On June 29, 2004, Governor James E. McGreevey signed a law expanding the State Contractor Business Registration Program to include local government contracts. This piece of legislation (Law C57, Laws of 2004, S1778) deals with the Business Registration Certificate (Form-BRC 08-01) issued by the New Jersey Department of Treasury/Division of Revenue.

As of September 1, 2004, the County of Bergen must have proof of a business organization’s registration with the Department of Treasury before a purchase order/voucher can be issued. A business organization is defined as an individual, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, corporation, or other legal business entity or successor thereof. There are no exceptions for any vendors, including out-of-state vendors, and as indicated by the law, failure to include a copy of the certificate in any bid or RFP submitted will be deemed a fatal, non-curable defect.

We are requesting that vendors send a copy of their registration certificate to the Bergen County Division of Purchasing as soon as possible in order to facilitate the transition and comply with the new legislation. Should you have any questions concerning Business Registration Certificates, please contact the New Jersey Department of Treasury/Division of Revenue at (609) 292-1730.

Copies of certificates should be faxed to (201) 336-7105, ATTN: Alison Andolena.

We look forward to your assistance and cooperation with this endeavor.