REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OF CALVERT COUNTY

PRINCE FREDERICK, MARYLAND 20678

RFP 2026-066

PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES

PROCUREMENT OFFICE

150 MAIN STREET, SUITE 443

PRINCE FREDERICK, MARYLAND 20678

Procurement@calvertcountymd.gov 410-535-1600, Extension 2322

DUE DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 by 2:30 p.m. (Local Prevailing Time)

PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING: None.

FINAL WRITTEN QUESTIONS SHALL BE DUE ON OR BEFORE WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026, BY 2:30 P.M. (LOCAL PREVAILING TIME). ALL QUESTIONS SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE PROCUREMENT

OFFICE AT PROCUREMENT@CALVERTCOUNTYMD.GOV.

CALVERT COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Proposals shall be submitted in a SEALED ENVELOPE with the label provided below affixed to the front. The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County reserves the right to reject proposals improperly labeled. The envelope shall also show the Consultant’s name and address.

FROM: ________________________________

SEALED TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

TO BE DELIVERED AND OPENED BY:

ELECTRONIC COPY SHOULD BE SENT TO:

PROCUREMENT@CALVERTCOUNTYMD.GOV

PROPOSAL TITLE: ______________________________________________

PROPOSAL NUMBER: ____________________________________________

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: __________________________________

Proposals shall be submitted in a SEALED ENVELOPE with the label provided below affixed to the front. Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County reserves the right to reject proposals improperly labeled. The envelope shall also show the Consultant’s name and address.

FROM: ________________________________

SEALED PRICE PROPOSAL

TO BE DELIVERED AND OPENED BY:

ELECTRONIC COPY SHOULD BE SENT TO:

PROCUREMENT@CALVERTCOUNTYMD.GOV

PROPOSAL TITLE: ______________________________________________

PROPOSAL NUMBER: ____________________________________________

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: __________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS

PRICE PROPOSAL

NAME AND SIGNATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR BID AND CONTRACTS

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATE

ANTI-BRIBERY AFFIRMATION AND AFFIDAVIT OF QUALIFICATION TO BID

AGREEMENT

NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS

Sealed proposals shall be due on or before Wednesday, July 29, 2026 by 2:30 p.m. (Local Prevailing Time) for acknowledgement of receipt only for:

A pre-proposal meeting will not be held.

A virtual bid opening will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (Local Prevailing Time).

The public may participate through Microsoft Teams as follows:

To Join on the Web:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/287410463178632?p=Ij5HcV1Os72nrfl7XO Meeting ID: 287 410 463 178 632, Passcode: DF7yD3jh

To Join by Phone: +1 872-216-2953, Phone Conference ID: 293 011 819#

After the virtual opening, public access to any audio, video, internet, or web-based broadcast of the opening shall be discontinued.

Responses to this Request for Proposal (hereinafter, “RFP”) shall be submitted in two (2) SEALED ENVELOPES: one envelope shall contain one (1) original of the Consultant’s technical (Qualifications and Experience [Q&E]) proposal marked TECHNICAL PROPOSAL. The second envelope shall contain one (1) original of the Consultant’s price proposal marked PRICE PROPOSAL. The technical proposal shall be accompanied by a brief transmittal letter, signed by an officer of the company authorized to bind the Consultant to their proposal, with required affidavit(s) attached. The yellow labels provided with this RFP shall be affixed to the front of each envelope and marked according to the above. Each label shall be fully filled out and clearly marked as to which envelope contains the technical proposal and which one contains price information. The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland, noted hereinafter as Calvert County Government (or the officially authorized official), reserve the right to reject proposals improperly labeled. The envelopes shall also show the Consultant’s company name and address. (ANY

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL WITH PRICE INFORMATION MAY BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE.)

The Consultant may submit their sealed proposals as follows so they will be received in the office designated below no later than the exact time set for receipt of proposals:

1. Ship through United States Postal Services (USPS), UPS, Federal Express, or hand delivery to:

CALVERT COUNTY GOVERNMENT

PROCUREMENT OFFICE

2. Send electronically to:

Procurement@calvertcountymd.gov

Acceptance of proposals by Calvert County Government employees other than employees of the Procurement Office shall not be deemed proper delivery.

Where proposals are sent by any method to Calvert County Government’s Procurement Office, the Consultant shall be responsible for their delivery before the date and time set for the closing of proposal acceptance. If the delivery is delayed beyond the due date and hour set for receipt of proposals, proposals shall not be accepted.

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Calvert County Government processes so that bids cannot be received at the Calvert County Government Procurement Office by the exact time specified in this RFP and urgent Calvert County Government requirements preclude amendment of the bid opening date, the time specified for receipt of bids shall be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in this RFP on the first work day on which normal Calvert County Government processes resume.

All proposals received before the time set for receipt of proposals shall be kept secure. The proposals shall not be opened or viewed and shall remain in a locked box or a safe. If an RFP is cancelled, proposals shall be returned to the Consultants. Necessary precautions shall be taken to ensure the security of the bid box or safe. Before technical proposal opening, information concerning the identity and number of proposals received shall only be made available to employees of Calvert County Government Procurement Office.

Such disclosure shall be only on a “need to know” basis. If proposal samples are submitted, they shall be handled with sufficient care to prevent disclosure of characteristics before proposal opening.

Proposals made on any form(s) other than the required form(s) included in this RFP shall not be considered.

Changes in the phraseology of the proposal, additional or limiting provisions shall render the proposal invalid and shall cause its rejection.

Consultants shall be responsible for obtaining all documentation, including but not limited to any addenda issued by going to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage at https://emma.maryland.gov prior to submitting their proposal.

Changes to the RFP shall only be made in writing. Calvert County Government assumes no responsibility for verbal instructions or interpretations.

Unless otherwise specified, all proposals shall be binding for 120 calendar days following the date and hour set for receipt of proposals, unless extended by mutual consent of all parties.

Calvert County Government is tax exempt and all prices quoted shall be exclusive of any Federal or Maryland State Taxes. This includes Federal Excise Tax and any other Excise Tax applicable to any other equipment or accessories. However, taxes are required to be paid by the Consultant on all materials and equipment to be incorporated into the Project. The Consultant is prohibited from using Calvert County Government’s tax exempt number for any purchases.

Consultants are warned against unbalancing their price proposal as this will render them liable to rejection.

The right is hereby reserved to reject any or all proposals, and to waive informalities, as the interest of Calvert County Government may require.

If the Consultant to whom an award is made shall fail to execute the Contract hereto attached, and as herein provided, the award may be annulled and the Contract awarded to the next most responsible Consultant, and such Consultant shall fulfill every stipulation embraced herein, as if they were the original party to whom the award was made; or Calvert County Government may reject all proposals as its interests may require.

Consultants shall carefully examine all documentation. In case doubt shall arise as to the meaning or intent of anything comprised in the specifications, inquiry shall be made to the Procurement Office before a proposal is submitted. Written questions and inquiries shall be accepted from all Consultants. The Procurement Office shall be the sole point of contact for this solicitation unless otherwise instructed herein.

Written requests for information related to this RFP shall be directed to the Procurement Office, by E-Mail:

Procurement@calvertcountymd.gov. Unauthorized contact with other Calvert County Government staff regarding this RFP may result in the disqualification of the Consultant. Inquiries pertaining to this RFP shall give the RFP number, title, due date, and time. Final written questions shall be due on or before Wednesday, July 15, 2026 by 2:30 p.m. (Local Prevailing Time). It shall be the responsibility of all Consultants to ensure they have received any addenda and other documents issued. Any addenda issued shall become a part of the Contract Documents and shall be fully considered by all Consultants during formation of proposals. The submission of a proposal shall indicate the Consultant thoroughly understands the terms of all Contract Documents.

Changes to the Information for Consultants or Technical Specifications and all documentation relating to this RFP shall only be made in writing. Calvert County Government assumes no responsibility for verbal instructions or interpretations.

The submission of a proposal on this work and service shall be considered as a representation that the Consultant has carefully investigated all conditions which affect or may, at some future date, affect the performance of the work or services covered by the proposal, the entire area to be serviced as described in the specifications and other Contract documents, and that the Consultant is fully informed concerning the conditions to be encountered, character, quality and quantity of work to be performed, and equipment and materials to be furnished; also, that the Consultant is familiar with all Federal, State, and County laws, all codes and ordinances of Calvert County Government which affect the prosecution of the work or persons engaged or employed in the work or the materials and equipment used in the work.

Consultant shall execute the following, including required form(s), and include them as part of their proposal. Failure to do so may be cause for rejection of the proposal as nonresponsive.

a. Price Proposal

b. Technical (Q&E) Proposal Submittal which includes these required forms or documents:

Consultant’s Technical Proposal Name and Signature Requirements of Proposal and Contract Non-Collusion Certificate Anti-Bribery Affirmation Affidavit of Qualification to Respond Addenda Issued Questions and Answers/Clarification Issued

Acknowledgement of receipt only for this Request for Proposal shall be posted on Calvert County Government’s website at https://calvertcountymd.gov/3750/Bid-Results

CONSULTANT’S LEGAL BUSINESS NAME: ________________________________________________

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: ______________________________________DATE: ________________

PRICE PROPOSAL

TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CALVERT COUNTY: The undersigned agrees to furnish all labor, material, supervision, and equipment necessary to provide PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES, as specified in this RFP, to the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County in accordance with ATTACHED SPECIFICATIONS and other documents herein and at the following bid price(s):

TABLE 1. FIXED PRICE COST FOR AUDITING SERVICES

Audit Year FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30

ITEM

Deliverable Description

Fixed Price

Fixed Price

Fixed Price

Fixed Price

Fixed Price

Audit for Calvert County Government ACFR (due 12/31)

Audit for Calvert County Soil Conservation District (due 9/30)

Audit of 911 Revenue and Expenditures (due 12/31)

Single Audit for Calvert County Government (due 03/31)

Audit of eight Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squads (due 12/31)

Total Fixed Price $ $ $ $ $ Grand Total, All Years $

TABLE 2. FIRE & RESCUE (FY 2025 AUDIT)

ITEM

# DESCRIPTION TOTAL COST

6 For the fiscal year ending 6/30/25, Audit of eight Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squads (due 10/31) $

Total Fixed Price for Fire & Rescue (FY 2025 Audit) $

TABLE 3. LABOR RATES FOR AD HOC SERVICES

Audit Year FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30 Position Hourly Hourly Hourly Hourly Hourly

Rate¹ Rate¹ Rate¹ Rate¹ Rate¹ Partner $ $ $ $ $

Manager $ $ $ $ $

Supervisory / Management Staff $ $ $ $ $

Senior Accountant $ $ $ $ $

Staff Accountant $ $ $ $ $

¹ Hourly rates to be used for additional professional services required and approved by Calvert County Government in accordance with this RFP.

Verify math calculation. In the event of errors in computation, unit price(s) shall be the determining factor for the total(s).

Calvert County Government will not accept any conditions requiring upfront fees or deposits.

It is further agreed by the Undersigned that upon receipt of written advice of the acceptance of proposal, the necessary contract shall be executed within ten (10) business days after such notice.

No Consultant may withdraw his proposal within 160 calendar days after the opening thereof.

The undersigned has caused this proposal to be executed as of the day and year indicated on each proposal page and hereby agrees to provide aforementioned services necessary for compliance with this Request for Proposal and agrees to provide these services at the rates submitted on their proposal form. By signing each proposal page, the Consultant does hereby attest they have fully read the Request for Proposal and understand it.

The time for performance of this contract shall begin from the Notice to Proceed or as otherwise directed by Calvert County Government.

By signing and submitting a proposal, your firm acknowledges and agrees it has read and understands the Request for Proposal documents and agrees to the Contract Terms and Conditions as contained herein.

NAME AND SIGNATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR BID AND CONTRACTS

The legal business name and principal office AS RECORDED WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION (SDAT) for Maryland shall be used on all forms submitted.

A trade name (i.e., a shortened or different name under which the company does business) shall not be used when the legal name is different. Corporations shall have names that comply with State law. The Consultant’s signature shall conform to the following:

All signatures shall be made by an authorized officer, partner, manager, member, or employee.

The signing of an offer or a contract is a representation and certification by the person signing that the person signing is authorized to do so on behalf of the offeror or Consultant.

CONSULTANT’S LEGAL BUSINESS NAME

TELEPHONE NUMBER

PRINCIPAL OFFICE ADDRESS

FAX NUMBER

REMITTANCE ADDRESS: (If Remittance Address is Different from Above Address)

EMAIL ADDRESS

NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER (TYPE OR PRINT)

SIGNATURE OF ABOVE PERSON DATE

WITNESS DATE

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS. Wherever the words defined in this section or pronouns used in their stead, occur in the specifications, proposal, contract or bond, they shall have the meanings herein given and as defined:

BIDDER/OFFEROR/CONSULTANT shall mean firms responding to this RFP with a bid.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND shall mean the governing board of elected officials of Calvert County, Maryland noted hereinafter as Calvert County Government (or the officially authorized official).

CALVERT COUNTY or COUNTY shall mean Calvert County, Maryland.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS shall mean those written documents that define the roles, and responsibilities, and work under the Contract, and are legally binding on the parties (Calvert County Government and the Consultant). The individual documents constituting the Contract Documents are as outlined herein under Contract Interpretation by the Project Manager.

CONTRACTING OFFICER shall mean the Procurement Office Division Chief or their designated representative entrusted by Calvert County Government with the authority to enter into, administer, renew, or terminate the Contract, along with related determinations and findings.

DIRECTOR shall mean the Director, Department of Finance & Budget, and shall mean the principal or their duly authorized representatives; said agents acting severally within the scope of the particular duties entrusted to them.

PROJECT MANAGER shall mean that person or persons whom the Director has designated to supervise performance of this Contract on behalf of the Board within the scope of duties entrusted under such delegation of authority.

Whenever the Contract Documents or upon any drawings the words DIRECTED, REQUIRED, PERMITTED, ORDERED, DESIGNATED, PRESCRIBED, or words of like import are used, it shall be understood that the direction, requirement, permission, order, designation, or prescription of the Project Manager is intended, and similarly the words APPROVED, ACCEPTABLE, SATISFACTORY, or, words of like import, shall mean approved by, acceptable or satisfactory to, the Project Manager, unless otherwise expressly stated.

CONTRACT INTERPRETATION BY THE PROJECT MANAGER. Any inconsistencies or ambiguities in the Contract Documents shall be immediately reported, in writing, to the Project Manager. Questions regarding the meaning and intent of the Contract Documents shall be referred in writing by the Consultant to the Project Manager with a Request for Information. The Project Manager shall respond to the Consultant in writing with a decision within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the request, or if it is necessary to extend this period, the Project Manager shall notify the Consultant in writing as to when a decision will be provided.

Work done by the Consultant after its discovery of such inconsistencies or ambiguities without such notice and prior to response from the Project Manager shall be done at the Consultant’s risk.

In resolving conflict, error, or discrepancies within the Contract Documents, the Contract Documents shall be given precedence in the following order (Change Orders, highest precedence, and Notice to Consultants, lowest precedence):

Change Orders Addenda Federal, State, and/or County Requirements General Conditions of Bid and Contract Specifications Proposal Contract Notice to Consultants

In the event that conflicts, errors, or discrepancies are not resolved by the Contract Documents’ order of precedence, the more restrictive provision shall govern.

PROPOSAL FORMS AND AFFIDAVITS

All proposals shall be submitted on forms provided in this RFP, properly signed in ink by a principal duly authorized to make contracts and submitted in sealed envelope as required under Notice to Consultants.

All required forms shall be submitted with technical proposals except for the price proposal which shall be in a separate sealed envelope. Failure to comply shall be cause for rejection of proposals.

ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Alternate proposals shall only be considered when they are submitted separately and clearly marked and labeled ALTERNATE PROPOSAL. The alternate proposal shall only be considered if the Consultant’s primary proposal is the most responsive responsible proposal.

BRAND NAME OR EQUAL ITEMS

Reserved

FORMAL SOLICITATION

Reserved

NEW GOODS, FRESH STOCK

Reserved

DEVIATIONS TO SPECIFICATIONS

Any deviations from the specifications shall be noted in detail by the Consultant, in writing, and submitted with the formal technical proposal. Calvert County Government reserves the right to accept or reject any exception.

PROHIBITION AGAINST UNIFORM PRICING

Calvert County Government shall encourage open and competitive bidding by all possible means and shall endeavor to obtain the maximum degree of open competition on all purchase transactions using the competitive sealed bidding, competitive negotiation, or open market transaction methods of procurement.

In submitting a proposal, each Consultant shall, by virtue of submitting a proposal, guarantee that the Consultant has not been a party with other Consultants to an agreement to propose a fixed or uniform price. Violation of this implied guarantee shall render void the proposal of such Consultants. Any disclosure to or acquisition by a competitive Consultant, in advance of the receipt of the proposals, of the terms or conditions of the proposal submitted by another competitor shall render the entire proceedings void and shall require re-advertising the RFP.

AWARD OR REJECTION OF BIDS

Calvert County Government shall award the Contract to the most responsible bidder(s), subject to its right to reject any or all bids, Calvert County Government reserves the right to award a Contract by individual items, in the aggregate, or in combination thereof, and to waive any informality in bids received whenever such rejection or waiver is in the best interest of Calvert County Government. Calvert County Government reserves the right to reject all bids and make purchases based on state, county, or municipal contracts that are established by a legal competitive process whenever it is in the best interest of Calvert County Government to do so. Calvert County Government also reserves the right to reject the bid of a Consultant who has previously failed to perform properly or complete on time contracts of a similar nature, or a bid of a Consultant who investigation shows is not in position to perform the Contract. The price proposal shall be used to establish best value following the evaluation of technical proposals.

In determining the “most responsible bidder(s)”, in addition to considering price, Calvert County Government shall consider:

1. The ability, capacity, and skill of the bidder(s) to perform the Contract or provide the services required;

2. Whether the bidder(s) can perform the Contract or provide the service promptly, or within the time specified, without delay or interference;

3. The character, integrity, reliability, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the bidder(s);

4. The quality of performance of previous contracts or services;

5. The previous and current compliance by the bidder with laws and ordinances relating to the Contract or service;

6. Whether the bidder(s) is in arrears to Calvert County Government on any debt or Contract, is in default on any surety to Calvert County Government, or is delinquent as to any taxes or assessments; and

7. Any other information that may have a bearing on the decision to award the Contract.

INDEMNIFICATION

Nothing contained in the Contract shall be construed to constitute the Consultant an agent of Calvert County Government. The Consultant shall indemnify, keep, and save harmless Calvert County Government, its agents, officials, and employees, against all injuries, death, loss, damage, claims, patent claims, suits, liabilities, judgments, costs, and expenses which may or otherwise accrue against Calvert County Government in consequence of the granting of a Contract or which may or otherwise result therefrom. If it shall be determined that the act was caused through negligence or omission of the Consultant or his officers, directors, agents, or employees, of the subcontractor or his officers, directors, agents or employees, if any, and the Consultant shall, at his own expense, appear, defend and pay all charges of attorneys and all costs and other expenses arising therefrom or incurred in connection therewith, and if any judgement shall be rendered against Calvert County Government in any such action, the Consultant shall at his own expense, satisfy and discharge the same. Consultant expressly understands and agrees that any performance bond or insurance protection required by this Contract, or otherwise provided by Consultant, shall in no way limit the responsibility to indemnify, keep and save harmless and defend Calvert County Government as herein provided.

NON-DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

During the performance of this Contract, the Consultant agrees as follows:

1. The Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability (physical or mental) except where religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability (physical or mental), is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the Consultant. The Consultant agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this non-discrimination clause.

2. The Consultant, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Consultant, shall state that such Consultant is an equal opportunity employer. In addition to complying with the provision of Equal Opportunity, the Consultant shall, in good faith, cooperate with Calvert County Government in investigation of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints, whether formal or informal.

3. Notices, advertisements, and solicitations placed in accordance with federal law, rule, or regulation shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this section.

INSURANCE

The Consultant shall not commence work under this Contract until it has obtained the insurance required under this section. All coverage shall be with insurance carriers licensed and authorized to do business in Maryland. Insurance companies providing insurance shall be acceptable to Calvert County Government. Self-insured Consultants shall submit an affidavit attesting to their self-insured coverage.

1. Certificate Holder, Additional Insured, and Contract Information

a. The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland shall be named as certificate holder and as an additional insured for the duration of the Contract as follows:

Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland Attention: Procurement Office Courthouse, 150 Main Street, Suite 443 Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678

b. The certificate shall also indicate the contract name and number.

c. Additional insured shall be as pertains to general liability and automobile liability and shall be stated under Description on the certificate as: Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland shall be named as additional insured as pertains to general liability and automobile liability.

d. The “ADDL INSD” box shall be checked for general liability and automobile liability.

2. Commercial General Liability Insurance During the life of this Contract, the Consultant shall procure and maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 (combined personal injury and/or property damage) per occurrence subject to $2,000,000.00 aggregate.

3. Workers’ Compensation During the life of this Contract, the Consultant shall procure and maintain Workers’ Compensation insurance, including Employers Liability Coverage in accordance with the statutes of the State of Maryland, covering all employees engaged in performance of the contract. If a Consultant is a sole proprietor or is a company that is not required to maintain workers compensation insurance coverage under the laws of the state of Maryland, that Consultant shall submit the Workers’ Compensation Commission Sole Proprietor’s Status indicating “I have not elected to become a covered employee” and provide proof of General Liability coverage.

4. Automobile Liability Insurance During the life of this Contract, the Consultant shall procure and maintain Automobile Liability Insurance, including applicable No-Fault coverage, with limits of liability not less than $1,000,000.00 per accident combined single limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage.

Coverage shall include vehicles to be used in conjunction with this Contract on behalf of the Consultant.

If during the life of this Contract the Consultant owns commercial vehicles or obtains commercial vehicles, the Consultant shall procure and maintain Automobile Liability Insurance, to include No-Fault coverage, with limits not less than $1,000,000.00 per accident combined Bodily Injury and Property Damage. Coverage shall include “Any Auto” as indicated on the required Certificate of Insurance.

If during the life of this Contract the Consultant does not own commercial vehicles, the Consultant shall procure and maintain vehicle coverage in accordance with the statutes of the State of Maryland. Coverage shall include “Non-Owned” and “Hired” as indicated on the required Certificate of Insurance.

5. Professional Liability

During the life of this Contract, the Consultant shall procure and maintain professional liability insurance coverage in the amount of one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars, with a minimum coverage of one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars per occurrence and one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars aggregate.

6. Notice of Cancellation Prior to starting performance of the Contract and for each extension of the Contract, a certificate of insurance shall be furnished to Calvert County Government. Insurance companies providing insurance shall be acceptable to Calvert County Government. The Consultant agrees to provide Calvert County Government a Certificate of Insurance evidencing that all coverage, limits and endorsements required herein are maintained and in full force and effect. If the Consultant receives a non-renewal or cancellation notice from an insurance carrier affording coverage required herein, or receives notice that coverage no longer complies with the insurance requirements herein, the Consultant agrees to notify Calvert County Government within two (2) business days with a copy of the non-renewal or cancellation notice, or written specifics as to which coverage is no longer in compliance. It shall be the Consultant’s responsibility to make immediate notification to Calvert County Government if any changes are made to the policy.

SUBLETTING OF CONTRACT OR ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT FUNDS

It is mutually understood and agreed that the Consultant shall not assign, transfer, convey, sublet, or otherwise dispose of their contractual duties to any other person, company, or corporation without the previous written consent of Calvert County Government.

If the Consultant desires to assign their right to payment of the Contract, the Consultant shall immediately notify Calvert County Government, in writing, of such assignment of right to payment. In no case shall such assignment of the Contract relieve the Consultant from their obligations or change the terms of the Contract.

SUBCONTRACTING

No subcontracting shall be permitted under this Contract.

TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

Calvert County Government may terminate a Contract, in whole or in part, whenever Calvert County Government determines that such termination is in the best interest of Calvert County Government, without showing cause, upon giving written notice to the Consultant. Calvert County Government shall pay all reasonable costs incurred by the Consultant up to the date of termination. However, in no event shall the Consultant be paid an amount which exceeds the price proposed for the work performed. The Consultant shall not be reimbursed for any profits which may have been anticipated but which have not been earned up to the date of termination.

When the Consultant has not performed or has unsatisfactorily performed the Contract, Calvert County Government may terminate the Contract for default. Upon termination for default, payment may be withheld at the discretion of Calvert County Government. Failure on the part of a Consultant to fulfill the contractual obligations shall be considered just cause for termination of the Contract. The Consultant shall be paid for work satisfactorily performed prior to termination, less any excess costs incurred by Calvert County Government in completing the Consultant’s obligations under the Contract.

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Multi-year contracts may be continued each fiscal year only after funding appropriations and program approvals have been granted by Calvert County Government. In the event Calvert County Government does not appropriate funds for the continuation of this Contract, then the affected multi-year contract becomes null and void effective July 1 of the fiscal year for which such approvals have been denied.

Calvert County Government reserves the right to immediately terminate a Contract in the event funds are no longer available or have been exhausted. If Calvert County Government shall terminate a contract, Calvert County Government shall attempt to give written notice at least thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the effective date. The Consultant shall be paid for all labor and material provided as of termination date. No consideration shall be given for anticipated loss of revenue or profit on the cancelled portion of the Contract.

SERVICE DELIVERY FAILURES

Failures of a Consultant to provide the services required under this Contract within the time specified, or within reasonable time as interpreted by Calvert County Government shall constitute authority for Calvert County Government to procure the services required under this Contract in the open market. On all such purchases, the Consultant shall reimburse Calvert County Government, within a reasonable time as specified by Calvert County Government, for any expense incurred in excess of Contract prices. Such purchases shall be deducted from Contract quantities.

DELIVERY AND POINT OF DESTINATION

Reserved

NON-LIABILITY

The Consultant shall not be liable in damages for delay in shipment or failure to deliver when such delay or failure is the result of fire, flood, strike, the transportation carrier, act of God, act of Government, act of an alien enemy or by any other circumstances which, in Calvert County Government's opinion, is unforeseeable and beyond the control of the Consultant. Under such circumstances, however, the Procurement Office may at their discretion, cancel the Contract.

BREACH OF CONTRACT

1. In the event the Consultant shall fail to comply with any of the terms or conditions of the Contract Documents, the Project Manager shall notify the Consultant of such failure or default and demand that the same be remedied within five (5) business days. In the event of the failure of the Consultant to remedy the same within said period, the Project Manager shall authorize the services to be procured from any available source, with the difference between the actual cost paid and the defaulting Consultant to be deducted from any monies due the defaulting Consultant or their surety.

2. In addition to those instances specifically referred to in other sections herein contained, Calvert County Government shall have the right at its option to terminate the Contract under any one or more of the following:

A. If the Consultant becomes insolvent.

B. If the Consultant makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors pursuant to the statutes in such case made and provided without notification or approval from Calvert County Government.

C. In the event a voluntary or involuntary petition in bankruptcy shall be filed by or against the Consultant.

D. In the event the Consultant fails to commence work in accordance with the specifications of this RFP.

E. In the event the Consultant shall abandon the work or any portion of the work to be performed under this contract before completion.

F. If the Consultant shall fail to fully, properly, and in a good and workman-like manner perform any or all of the conditions, covenants, terms, or conditions contained within the Contract Documents.

G. If the Consultant shall sublet, assign, convey, or otherwise dispose of his Contract or any portion thereof other than in accordance with the terms set forth within the Contract Documents.

H. If a receiver or receivers or any other person shall be appointed by court order to take charge or custody of the Consultant's property, financial affairs, or business.

I. If Calvert County Government shall be of the opinion that the Consultant is not or has not been performing the Contract in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the specifications.

OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS

Any reports, specifications, or other documents prepared by the Consultant in the performance of its obligations under the resulting contract shall be the exclusive property of Calvert County Government, and all such materials shall be surrendered to Calvert County Government upon completion, termination, or cancellation of this Contract. The Consultant shall not use, willingly allow, or cause such materials to be used for any other purpose than performance of all Consultant’s obligations under the resulting Contract without the prior written consent of Calvert County Government. Documents and materials developed by the Consultant under the resulting contract shall be the property of Calvert County Government; however, the Consultant may retain file copies, which cannot be used without prior written consent of Calvert County Government. Calvert County Government agrees that the Consultant shall not be liable for any damages, loss, or injury resulting from future use of the provided documents for other than the Project specified, when the Consultant is not the company of record.

PAYMENT(S)

Payment(s) shall be made after satisfactory performance of work required during the course of the Contract, in accordance with all of the provisions thereof, and upon receipt of properly completed invoice.

Calvert County Government reserves the right to withhold any or all payments or portions thereof for Consultant’s failure to perform in accordance with the provisions of the Contract or any modifications thereto.

INCURRING COSTS

Calvert County Government shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the Consultant prior to the issuance of the Contract.

COMPLETENESS

All information required by this RFP shall be supplied to constitute a proper proposal. Calvert County Government shall not be responsible for the premature opening of proposals if not properly addressed or identified.

NOTICE OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The Consultant agrees, in accordance with the current Maryland Code, State Finance and Procurement Article, §17-402, to comply with the political contribution reporting requirements, as amended from time to time, to which the Consultant may be subject.

COOPERATIVE PURCHASES

1. Acceptance of this bid and submission of a proposal is an agreement to extend the same prices, terms, and conditions to other governmental agencies, and public or quasi-public agencies that receive government funds that require these commodities or services.

2. All purchase and payment transactions shall be made directly between the Consultant and the requesting entity. Calvert County Government assumes no obligation on behalf of any other public entity.

ARITHMETICAL ERRORS

Any errors in computations shall be corrected when the proposals are canvassed.

GENDER NEUTRAL CLAUSE

Wherever used herein, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall be considered as including the feminine gender unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY

By entering into this Contract, Calvert County Government and its “employees,” as defined in the Local Government Tort Claims Act, §§5-301, et seq. of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, do not waive sovereign immunity, do not waive: any defenses; any limitations of liability as may be provided for by law; or any provision of the Local Government Tort Claims Act.

THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY

It is specifically agreed between the parties executing this Contract that it is not intended by any of the provisions of this Contract to create in the public or any member thereof, third party beneficiary status in connection with the performance of the obligations herein without the written consent of Calvert County Government and notwithstanding its concurrence in or approval of the award of any contract or subcontract or the solicitation thereof in fulfilling the obligations of the Contract.

NO INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY

No elected official, appointed official, employee, servant, agent, or law enforcement officer shall be held personally liable under this Contract and any extension or renewals thereof because of its enforcement or attempted enforcement provided they are acting within the course and scope of their employment or governmental duties and responsibilities.

SUFFICIENT APPROPRIATIONS

Calvert County Government's financial obligations, if any, under this Contract are contingent upon sufficient appropriations and authorization being made by Calvert County Government for the performance of this Contract. Calvert County Government's decision as to whether sufficient appropriations are available shall be accepted by the other party or parties to this Contract and shall be final.

SEVERABILITY

In the event any portion of this Contract is found to be unconstitutional, illegal, null, or void, by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is the intent of Calvert County Government to sever only the invalid portion or provision, and that the remainder of the Contract shall be enforceable and valid, unless deletion of the invalid portion would defeat the clear purpose of the Contract, or unless deletion of the valid portion would produce a result inconsistent with the purpose and intent of Calvert County Government in entering into this Contract.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

The parties hereto agree that the above writing constitutes the entire Contract between them concerning this matter and that there are no understanding, promises, or arrangements binding either part hereto that have not been written herein. The parties further agree that this Contract can be amended only by written agreement signed by the parties hereto.

CHOICE OF LAW

This Contract shall be governed by the internal laws of Maryland, without giving effect to its choice of law provisions, and any action brought by or between the parties shall vest jurisdiction and venue exclusively in the Courts located in Calvert County, Maryland.

PUBLICITY

Except without the prior written approval of the Board, the Consultant shall not release for publication any report, specification, cost estimate, or other material of any nature for which services are performed under the terms of this Contract.

ANTI-KICKBACK

a. Definitions.

Kickback, as used herein, means any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, thing of value, or compensation of any kind, which is provided, directly or indirectly, to Calvert County Government, or any of its employees, the Consultant or Consultant employees, or Consultants in any way related to the performance or subsequent activities of this Contract, for the purpose of improperly obtaining or rewarding favorable treatment in connection with this Contract.

Person, as used in this clause, means a corporation, partnership, business association of any kind, trust, joint-stock company, or individual.

Consultant employee, as used in this clause, means any officer, partner, employee, or agent of the Consultant.

b. The Consultant and its employees, whether directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of this Contract, agree to abide by the terms of The United States Anti-Kickback Act of 1986, which prohibits any person from providing or attempting to provide any kickback; soliciting, accepting, or attempting to accept any kickback; or including, directly or indirectly, the amount of any kickback in the contract price charged by the Consultant to Calvert County Government.

When the Consultant has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation described in paragraph

(b) of this provision may have occurred, the Consultant shall promptly report in writing the possible violation. Such reports shall be made to Calvert County Government, who shall forward the report to the Calvert County Ethics Commission for investigation, as required.

The Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with Calvert County Government, or any other body designated by the County in investigating a possible violation described in paragraph (b) of this clause.

Calvert County Government may offset the amount of the kickback against any monies owed by Calvert County Government under any orders issued pursuant to this Contract or order the monies withheld from future payments due the Consultant.

The Consultant agrees to include the substance of this provision in any contract it may issue under this Contract.

CONSULTANT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Consultant agrees to provide the goods/services as listed in any purchase order in accordance with the requirements set forth in this Contract. Consultant undertakes to perform the goods/services there under in accordance with the highest standards of professional and ethical competence and integrity in Consultant’s industry and to ensure that employees assigned to perform any goods/services under this Contract will conduct themselves in a manner consistent therewith. The goods/services will be rendered by Consultant: (1) in an efficient, safe, courteous, and businesslike manner; (2) in accordance with any specific instructions issued from time to time by Calvert County Government; and (3) to the extent consistent with items (1) and (2), as economically as sound business judgment warrants.

Consultant shall provide the goods/services of qualified personnel through all stages of this Contract.

Consultant shall perform the goods/services as an independent subconsultant/Subcontractor with the general guidance of Calvert County Government. Consultant’s employees shall not act as agents or employees of Calvert County Government. Consultant represents and warrants that it is in compliance with all the applicable laws of the United States and any other Jurisdiction in which the goods/services shall be performed.

PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

The Consultant acknowledges that, in performing this Contract or any purchase orders issued under this Contract, Calvert County Government may be required to make available to Consultant certain information deemed to be Proprietary and Confidential information (“Proprietary Information”). Such information includes without limitation, information related to pricing, trade secrets, customer lists, and technical, financial and business information, patents, research, development, computer software, designs or processes, and know-how of Calvert County Government. Consultant agrees to safeguard and hold in strictest confidence all Proprietary Information.

Consultant hereto agrees not to disclose such Proprietary Information to unauthorized parties. Receiving party shall not use Proprietary Information from the other for any purpose other than that as required for the performance of this Contract or any purchase orders under this Contract. Each Party shall designate in writing one or more individuals as the only person(s) authorized to receive Proprietary Information exchanged between the Parties pursuant to this Contract. Except as required in the performance of this Contract, neither this Contract nor the furnishing of any information hereunder by Calvert County Government shall grant Consultant, by implication or otherwise, any license under any invention, patent, trademark or copyright.

The restrictions set forth in the foregoing provisions of this clause shall not apply to information: (a) which was at the time of the receipt otherwise lawfully known to the recipient independently of the disclosing party; (b) which was at the time of receipt lawfully within the public knowledge; (c) which subsequently is lawfully developed independently by the recipient; or (d) which subsequently is lawfully acquired from a third party without coordinating restriction on use.

Consultant shall return all Proprietary Information to Calvert County Government upon its request or upon termination of this Contract or any purchase orders issued under this Contract, whichever occurs first. Consultant shall have the right to retain an index of the Proprietary Information for its internal records, subject to Consultant’s continued compliance with the restrictions and obligations set forth in this section. This section shall survive termination of this Contract.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. GENERAL

Calvert County Government is requesting Technical Proposals and Price Proposals from qualified certified public accounting firms or individuals (hereinafter, “the Consultant”) to audit Calvert County Government’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (hereinafter, “ACFR”) in accordance with this RFP. The base term of the Contract shall be for the fiscal year FY2026 which ends on June 30, 2026. There are four option years under the contract for Fiscal Years (FY) 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.

In addition to the local government audit, Calvert County Government requires an audit of:

1) The Soil Conservation District for FY26 through FY30,

2) A single audit for Calvert County Government for FY26 through FY30,

3) An audit of 911 Revenue and Expenditures for FY26 through FY30, and

4) An audit of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squads (eight in total, see list in Section 3) for FY25 through FY30.

These audits shall be performed in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. These audits shall also comply with requirements set by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (hereinafter “OMB”) Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200, subpart F (200.500)), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, as well as the guidelines established by the State of Maryland Department of Legislative Services, Office of Legislative Audits.

All certified public accountants shall be in compliance with the provisions of the Maryland Public Accountancy Act as codified in the Business Occupations…