RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Auditing Services

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
CITY OF MILTON
MILTON, FL
RFQ NO. 2026.10
Forensic Auditing Services
Publish Date Submittals Due/Opening
07/30/2026 08/10/2026
All Questions Due Answers Posted
08/04/2026 08/06/2026
SUBMIT SEALED BIDS TO:
City of Milton
Purchasing Department
ATTN: Michele Williams
6738 Dixon Street
Milton, Florida 32570

Contents
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 3
SECTION 1 - AUTHORITY ......................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................ 4
SECTION 3 - GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE ................... 5
SECTION 4 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ............................................................................... 7
SECTION 5 - MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ........................................................................... 8
SECTION 6 - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS................................................................................. 9
SECTION 7 - EVALUATION AND RANKING........................................................................ 10
SECTION 8 - NEGOTIATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD ................................................. 12
SECTION 9 - SOQ SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................... 14
SECTION 10 - INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENT .............................................................. 16
SECTION 11 - LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS .......................................... 19
APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................................... 24
RESPONDENT STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION...................................................... 25
RESPONDENT CERTIFICATION AND ADDENDUM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........ 30
APPENDIX B ............................................................................................................................... 32
SUBCONSULTANTS LIST ................................................................................................ 33
ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMPLIANCE AFFIDAVIT ........................................ 35
CERTIFICATION REGARDING NONDISCRIMINATION ............................................. 36
CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST DISCLOSURE AND CERTIFICATION ............................. 37
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION ............................................................... 39
E-VERIFY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION .................................................................. 40
NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT ........................................................................................ 41
PROMPT PAYMENT COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION ................................................ 43
PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES AFFIDAVIT ........................................................................... 44
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES AND OTHER ENTITIESCERTIFICATION ................... 45
CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES OF CONCERN
AFFIDAVIT ......................................................................................................................... 46
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
RFQ NO. 2026.10
Forensic Auditing Services
SECTION 1 - AUTHORITY
The City of Milton ("City") issues this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") pursuant
to Article VIII, Section 2(b) of the Florida Constitution; Chapter 166, Florida
Statutes, including 166.021, Florida Statutes; 287.055, Florida Statutes, known as
the Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act ("CCNA"); and the City of Milton
Purchasing Policy 9.0, as may be amended.
This RFQ solicits Statements of Qualifications ("SOQs") from qualified
Respondents to provide professional services for the Project described in this
Solicitation and the Contract Documents.
Selection shall be conducted using a qualifications-based process in
accordance with 287.055, Florida Statutes, and the City of Milton Purchasing
Policy. Respondents shall be evaluated and ranked based solely on
demonstrated competence, qualifications, and ability to perform the required
professional services.
Compensation, fees, and pricing information shall not be requested, submitted,
or considered during the evaluation and ranking phase.
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
2.1 "City" means the City of Milton, Florida.
2.2 "Solicitation" or "RFQ" means this Request for Qualifications, including all
attachments, exhibits, and addenda issued by the City.
2.3 "Firm" means any entity interested in submitting a Statement of Qualifications.
2.4 "Respondent" means a Firm that submits a Statement of Qualifications in response
to this RFQ.
2.5 "Statement of Qualifications" or "SOQ" means the complete written response
submitted by a Respondent to this RFQ, including all required forms, certifications,
affidavits, attachments, and supporting documentation identified in Section 9 -
SOQ Submittal Requirements.
2.6 "Consultant" means the Respondent selected by the City following evaluation,
ranking, and successful negotiation of a Contract.
2.7 "Contract" means the written agreement executed between the City and the
selected Consultant for professional services.
2.8 "Addendum" or "Addenda" means a written modification to this RFQ issued by the
City.
2.9 "Subconsultant" means any entity proposed by the Respondent to perform a
portion of the professional services under the Contract.
2.10 "Professional services" means those services within the scope of the practice of
architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or registered
surveying and mapping, as defined by the laws of the state, or those performed by
any architect, professional engineer, landscape architect, or registered surveyor
and mapper in connection with his or her professional employment or practice.
2.11 "Negotiate" or any form of that word means to conduct legitimate, arm's length
discussions and conferences to reach an agreement on a term or price.
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

SECTION 3 - GENERAL INFORMATION AND
PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE
3.1 Solicitation Overview
The City is requesting Statements of Qualifications ("SOQs") from qualified Respondents
to provide professional services for the Project identified in this Solicitation in
accordance with 287.055, Florida Statutes, known as the Consultants' Competitive
Negotiation Act ("CCNA").
This Solicitation establishes a qualifications-based selection process. Respondents will
be evaluated and ranked based on demonstrated competence, qualifications, and
ability to perform the professional services required for the Project. Compensation shall
not be requested or considered during the evaluation phase.
Following completion of ranking, the City will enter into negotiations with the highest-
ranked Respondent to establish a professional services agreement for the Project. If
negotiations are unsuccessful, the City may terminate negotiations and proceed to the
next ranked Respondent in accordance with 287.055(5), Florida Statutes.
SOQs shall be received until the deadline specified in this Solicitation. SOQs are exempt
from public disclosure pursuant to 119.071(1)(b), Florida Statutes, until such time as the
City provides notice of an intended decision or until thirty (30) days after opening the
SOQs, whichever occurs first.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all SOQs and waive minor irregularities.
3.2 Issuing Office
This solicitation is issued by the City of Milton Purchasing Division.
All communications regarding this RFQ shall be directed only to the designated
Procurement Representative identified in this Section 3 - General Information and
Procurement Schedule.
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

3.3 Administrative Details and Dates
2026.10
RFQ No.:
Forensic Auditing Services
RFQ Title:
07/30/2026
Date of Issuance:
The City of Milton is seeking S.O.Q. from qualified
Project Overview:
Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firms to conduct
a forensic audit of the City financial records. This
audit aims to ensure transparency, accountability,
and accuracy in the City of Milton financial
operations.
City of Milton
Project Location:
Name: Michele Williams
Procurement Contact:
Phone: (850) 983-5480
Email: mwilliams@miltonfl.org
08/10/2026 2:00 p.m.
Submittal/Opening Due
Date:
See Section 9 - SOQ Requirements for further details.
08/04/2026
Questions Due By:
All questions shall be submitted in writing to the
Procurement Contact identified above.
Oral inquiries shall not be binding.
TBD
Anticipated Ranking
Date:
April Taylor - ataylor@miltonfl.org
Contract Coordinator:
3.4 Single Project Notice
This Solicitation is intended to result in the award of a professional services contract for
a single defined project pursuant to 287.055, F.S.
The City intends to select and rank qualified Respondents and enter into competitive
negotiations with the highest-ranked Respondent to establish a professional services
agreement for the Project in accordance with 287.055(3) and (5), Florida Statutes.
This Solicitation is not intended to establish a continuing professional services contract
under 287.055(2)(g), F.S.
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

SECTION 4 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
4.1 Project Overview
The City is soliciting Statements of Qualifications ("SOQs") from qualified Respondents to
provide professional services for the project identified as RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Auditing
Services, pursuant to 287.055, Florida Statutes.
The Project consists of the City of Milton, Florida accepting sealed Statement of
Qualifications from qualified and experienced Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firms
to obtain forensic auditing services for performance of a forensic audit for the City of
Milton.
4.2 City of Milton Background
The services provided by the City of Milton under general governmental functions
include Administration, Planning & Development, Finance, City Clerk, Law
Enforcement, Fire Control, Information Technology, Parks & Recreation, Facilities
Maintenance, Roads & Street, Landscaping, and Community Redevelopment Agency.
In addition, Water/Sewer, Wastewater, and Gas services are operated under an
Enterprise fund concept, with user charges set to ensure adequate coverage of
operating expenses.
4.3 Project Compass
Specific services shall be finalized and incorporated into the negotiated professional
services agreement for the audit.
The services, schedule, deliverables, and negotiated compensation for this audit shall
be established through competitive negotiations with the highest-ranked Respondent
in accordance with 287.055(5), Florida Statutes.
No services shall commence until a written professional services agreement is fully
executed by authorized representatives of both parties.
4.4 Deliverables
Deliverables required for the Project may include, as applicable:
* Forensic Audit Engagement Letter
* Forensic Audit Plan Document
* Forensic Audit Findings Report
* Evidence Collection and Analysis
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

* Internal Control Assessment
* Recommendations for Remediation
* Appendices and Supporting Materials
* Other professional service deliverables that are required to complete the audit.
4.5 Flexibility
The City reserves the right to clarify, expand, reduce, or otherwise refine the services for
the audit during negotiations.
4.6 Additional Services
The Consultant shall perform all professional services reasonably necessary to complete
the audit in accordance with the negotiated professional services agreement,
applicable laws, professional standards, and the requirements of the City.
SECTION 5 - MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for evaluation under this Solicitation, the Respondent must
meet the following minimum qualifications at the time of SOQ submission.
1. Legal Authorization to Conduct Business
The Respondent must be legally authorized to conduct business in the
State of Florida prior to execution of any resulting Contract.
2. Professional Licensure
The Respondent shall hold, or shall employ or retain licensed professionals
who hold, all professional licenses required under Florida law to perform
the services described in this Solicitation. All licenses must be active and in
good standing. The City reserves the right to verify licensure status.
3. Relevant Experience
The Respondent must demonstrate experience providing professional
services of the same general type as those described in Section 4 -
Professional Services, of this Solicitation. At minimum, the Respondent shall
have successfully completed three (3) comparable assignments within the
past five (5) years.
4. Professional References
The Respondent shall provide a minimum of three (3) references for
comparable professional services performed within the past five (5) years.
Each reference shall include the project name, client name, description
of services provided, and client contact information.
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

5. Insurance Capability
The Respondent must demonstrate the ability to obtain and maintain the
insurance coverages required under Section 6 - Special Requirements, of
this Solicitation and the resulting Contract.
6. Statutory Eligibility
The Respondent must meet all statutory eligibility requirements under
Florida law, including but not limited to 287.133, 287.135, and 448.095,
Florida Statutes. Required certifications evidencing compliance are
included in Appendix B and must be submitted with the SOQ.
7. Capacity and Availability
The Respondent shall demonstrate the organizational capacity and
availability of qualified personnel necessary to perform the professional
services required for the Project.
Failure to meet any of the above minimum qualifications may result in rejection
of the SOQ as non-compliant.
SECTION 6 - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Business Tax Receipt
The successful Respondent shall obtain any required business tax receipt or local
occupational license required to conduct business within the City prior to
execution of the Contract, if applicable. Submission with the SOQ is not
required.
6.2 Insurance Requirements
The successful Respondent ("Consultant") shall obtain and maintain, at its own
expense, the minimum required insurance coverage set forth below for the
duration of the Contract. The Consultant shall assess its own risks and maintain
any additional coverage it deems necessary. Compliance with these
requirements does not limit the Consultant's liability under the Contract.
Commercial General Liability (ISO CG 00 01 or equivalent)
* $1,000,000 per occurrence
* $1,000,000 general aggregate
* $1,000,000 products/completed operations aggregate
Automobile Liability
* $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident
Workers' Compensation
* Statutory coverage as required by Florida law
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services

* Employers Liability:
* $100,000 each accident
* $500,000 disease - each employee
* $100,000 disease - policy limit
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
* $1,000,000 per claim
* $2,000,000 aggregate
Professional Liability coverage shall be maintained for the duration of the
contract and for a minimum of two (2) years following completion of services.
SECTION 7 - EVALUATION AND RANKING
7.1 Evaluation Procedure
Statements of Qualifications ("SOQs") shall be evaluated in accordance with
287.055, Florida Statutes. Evaluation and ranking shall be based solely on
demonstrated competence and qualifications relevant to the professional
services identified in this Solicitation. Compensation, fees, and pricing
information shall not be requested, submitted, or considered during the
evaluation and ranking phase.
The City may appoint an evaluation committee to review and score SOQs. The
evaluation committee may, at its discretion, shortlist Respondents and request
oral presentations or interviews. If interviews are conducted, evaluation scores
may be revised based upon information obtained during the interview process.
The City reserves the right to conduct reference checks and other investigations
reasonably necessary to verify the qualifications, experience, capacity, and
ability of any Respondent to perform the services required for the Project.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all SOQs and to waive minor
irregularities that do not materially affect the evaluation process.
7.2 Evaluation Criteria
SOQs may be evaluated based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
1. Professional Qualifications/Experience (20 Points)
2. Technical Approach (25 Points)
3. Local Government Auditing and Preparation of Annual Financial
Statements (15 Points)
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RFQ 2026.10 Forensic Audit Services