaled to the $50,000 budget and include, at a minimum:

  1. Developer Outreach List and Engagement Strategy (within 15 days of contract execution)
  2. Draft Developer RFQ/RFP with evaluation criteria (within 30 days)
  3. Developer Interest Session Summary Memo, including:
    • Summary of attendance
    • Key questions raised
    • Market feedback and implications for the project
  4. Conceptual Replacement Housing and Financing Strategy
  5. Conceptual Relocation Framework
  6. Final Implementation Memo summarizing recommendations, risks, and next steps (within 75 days)

V. Proposal Submission Requirements

A. Format & Copies

B. Content

  • Firm overview and qualifications
  • Relevant experience with Choice Neighborhoods or comparable public housing redevelopment programs
  • Resumes of key staff
  • Proposed work plan and timeline
  • At least three (3) references
  • Fee proposal not to exceed $50,000, including a breakdown by task

C. Compliance Documents (include as applicable)

  • New Jersey Business Registration Certificate (N.J.S.A. 52:32‑44)
  • Affirmative Action/EEO compliance evidence (N.J.A.C. 17:27)
  • Ownership Disclosure Certification (N.J.S.A. 52:25‑24.2)
  • Non-Collusion Affidavit
  • Political Contribution Disclosure (pay‑to‑play, N.J.S.A. 19:44A‑20.4 et seq., if applicable)
  • Certification of Non‑Debarment (federal and state)
  • Insurance Certificates meeting City/SHA requirements

Where HUD requirements apply, consultants must comply with 2 CFR Part 200 procurement standards and certify eligibility under federal debarment lists.

VI. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Relevant experience and qualifications – 30 points
  • Quality and clarity of approach – 30 points
  • Demonstrated success in developer engagement – 20 points
  • Cost-effectiveness and alignment with budget – 20 points

VII. Anticipated Schedule

Late proposals will not be accepted. The City/SHA reserve the right to reject any or all proposals in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11‑1 et seq.

VIII. Questions & Answers (Q&A) / Addenda

Sample Q&A Entries (format for Addendum):

Q1: Will the City/SHA accept teams that include out‑of‑state firms?
A1: Yes, provided the prime consultant is authorized to do business in New Jersey and meets all applicable registration and compliance requirements.

Q2: Is attendance at the developer interest session mandatory?
A2: No, but attendance is strongly encouraged. A summary memo will be posted following the session.

Q3: Are travel costs allowable within the $50,000 budget?
A3: Reasonable, necessary travel directly related to the scope is allowable, subject to City/SHA approval and budget limits.

IX. Submission Instructions & Conditions

  • Delivery Options: Hand‑delivery, courier, or certified mail to City of Salem / SHA, 125 W. Broadway, Salem, NJ 08079.
  • Envelope Labeling: Outer envelope should be sealed and clearly marked:
    RFP – Housing Consultant Services (Westside Court)
  • Time‑Stamping: Proposals will be time‑stamped upon receipt. The City/SHA are not responsible for delays by carriers.
  • Public Contracts Compliance: This procurement will be conducted consistent with New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11‑1 et seq.), competitive contracting provisions as applicable, and HUD procurement standards where applicable to SHA and CNI‑funded activities.
  • Reservation of Rights: The City/SHA may waive non‑material defects, request clarifications, and negotiate scope and pricing with the selected respondent, as permitted by law.

Proposer Checklist (One Page)