Investment Programs Financial Statement Audit Services

The contract involves engaging a qualified certified public accounting firm to perform a comprehensive financial statement audit of the Investment Programs managed by the Treasurer of North Carolina over a three-year period. The audit must adhere to generally accepted auditing standards in the United States and the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. The selected vendor will be responsible for delivering annual audit reports, with the first year's final report due by October 15, 2026, and subsequent audits following similar timelines. The scope emphasizes accuracy, completeness, and compliance, requiring the firm to demonstrate relevant experience, external peer review, staffing organization, and technical approach, all evaluated on a best value basis without explicit weighting. The procurement process is conducted via an RFP issued on September 25, 2025, with proposals due by November 4, 2025, and the award will be made as an agency contract, with the Department reserving rights for negotiations, clarifications, and possible multiple awards. The contractual framework is primarily governed by the terms outlined in the RFP, vendor responses, and any subsequent amendments, with no explicit inclusion of federal FAR clauses or specific federal contract provisions. The agreement emphasizes that amendments must be in writing, disputes negotiated in good faith, and that the entire contract comprises the RFP, vendor responses, and any addenda, with a clear order of precedence for resolving conflicts. Payment procedures involve submitting electronic invoices to the Department’s designated email, with detailed requirements for invoice content, remittance addresses, and compliance with state tax certifications. The contract does not specify packaging, shipping, or labeling standards, as the services are performance-based, conducted within North Carolina, and involve no physical goods delivery. Evaluation criteria focus on experience, quality, technical approach, and pricing, with the Department reserving discretion to negotiate or seek best and final offers. Administrative and security requirements include vendor certifications related to socioeconomic participation, financial stability, employment practices, and information security assertions, along with background checks if requested. Overall, the contract establishes a structured, standards-compliant, and performance-oriented framework for auditing the State’s Investment Programs, with detailed administrative, financial, and compliance provisions to ensure accountability and quality.