RFP 2026-05 Request for Audit Service Proposals

TOWN OF RIDGELAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-05
Contract to Provide for Audits
For Fiscal Years
2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29
Initial Contract Will Be For Fiscal Year
2026/27 With Option To Renew Each Year
For Two Consecutive Years
Proposals due:
June 15, 2026 @ 2:00 PM EST
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
TOWN OF
RIDGELAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
Request for Proposal (RFP)
For Professional Auditing Services
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Advertisement .......................................................................................... 3
General Instructions ............................................................................. 5-6
Special Instructions .............................................................................. 6-9
Proposal, Submission, Evaluation and Selection Process .................. 9-13
Scope of Work.................................................................................. 13-16
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
TOWN OF
RIDGELAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
AUDITING SERVICES
The Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina (the "Town") is soliciting proposals from
qualified Certified Public Accountants (CPA) to audit the Town's financial and accounting
system.
MUNICIPAL PROFILE
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by: The Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina,
(843) 726-7503. The Town has a General Fund and an Enterprise Fund (a water and
sewer utility. The Town's Finance Department is led by the Finance Director and Town
Clerk who is responsible for Accounts Payable and Revenue. The Finance Director is also
responsible for Human Resources. A significant portion of the Town's funding comes
from the federal government. Key funding sources include:
* Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
* South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (SCRIA)
* South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism (SC PRT)
Brief Outline of Financial Activities Information (As of June 30, 2025) link to audited
financial reports: https://www.ridgelandsc.gov/
* Total Assets: $44,013,118
* Revenue: $12,478,600
* Expenses: $7,841,936
* Change in net position: $4,636,664
* Ending net position: $33,707,410
* Average Number of Accounts Payable Checks run per Fiscal Year: 1,650
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
The audits will be for Fiscal Years ending June 30, with one year options to renew for June
30, 2026, 2027, and 2028 respectively. The audits must be performed in accordance with
Governmental Accounting Standards Board ("GASB") accounting principles and include
audit procedures to ensure that appropriate State and Federal laws and regulations have
been complied with during the fiscal year.
Mandatory criteria for a qualified CPA firm are:
* Properly licensed in the state of South Carolina
* Participant in the AICPA Peer Review Program for Governmental Auditing.
* Demonstrable audit and reporting experience for a similarly-sized municipality in
the State of South Carolina
* Provide references
RFP packages may be downloaded from our Website: https://www.ridgelandsc.gov/bid-
opportunities
Deadline for all questions, to be submitted in writing to Ms. Chance Rountree, Finance
Director at: crountree@ridgelandsc.gov is June 10th at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard
time. An addendum will be posted with all questions/answers on the Town's website
at: www.ridgelandsc.gov/bid-oppportunities
Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on June 15th , 2026.
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Purpose
The purpose of the Request for Proposal is to provide sufficient information for
submission of a proposal (offer) for consideration by the Town to fulfill auditing
services needs of the Town as specified in the RFP. For reference, the Town will be
referred to as "the Town", "Buyer", or "Purchaser" throughout the RFP. The Certified
Public Accountant (CPA) firm submitting the proposal (offer) will be referred as
"Proposer" or "Contractor".
The Town is requesting proposals from qualified proposers to audit its basic financial
statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and for fiscal years June 30, 2027,
and June 30, 2028. The audit is to be performed in accordance with generally accepted
accounting standards, the standards set forth for financial audits in the General
Accounting Office's (GAO) Government Auditing Standards (1994), GASB No. 34, the
provisions of the Federal Single Audit Act of 1984 (as amended in 1996) and the U. S.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local
Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.
There is no expressed or implied obligation for the Town to reimburse
responding proposers for any expenses incurred in preparing proposals in response to
this request.
Submission of Proposal
The proposal is to be based upon compliance with all of the requirements of the RFP.
Failure to do so may disqualify the proposer's bid.
To be considered, the proposal shall include a letter of transmittal, which bears the
signature of an authorized representative of the Offeror and designates by names not
more than two individuals authorized to negotiate (if necessary) and bind the CPA firm to
a contract on behalf of the Proposer.
The letter of transmittal may also briefly set forth any particular information the Proposer
wishes to bring to the Town's attention.
To be considered, one (1) master copy of the proposal and two (2) copies of the proposal
must be delivered to:
Chance Rountree
Finance Director c/o
Town of Ridgeland
P. O. Box 1119 / 1 Town Square
Ridgeland, SC 29936
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit for Fiscal Years Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
Please mark the envelope: PROPOSAL FOR AUDITING SERVICES
The proposal shall include:
a. All detailed technical and qualification information and documentation
requested in the RFP. Unless otherwise specifically requested,
exorbitant promotional literature or voluminous proposals are not
wanted and will not be considered as meeting any of the requirements
of the RFP.
b. If any are taken, an "EXCEPTION LIST" describing any and all
exceptions, conditions and alternatives to the RFP requirements.
Proposer must clearly indicate the affected portion and the exception
taken.
Late Proposals
Any proposal received after the date and time established for receipt of proposals may be
retained by the Town, but the Town will be under no obligation to either evaluate or
return such delinquent proposal. The Town reserves the right to postpone the time and
date for submission of proposals at any time prior to the proposal deadline by giving
written notice of such proposal.
Submission of a proposal shall constitute acknowledgement by the Proposer that it has
thoroughly examined all documents, which are part of the RFP, including all addenda,
which may be issued by the Town during the proposal preparation period. No claim
will be allowed by the Contractor contract award for additional compensation of
additional time for completion of services, which is based on lack of knowledge or lack
of understanding of any document.
Request for Proposal Number and Contract, Amendments, and Cancellations
The Proposer is invited to submit only one proposal (no alternate proposals) in
accordance with all instructions in this solicitation.
Any contract resulting from this solicitation will be issued in the form of a purchase order
(contract), which incorporates in their entirety, the successful Proposer's technical and
price proposal, and any addenda, clarifications, discussions, or negotiations, which may
have occurred prior to the award of the contract.
If the RFP is not amended by an addendum, then all provisions of the solicitation which
are not amended remain unchanged. The Proposer shall acknowledge receipt of any
amendment or addendum to the RFP by signing and returning it to the Town by the date
and time specified therein. If time is of the essence, addenda may be sent and returned by
facsimile as determined by the Town.
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit for Fiscal Years Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
The Proposer is obligated to exercise due diligence to discover and to bring to the
attention of the Town, at the earliest possible time, any ambiguities, discrepancies,
inconsistencies, in or between provisions or requirements mentioned on the solicitation.
The Town reserves the right to cancel the solicitation (RFP) at any time during the
procurement process when it determines that it is in the best interest of the Town. Any
contract resulting from the solicitation may be terminated in whole or in part when it is in
the best interest of the Town or because of failure of the Contractor to fulfill contract
obligations. The rights and remedies of the Town provided in this instruction are in
addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Requests for Additional Information
Questions regarding the RFP should be directed in writing to the Finance Director as
shown in General Instructions. Interpretation or revision of the RFP document will be
made only by an addendum duly issued by the Finance Director. The Town will not be
responsible for explanations or interpretations of the RFP document, except as in
accordance herewith. Only the Finance Director has the authority to provide
interpretations or issue an addendum.
Proposals Considered "Firm"
All proposals in response to the RFP will be considered "firm" and cannot be
withdrawn or modified until 60 days after the scheduled due date and time.
Withdrawal of Proposals
Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice via email, Fax, or US Mail, that is
received by the Finance Director any time prior to the proposal due date and time.
Proposal Development Costs
The Town shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Proposers in preparing,
submitting or presenting proposals, or in satisfying any demonstration or other
requirements. The Town shall not reimburse any costs incurred by the Proposers in
anticipation of an award of a contract under this RFP.
Pricing and Payment
Prices awarded shall be firm and not subject to increase during the term of any
contractual agreement unless provisions for such increase have been included in the
contract.
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit for Fiscal Years Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
Any payment terms requiring payment in less than 30 days will be regarded as requiring
payment 30 days after receipt of invoice or performance of services, whichever occurs
last. However, this shall not affect offers of discounts for payment in less than 30 days.
The Town is not exempt from South Carolina state sales and use tax. If applicable, the
proposal shall include all taxes and fees.
Also, it is required by the Town that a Business License be obtained once a contract
is approved. ***A business license is not required to submit a proposal***
Funding and Approval
Funding for the auditing services has been allocated or is subject to approval by the
Ridgeland Town Council. The Town Council shall also approve the successful
Proposer selected for the auditing services by majority vote in open session in the
form of a Council Resolution.
Execution of Contract
Upon acceptance of a proposal, the Town shall prepare and submit a contract to the
successful Proposer. Incorporated by reference into the contract shall be: (1) all of the
information presented in or with this RFP and the Proposer's response thereto; and (2) all
written communication between the Town, its agents and the successful Proposer after
the date of the RFP. These documents shall include, but not be limited to the following:
Contract/Purchase Order (Highest Precedence)
Correspondence relating to clarifications, discussions or negotiations
RFP Contents and Addenda
Proposal Amendment
Proposal
Contractual Terms and Conditions
Contractual claims, whether for money or other relief shall be submitted in writing to the
Finance Director prior to final payment; however, written notice of the Contractor's
intention to file such claim shall be given at a time of occurrence or beginning of the
work upon which the claim is based. The Town shall issue a decision regarding such
claim, in writing, no later than 60 days subsequent to notification to the Finance Director.
No Assignment
Assignment by the successful Proposer to any third party of any contract based on this
RFP or any monies due shall be absolutely prohibited and will not be recognized by the
Town unless approved by the Town in writing.
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit for Fiscal Years Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
Indemnity
The Proposer shall indemnify and save harmless the Town, its officials, and
employees from all losses, claims, demands, payments, suits, actions, recoveries and
judgments of every nature and description brought or recoverable against it or by any
act or omission of the Proposer, his agent, or his employees, in the execution of the work
or in consequence of any negligence or carelessness regarding the same.
The successful Proposer shall assume all risk and bear any loss or injury to property or
persons providing services on Town property occasioned by neglect or accident during
the progress of the work until same shall be completed and accepted. The Proposer shall
assume all blame or loss by reason of neglect or violation of any federal or state law,
Town or Town code, or municipal ordinance, regulation or order. The Contractor shall
give to the proper authorities all required notices relating to work, obtain all official
permits and licenses, and pay all proper fees.
Confidentiality
Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted as part of the Offeror's proposal shall
not be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; however, the
Offeror must identify the data and materials to be protected and state reasons why the
protection is necessary. General business information and pricing are not protected.
Failure of the Offeror to take these steps shall make the firm's total proposal subject to
public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Proposer shall indemnify and hold the Town harmless against any loss or damage,
including reasonable attorney fees, it may incur as a result of the Town's
reliance upon the proposer's representative that materials identified by the Proposer are
trade secrets or proprietary information which is not subject to public disclosure.
Rights to Submitted Material
All proposals, responses, inquiries or correspondence relating to or in reference to the
RFP, and all reports, charts, displays, schedules, exhibits, or other documentation
submitted by Proposers shall become property of the Town when received. The Town
retains the right to use any or all ideas presented in any proposal in response to the RFP,
unless the material is clearly identified and supported as trade secrets or proprietary
information which is not subject to public disclosure.
Proposals Not Selected
Non-selection of a proposal for contract award will mean that the proposal was not
accepted. Proposers whose proposals are not accepted will be so notified. Such
notification shall be devoid of any criticism of the proposal and of any implication that it
was deficient.
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Town of Ridgeland, South Carolina
Request for Proposal
Audit for Fiscal Years Audit 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29
Press Release
Proposers shall at no time make any news or advertising releases pertaining to the RFP
and resulting contract without prior approval by the Town Administrator. Any requests
for new releases must be made in writing to the Town Administrator.
PROPOSAL, SUBMISSION, EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
General selection of a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm for municipal
auditing services is an important and complex task. The Town's selection committee
will exercise both objective and subjective rationale in the selection process in order to
select the most responsive and responsible Proposer. This process is outlined in the
following subsections.
Award of a contract pursuant to this RFP will be made to the Proposer whose proposal is
determined to satisfy the audit requirements and has the best overall benefit to the Town,
considering factors and price.
Important Information Regarding Proposal Format
While is it recognized that there are a variety of formats used by CPA firms in providing
proposals, a fair evaluation of proposals requires that responses be consistent in format.
Accordingly, the Proposer shall follow the format described in the following subsections.
IMPORTANT: It is recommended that the Proposers read the remaining RFP
sections and attachments prior to reading the remainder of this section. The Scope
of Work should be carefully reviewed by the Proposer.
The Proposer must submit an original plus two (2) copies of their proposal.
Required Proposal Format and Contents:
In order to simplify the review process and obtain the maximum degree of comparison by
the selection committee, proposals must be organized as follows:
1. Title Page. Show the RFP subject, the name of the Proposer's firm, address,
telephone number, name of contract person and date.
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