The Center for Health Policy Development (the Organization) is requesting proposals from CPA firms to provide audit and tax preparation services to our organization. We invite your firm to submit a proposal to us by October 15, 2022. A description of our organization, the services needed, and other pertinent information follows:

Background

The Organization is a tax exempt 501(c)(3).  Annual revenues are budgeted at $10 million, and the organization currently employs about 45 people who are primarily located in two offices – one in Washington, DC and the other in Portland, Maine, though we do have several remotely located employees.  Major sources of revenue include grants from private foundations, federal contracts and grants, as well as subcontracts with other organizations on federal projects. Revenues from an annual conference are also an important source of revenue for us.

The organization has a December 31 fiscal year-end.  The Organization uses Acumatica as general ledger/accounting software.

We have no related nonprofit affiliates (such as a foundation) or taxable subsidiaries.

Audit Timing

We anticipate being prepared for the audit fieldwork to begin by January and expect the delivery of the financial statements and management letter by early May.

Services to Be Performed

Your proposal is expected to cover the following services:

1. Annual audit of the Organization[1] for the year ending December 31, 2022.
2. Attend or conduct meetings with financial oversight committee, which are ordinarily conducted virtually.
3. Preparation of the organization’s 2022 990 return.

Your Response to This Request for Proposal

Your response must include a reply to each of the numbered requirements below and should not exceed 10 pages in length.

1. Provide an executive summary of the reasons why the Organization should engage your firm to provide audit and tax services. Please include your total fee in the executive summary, noting the price for audit services and the price for tax preparation separately.
2. Provide a background of the firm, including years in business, number of employees, and industry specialty.
3. Describe your firm’s basic approach to performing an audit, including your preliminary risk assessment, reliance on substantive testing, tests of controls, and interim fieldwork.
4. Describe your firm’s use of technology in the audit process and the resulting advantages to the organization. Please specify if an electronic portal is available for the organization to use to upload data and information to the firm.
5. Provide a timeline for planning, fieldwork, and expected completion of the audit, delivery of the financial statements, management letter, and tax returns.
6. Identify the engagement team that will be performing our audit and provide biographies detailing their experience serving nonprofits.
7. Provide the names and contact information for three clients similar to the organization.
8. Set forth your fee proposal for the above scope of work. Describe how you will bill for out-of-scope work or special projects.
9. Describe non-audit services offered by your firm.

Please include a copy of your firm’s most recent peer review report, the related letter of comments, and the firm’s response to the letter of comments.

Key Personnel

The following are key organizational staff that you may contact regarding any questions as you prepare your proposal:

Ellina Miroshnikova, Finance Director, emiroshnikova@oldsite.nashp.org

Ellen Schneiter, Deputy Director, eschneiter@oldsite.nashp.org

Proposal Deadline

The deadline for receipt of your proposal is close of business on October 15, 2022.  Please send an electronic copy of your proposal to Ellina Miroshnikova, Finance Director at emiroshnikova@oldsite.nashp.org. We would appreciate a response if you decline to submit a proposal.

Evaluation of Proposals

The organization will evaluate proposals based on assessment of qualifications, industry knowledge, reputation, service record, and fees.

Proposals will be reviewed in-house as they are received; a recommendation of a final candidate firm will be presented to the CHPD audit committee who will make the final decision regarding the engagement.

Two or three firms may be contacted to present their proposal to senior management and the audit committee.   We expect to make a final decision by October 31, 2022.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Ellen Jane Schneiter, Deputy Director

Relevant Links

• Prior Year Audited Financials
• Prior Year Supplementary Financial Report