Archive for December 15th, 2008

On July 22, 2008, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority advertised a Request for Qualifications (the “RFQ”) in compliance with N JS.A. 27:236.1 and Executive Order No. 37 seeking proposals from law firms within the State of New Jersey interested in being selected as legal counsel to the Authority. The RFQ was advertised in The Star Ledger, The Home News Tribune. The Trenton Ti’‘, The New Jersey Law Journal and The New Jersey Lawyer as well as on the websites of both the Authority and State of New Jersey. The RFD was mailed to all law firms presently on the authorized list to represent the Authority as well as any law firm that requested or inquired about the RFD. Thirty’‘six law fans submitted proposals for consideration. The State Treasurer deemed three proposals as ineligible due to noncompliance with Public Law 2005 Chapter 51, formerly Executive Order #134 (Corzine), which therefore were not evaluated. The RFD consisted of ten areas of legal expertise. Within each area of expertise there were several weighted factors upon which the firms would be evaluated. The RFQ also stated that the firm that is appointed General Counsel is ineligible for an additional award in any other legal area.

The Executive Director appointed an Evaluation Committee comprised of representatives from the Executive, Law. Engineering and Internal Audit Departments. The Evaluation Committee reviewed and ranked the eligible proposals in accordance with weighted factors designed to ascertain those legal firms that best demonstrate expertise, experience, and compatibility with the needs of the Authority in each of the legal areas of expertise.

A list of the law firms being recommended to represent the Authority and receive legal assignment, according to each area of expertise advertised in the RFQ is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Exhibit A identifies both lead counsel and conflicts counsel for most of the areas of expertise. Conflicts counsel will 6e utilized only in the event assigned counsel is unwilling or unable to represent the Authority for any reason. Included in this recommendation is authorization to appoint DeCotiis Fitzpatrick Cole & Wider, LLP as General Counsel and McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter, UP to act as Conflicts General Counsel. The recommendation reflects several firms new to the Authority. The initial term of service is two years with a one year option to extend. The option is at the sole discretion of the Authority. However, pursuant to the terms of said agreement, the Authority may terminate same for any reason.

Accordingly, authorization is respectfully requested to appoint the law firms identified in Exhibit A as counsel to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority in accordance with the legal areas of expertise set forth in Exhibit A for two years effective upon Commission award and execution of an agreement between the parties. However, the appointments are contingent upon the Treasurer of the State of New Jersey completing the review of all documents submitted by the selected appointees pursuant to Public Law 2005, Chapter 51 (formerly Executive Order #134) and having no objection to same.