RFP-415-2600000451-1 | Financial Statement Preparation and Audit Services for CPE

The contract solicits comprehensive financial statement preparation and audit services for the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) under the Kentucky Judicial Department, with a performance period running from July 15, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and an option for up to four additional one-year renewals contingent on funding, approval by the Finance and Administration Cabinet, and compliance with state procurement statutes. Offerors must deliver a full financial audit aligned with GAAP, GAGAS, GASB 103 and 104, and the Single Audit Act, including preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, management discussion and analysis, closing packages for component units, and working papers subject to review by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Deliverables are due at specific milestones, including a final financial statement by September 15, 2027, and an auditor’s letter on subsequent events by December 10, 2026, with all submissions required to be performed and delivered at CPE’s office in Frankfort, KY. The evaluation process uses a 1,100-point system, with technical merit accounting for 800 points, focusing on firm experience, personnel qualifications, and a detailed service plan that includes timelines and resource allocation; cost proposals contribute 200 points and must reflect reasonable, itemized pricing by employee classification and optional renewal terms; an oral presentation of up to 100 points may be conducted for the top two scorers. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Kentucky Vendor Self Service portal by June 16, 2026, in three clearly labeled documents—technical, cost, and proprietary—each under 65 MB in size and formatted exclusively in Word, Excel, or PDF with no embedded files or hyperlinks. Mandatory submission items include a transmittal letter, certificate of authority from the Kentucky Secretary of State, notarized affidavits, a Certificate of Insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence for commercial general liability and professional liability, and a recent peer review report; failure to meet any mandatory requirement results in non-responsiveness. Insurance carriers must hold an AM Best rating of B+ or higher, and the Commonwealth must be named as an additional insured on a primary and non-contributory basis, with no self-insurance or fronting arrangements permitted without prior approval. Contractors must certify compliance with Kentucky nondiscrimination laws, conflict of interest statutes, tax and labor