CI-274 RFP Auxiliary Audit Services.pdf

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Issue Date: October 6, 2026 RFP Solicitation No. CI-274 Title: Auxiliary Audit Services Proposal Due Date: Monday, November 2, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. PT Administered by:

The Trustees of the California State University on behalf of California State University Channel Islands (“CSUCI”)

For the following participating Entities:

• California State University Channel Islands Site Authority

• California State University Channel Islands Financing Authority

• Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands, Inc.

• California State University Channel Islands Foundation

1 University Dr.

Camarillo, CA 93012 www.csuci.edu

Contact Information:

Sheryl Aguilar-Astorga Procurement Professional II Procurement & Contract Services sheryl.aguilar-astorga095@csuci.edu Gregory Stoup Director Procurement & Contract Services gregory.stoup@csuci.edu Daniel Brown Procurement Professional IV Procurement & Contract Services daniel.brown@csuci.edu http://www.csuci.edu/ mailto:sheryl.aguilar-astorga095@csuci.edu mailto:gregory.stoup@csuci.edu mailto:daniel.brown@csuci.edu

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Instructions

All proposals must be submitted electronically through the PlanetBids E-Bidding Platform by the deadline listed above. The Technical Proposal must be submitted in Adobe PDF format. The CSUCI-issued Pricing Proposal Form (Exhibit 3) must be submitted separately in its original Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) format through the designated mandatory Pricing Proposal upload field.

Proposals submitted by email or received after the deadline will not be accepted.

All proposals must include the information and materials identified in Section VII, Proposal Instructions and Format. A complete Technical Proposal and completed Pricing Proposal Form must be submitted through separate mandatory PlanetBids upload fields as described in Sections 5.10 and 7.2.

Vendors must be registered in PlanetBids to submit a proposal. New vendor registration information is available at: www.csuci.edu/financial-services/procurement/vendor-information/vendor-info.htm

All questions and Requests for Information (RFI) must be submitted through the PlanetBids Q&A module. Questions submitted via email or verbal communication will not be accepted or answered.

The deadline for submitting questions for a guaranteed response is 4:00 p.m. PT on October 20, 2026. Responses and any resulting addendum will be posted to PlanetBids by October 27, 2026.

By submitting a proposal, the Proposer agrees to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in this RFP, including any addenda issued.

Proposers shall submit their most favorable fixed, not-to-exceed pricing, including all applicable academic, higher-education, governmental, nonprofit, and CSU system discounts. All applicable discounts must be reflected in the submitted Entity-specific basic audit fees, required tax-preparation fees, and Combined Evaluated Price. The Combined Evaluated Price, as defined in Section 5.9, will be used to calculate the financial score and will establish the maximum aggregate price for the required basic audit and tax-preparation services in the resulting contract packages.

Before contract award, CSUCI, in consultation with the participating Entities, may request clarification of submitted pricing or correction of apparent clerical or arithmetic discrepancies, provided that such clarification or correction does not increase the Combined Evaluated Price, alter the Proposer's submitted Entity-specific pricing or unit pricing, materially modify the proposed scope, or affect the competitive basis on which proposals were evaluated.

By submitting a proposal, the Proposer acknowledges that CSUCI is coordinating and administering this solicitation for the participating Entities using the procurement process established under the CSU Contracts and Procurement Policy. The participating Entities intend to make a coordinated selection of one Proposer, with a separate contract package and engagement letter to be executed for each Entity.

The California State University Terms and Conditions of Purchase and the California State University Data Privacy and Security Rider, each dated October 1, 2025 and provided with this

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RFP, will be incorporated into each resulting contract package. When the contracting party is an Entity other than The Trustees of the California State University, those documents may be supplemented by Entity-specific conforming provisions. Any modification must be expressly stated in the executed contract cover page or an approved Entity-specific rider. CSUCI, on behalf of the participating entities, reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

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Contents

SECTION I: INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Questions & RFI (Request for Information)

1.3 Submittal of Proposals

1.4 Withdrawal of Proposals

1.5 Completion of Proposals

1.6 Addenda

1.7 Rejection of Proposals

1.8 Cancellation of RFP

1.9 Confidentiality and Disposition of Proposals

1.10 Non-Collusion Affidavit

1.11 Award and Execution of Contract

1.12 Supplier Registration Requirement

1.13 Travel and Related Expenses (if applicable to this Contract)

1.14 Conflict of Interest

1.15 Subcontracting

1.16 Independent Contractor Status

1.17 Insurance Requirements

SECTION II: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SECTION III: SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Basic Audit Services to Be Rendered

3.2 Audit Scope of Services

3.3 Audit Term and Continued Engagement

3.4 Audit Reports Required

3.5 Schedule of Reports

3.6 Meetings, Training, and Timing

3.7 Additional Services

3.8 Method and Basis of Compensation

3.9 Assistance to be Provided to Auditors

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3.10 Data Security and Confidentiality

SECTION IV: PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION V: PRICING AND COST PROPOSAL

5.1 General Pricing Requirements

5.2 Basic Audit Fee Schedule

5.3 Required Tax Preparation Fee Schedule

5.4 Option-Year Pricing

5.5 Separately Priced Additional Services

5.6 Hourly Rate Schedule

5.7 Expenses and Reimbursements

5.8 Value-Added Services

5.9 Combined Evaluated Price

5.10 Pricing Proposal Form and Certification

SECTION VI: EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

6.1 Evaluation Process

6.2 Evaluation Criteria

SECTION VII: PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT

7.1 Instructions

7.2 Submission Format

7.3 Proposal Format

7.4 Certifications

7.5 Solicitation Exhibits

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SECTION I: INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is to invite experienced and qualified independent certified public accounting firms licensed to practice in the State of California to submit proposals to perform specified financial reporting, tax, and auditing services. California State University Channel Islands (“CSUCI”) is administering this solicitation on behalf of the following participating entities:

• California State University Channel Islands Site Authority;

• California State University Channel Islands Financing Authority;

• Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands, Inc.; and

• California State University Channel Islands Foundation.

For purposes of this RFP, the four organizations are collectively referred to as the “Entities” and individually as an “Entity.” Each participating Entity is a separate legal entity. Following completion of the evaluation and award process, the successful Proposer will be expected to execute a separate agreement for the services associated with each Entity. Each agreement will identify the legal contracting party, the Entity whose financial statements and activities are covered, the applicable source of funds, and the party responsible for payment. Each agreement remains subject to approval by the authorized representative or governing body of the applicable Entity and to all required CSU delegation-of-authority, fiscal-control, legal, and risk-management reviews. Issuance of this RFP, participation in the evaluation process, or notification of a proposed award does not create a binding contractual obligation.

General ledger activity is facilitated via PeopleSoft Financials through the CSU Common Finance System (CFS). PeopleSoft is an Oracle web-based finance system.

Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands, Inc. and California State University Channel Islands Foundation are nonprofit auxiliary organizations that are legally separate from the University and operate pursuant to written agreements with the CSU. The California State University Channel Islands Site Authority and California State University Channel Islands Financing Authority are separate governmental entities.

• Student self-governance and student programs (Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands, Inc.);

• Philanthropic activities, including gifts, trusts, endowments, investments, pledges, and donor-restricted resources (California State University Channel Islands Foundation);

• Site development and financial support (California State University Channel Islands Site Authority); and

• Public financing of capital improvements and related activities (California State University Channel Islands Financing Authority).

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Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands, Inc. (ASI):

Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands, Inc. (ASI), is a non-profit auxiliary which exists to support the educational mission of CSU Channel Islands. ASI was created on November 7, 2003, pursuant to the General Nonprofit Corporation Law of the State of California. [A-06 p.9] ASI facilitates learning and development through integrative and co-curricular approaches and identifies and responds to major student issues and initiatives. In addition, ASI implements sound business practices which uphold the fiduciary responsibility associated with the management of student fees and funds the operation and facility of the CSU Channel Islands (CI) Student Union.

The Student Union serves to foster community and enhance student learning and development on the CI campus by providing exceptional services, supporting holistic programming, creating regular opportunities for staff development, and maintaining an environmentally responsible facility.

ASI is a qualified IRS Section 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt charitable organization, chartered under the non-profit for public benefit laws of the State of California and authorized by the California Education Code, Section 89900 et. seq.

The historical, audited financial statements for ASI can be found at:

https://asi.csuci.edu/asiboardgoverningdocuments.htm.

California State University Channel Islands Foundation (Foundation):

California State University Channel Islands Foundation (Foundation) is a recognized auxiliary organization of the California State University (CSU) system. It was created on August 28, 1996, pursuant to the General Nonprofit Corporation Law of the State of California. [A-07 p.14] Its exclusive purpose is to provide designated support services to California State University Channel Islands (CI). The Foundation is a qualified, IRS Section 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt charitable organization, chartered under the non-profit for public benefit laws of the State of California and authorized by the California Education Code, Section 89900 et. seq.

The Foundation is a philanthropic organization which supports fund raising, community and governmental relations and alumni activities. The Foundation provides gifts, trust, and endowment administration. The historical, audited financial statements for the Foundation can be found at: http://www.csuci.edu/ci-foundation/financial.htm. The Foundation has no employees; administrative activity is performed by CI, and the Foundation reimburses for those administrative costs.

California State University Channel Islands Site Authority (Site Authority):

The California State University Channel Islands Site Authority was created in 1998 pursuant to the California State University Channel Islands Site Authority Act to support the reuse and development of the former Camarillo State Hospital property for campus and other compatible uses.

The Site Authority is a governmental entity and is presented as a component unit of California State University Channel Islands in the University's financial statements.

The Site Authority reports under standards established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

https://asi.csuci.edu/asiboardgoverningdocuments.htm http://www.csuci.edu/ci-foundation/financial.htm

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Historical audited financial statements for the Site Authority are available at:

https://www.csuci.edu/office-departments/site-authority/statements.html.

California State University Channel Islands Financing Authority (Financing Authority):

The Financing Authority is a separate governmental entity created through a joint powers agreement between the Site Authority and the CSU to finance public capital improvements and related activities.

The Financing Authority is presented as a component unit of California State University Channel Islands and reports under GASB guidance.

Historical audited financial statements for the Financing Authority are available at:

https://www.csuci.edu/office-departments/site-authority/statements.html.

CURRENT ENVIRONMENT AND KEY CONSIDERATIONS

The engagement includes four separate Entities with differing governance, operating activities, and financial reporting considerations. ASI reports under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance. The Foundation, Site Authority, and Financing Authority report under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidance. Proposers should address these differences in their audit approach, staffing plan, timeline, deliverables, and fee proposal.

General ledger activity is maintained through PeopleSoft Financials within the CSU Common Finance System (CFS).

1.2 Questions & RFI (Request for Information)

All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Q&A module and must reference this RFP. Verbal questions and questions submitted by email will not be accepted.

Questions received after the deadline listed in the Schedule of Events may not receive a response. CSUCI will post responses to timely questions through an addendum (if there are changes, important clarifications, critical announcements, etc.) or a response (via the Q&A) module. Both methods are available for all Proposers to view.

1.3 Submittal of Proposals

The Technical Proposal must be submitted in Adobe PDF format, and the completed CSUCI-issued Pricing Proposal Form must be submitted separately in its original Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) format through the PlanetBids E-Bidding Platform no later than the time and date specified on the cover page.

1.4 Withdrawal of Proposals

A proposal may be withdrawn before the submission deadline by a written request signed by the Proposer's authorized representative and submitted through PlanetBids or as otherwise directed by CSUCI. A withdrawn proposal may be revised and resubmitted through PlanetBids before the deadline. Withdrawal or modification in any other manner will not be considered.

1.5 Completion of Proposals

Proposals shall be completed in all respects as required by the RFP provisions. A proposal may be rejected if conditional or incomplete. Proposals that contain false or misleading statements, or that provide references that do not support an attribute(s) or condition(s) claimed by the https://www.csuci.edu/office-departments/site-authority/statements.html https://www.csuci.edu/office-departments/site-authority/statements.html

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Proposer, may be rejected. All statements made by a Proposer shall also be without ambiguity and with adequate elaboration where necessary for clear understanding.

1.6 Addenda

CSUCI may modify this RFP or any of its attachments before the proposal deadline by posting an addendum to PlanetBids under Solicitation No. CI-274, Auxiliary Audit Services.

1.7 Rejection of Proposals

CSUCI, on behalf of the participating entities, reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities or minor irregularities. A waiver of an immaterial defect does not modify the RFP or excuse the successful Proposer from complying with its requirements.

Proposals containing material exceptions or additional terms may be rejected as non-responsive. CSUCI may request information reasonably necessary to evaluate a Proposer's qualifications and ability to perform the work.

CSUCI, in consultation with the participating entities, may reject a proposal if the information submitted by or obtained about the Proposer does not demonstrate that the Proposer is qualified and capable of performing the required services.

1.8 Cancellation of RFP

This solicitation does not obligate CSUCI or any participating entity to award or execute an agreement. CSUCI, on behalf of the participating entities, may cancel this RFP at any time when determined to be in their best interests. Neither CSUCI nor any participating entity is responsible for costs incurred in preparing or submitting a proposal. No participating entity will be contractually bound until its separate agreement has been fully approved and executed by its authorized parties.

1.9 Confidentiality and Disposition of Proposals

Proposals received in response to this RFP will be maintained in confidence to the extent permitted by law during the evaluation process. Following authorization of an award, CSUCI and the participating entities may use information contained in the proposals for evaluation, contracting, and administration of the resulting agreements.

Proposals and related procurement records may be subject to disclosure under applicable law, including the California Public Records Act and laws governing access to auxiliary organization records.

If a Proposer believes that any portion of its proposal contains confidential or proprietary information exempt from disclosure, the Proposer must clearly identify such information at the time of submittal and provide a written justification for the claimed exemption. Blanket or general claims of confidentiality will not be accepted.

CSUCI and the participating entities will use reasonable efforts to provide notice of a request for information identified as confidential when appropriate; however, the applicable records custodian will make the final disclosure determination in accordance with law and will not be liable for disclosures required by law.

1.10 Non-Collusion Affidavit

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By signing the proposal cover letter and the Pricing Proposal Certification, Proposer hereby certifies that the proposal is genuine and not collusive, false, or sham, and that the Proposer has not directly or indirectly agreed with any other Proposer to submit a false or sham proposal.

1.11 Award and Execution of Contract

An award recommendation, if any, will be made to the responsive and responsible Proposer whose proposal provides the best overall value based on the evaluation criteria and process established in Section VI of this RFP. Award will be based on best overall value and not on price alone.

Coordinated Selection and Separate Contract Packages The participating Entities intend to make a coordinated selection of one Proposer to provide the required services to all participating Entities. Although a separate contract package and engagement letter will be executed for each Entity, proposals will be evaluated and the selection recommendation will be made on an integrated basis. Each contract package will remain subject to the required approvals of the applicable Entity and any required CSU approvals.

Following issuance of a notice of intent to award, a separate contract package is anticipated for the services associated with each participating Entity. Each contract package will identify:

1. The legal contracting party;

2. The Entity receiving the services;

3. The applicable scope of services and deliverables;

4. The source of funds and party responsible for payment; and

5. The individuals authorized to execute and administer the contract.

CSUCI may coordinate the contracting process on behalf of the participating Entities. The Trustees of the California State University may execute or administer a contract on behalf of an Entity only when the authority to do so has been documented and all required Entity and CSU approvals have been obtained. Otherwise, the contract will be executed directly by the applicable Entity through its authorized representative.

No resulting contract will become effective until it has been fully approved and executed by the authorized parties. Issuance of this RFP, participation in the evaluation process, issuance of a notice of intent to award, or commencement of contract finalization does not create a binding contractual or payment obligation on the part of CSUCI, The Trustees of the California State University, or any participating Entity.

Contract Documents Each Entity-specific contract package is anticipated to include:

1. An executed CSU-developed contract cover page identifying the applicable contracting party, the Entity receiving the services, the contract amount, the contract term, the incorporated documents, and the authorized signatories;

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2. Any approved special provisions or Entity-specific rider;

3. The CSU Data Privacy and Security Rider;

4. The CSU Terms and Conditions of Purchase;

5. The applicable engagement letter serving as the Entity-specific scope of services;

6. The accepted CSUCI Pricing Proposal Form, with respect to the applicable Entity's awarded pricing; and

7. Any other documents expressly incorporated into the contract package.

Engagement Letters The successful Proposer will be required to provide a separate engagement letter for each participating Entity. Proposers shall include their proposed form of engagement letter with their proposals and shall clearly identify any proposed exceptions to this RFP or its exhibits.

Each engagement letter will be reviewed and approved by CSUCI and the applicable Entity and incorporated into the applicable contract package as the Entity-specific scope of services. The engagement letter may establish the audit scope, applicable professional standards, responsibilities of management and the auditor, required reports and deliverables, schedule, and fees for the applicable Entity. Any fees stated in an engagement letter must conform to the accepted Pricing Proposal Form and the applicable Entity-specific contract amount. An engagement letter may not modify the accepted pricing unless expressly authorized in the executed contract package.

The engagement letter will not supersede or modify the other contract documents unless the proposed modification was expressly identified in the Proposer's proposal and expressly accepted in the executed contract cover page or an approved Entity-specific rider.

No limitation of liability, indemnification obligation, waiver of damages, shortened limitation period, arbitration requirement, jury-trial waiver, automatic-renewal provision, confidentiality restriction, data-use authorization, subcontracting authorization, governing-law provision, venue provision, or other legal or commercial term contained in an engagement letter or other Proposer document will apply unless expressly accepted in the executed contract cover page or an approved Entity-specific rider.

Governing Contract Terms The California State University Terms and Conditions of Purchase are included with this RFP and are intended to serve as the baseline contractual terms for each resulting contract package.

When The Trustees of the California State University are the contracting party, the CSU Terms and Conditions of Purchase will apply as written, except to the extent expressly modified in the executed contract cover page or other approved special provisions.

When the contracting party is a participating Entity other than The Trustees, the CSU Terms and Conditions of Purchase may be incorporated with an Entity-specific rider or conforming provisions appropriate to that Entity’s legal status. Such provisions may address or modify references to the contracting party, CSU, the University, the State of California, payment

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Use of the CSU Terms and Conditions of Purchase will not, by itself, make The Trustees a contracting party or cause The Trustees to assume the contractual, fiscal, payment, or legal obligations of a participating Entity. Any obligation undertaken by The Trustees must be expressly stated in the applicable executed contract package and supported by appropriate authority.

Data Privacy and Security The CSU Data Privacy and Security Rider will be included in each Entity-specific contract package and will apply in accordance with its terms to the extent the successful Proposer creates, obtains, accesses, transmits, maintains, uses, processes, stores, hosts, or disposes of CSUCI or Entity data.

When the contracting party is an Entity other than The Trustees, the Data Privacy and Security Rider may be supplemented by Entity-specific provisions conforming references to CSU, the University, University Data, the contracting party, data ownership, approval authority, security-incident notification, and other obligations to the applicable Entity and the data involved.

Order of Precedence In the event of a conflict or inconsistency among the contract documents, the following order of precedence will apply unless the executed contract cover page expressly provides otherwise:

1. The executed contract cover page and any expressly incorporated Entity-specific rider or special provisions;

2. The CSU Data Privacy and Security Rider, solely with respect to privacy, information-security, and data-protection matters;

3. The CSU Terms and Conditions of Purchase, as appropriately conformed to the contracting Entity;

4. Written addenda to this RFP, followed by this RFP;

5. The accepted CSUCI Pricing Proposal Form, solely with respect to pricing;

6. The applicable engagement letter, solely to the extent incorporated as the Entity-specific scope of services and not inconsistent with the foregoing contract documents; and

7. The successful Proposer’s remaining proposal.

The successful Proposer’s standard terms, engagement terms, click-through terms, online terms, website terms, or other form agreements or conditions will not apply and will not become part of any resulting agreement unless expressly incorporated in writing into the executed contract package by the authorized contracting party. Submission of a proposal constitutes acceptance of the RFP requirements and incorporated CSU terms, except for specific exceptions expressly identified in the proposal. Any exception not expressly identified in the proposal will be deemed waived. CSUCI and the participating Entities are under no obligation to accept or negotiate any proposed exception and may reject a proposal based on the nature or extent of requested exceptions.

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1.12 Supplier Registration Requirement

The Proposer selected for award shall be required to register as a supplier in the CSU Buy system (Jaggaer) in order to conduct business with the California State University. Registration must be completed in a timely manner following notice of award and prior to Contract execution and/or issuance of any purchase order.

The Proposer must provide the information required for registration, which may include tax identification information, banking details, and applicable certifications. Failure to complete a required registration may delay or prevent execution of an agreement with the affected entity.

A participating entity may decline to execute an agreement if the selected Proposer fails to complete its required registration within a reasonable period.

1.13 Travel and Related Expenses (if applicable to this Contract) All travel must be necessary, reasonable, and directly related to the performance of the Scope of Work.

Any travel performed by the Proposer in support of Auxiliary Audit Services shall comply with all applicable California State University (CSU) travel policies and procedures https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/18199038/latest.

Travel costs must be included in the Proposer's pricing unless the applicable participating entity expressly approves reimbursement in writing before the expense is incurred. Any approved reimbursement must be properly documented and will be limited to reasonable, necessary expenses permitted by that entity's policies.

Unless otherwise stated in an executed agreement, all compensation will be deemed inclusive of travel and travel-related expenses.

Approved reimbursable travel expenses must be ordinary, reasonable, necessary for performance of the services, and consistent with prudent business practices.

The applicable participating entity may deny reimbursement for travel expenses that were not approved in advance or do not comply with the agreement.

1.14 Conflict of Interest

The Proposer must comply with all applicable conflict-of-interest laws and regulations, including, to the extent applicable, California Government Code section 1090 and related provisions, as well as all applicable professional ethics and auditor-independence requirements, including those applicable to each Entity being audited.

The Proposer must disclose all existing or proposed financial, business, audit, tax, consulting, advisory, or other relationships with CSUCI, the Entities, the CSU, or related organizations that could reasonably bear on independence or objectivity.

The Proposer must maintain independence throughout the procurement and each resulting engagement in accordance with applicable professional standards, including the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and Government Auditing Standards, as applicable.

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• The Proposer must not perform non-audit services that would impair independence. All proposed non-audit services must be disclosed and approved in writing by the applicable Entity before work begins.

• The Proposer must promptly disclose any circumstance arising during the engagement that may create an actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest or impair independence and must cooperate in evaluating and addressing the circumstance.

• The Proposer must not use its audit or advisory role to obtain additional work in a manner that compromises, or appears to compromise, its independence or professional judgment.

The selected Proposer may be required to complete conflict-of-interest and independence certifications and provide continuing disclosures throughout each agreement term.

Failure to disclose a conflict or independence issue, or the existence of an issue that cannot be adequately mitigated, may result in disqualification, withdrawal of an award, or termination of an affected agreement.

1.15 Subcontracting

The Proposer may not subcontract, assign, or delegate any portion of the services without the prior written approval of the participating entity receiving those services. The proposal must identify all proposed subcontractors and describe their qualifications and scope of work.

Unless expressly approved in writing by the applicable participating entity, the Proposer must perform all services using its own personnel.

The Proposer remains fully responsible for all work performed under each agreement, including work performed by an approved subcontractor. Each participating entity may approve, reject, or require replacement of a subcontractor assigned to its engagement.

1.16 Independent Contractor Status

The Proposer and its personnel will perform services as independent contractors and not as employees, agents, partners, or joint venturers of CSUCI or any participating entity. The Proposer retains sole responsibility for the direction, supervision, compensation, and control of its personnel.

1.17 Insurance Requirements

The successful Proposer must comply with the insurance requirements contained in the CSU Terms and Conditions of Purchase and any applicable Entity-specific rider, including professional liability and, when applicable, cyber liability coverage. Before contract execution or commencement of services, the Proposer must provide all required certificates and endorsements, including those identifying the applicable Entity and other required insured parties.

These requirements are material and nonnegotiable. A proposal taking exception to the insurance requirements may be deemed non-responsive. Any modification will be made only through a written RFP addendum.

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SECTION II: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Note: Dates up to and including the RFP Deadline may be adjusted upon advance written notice posted on the PlanetBids E-Bidding Platform, Bid Solicitation #CI-274. Any adjustment to dates listed after the Proposal Due Date may occur without written or posted notice.

Action or Deadline Date

Release of RFP October 6, 2026

Deadline for Questions and Clarification October 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

PT

Campus Final Response/Addendum in Response to Questions via PlanetBids October 27, 2026

Proposal Due Date November 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m.

PT

Finalist Proposer Interviews (For up to Five Firms, if Conducted)

Week of November 16, 2026 (estimated, specific dates

TBA)

Final Evaluation/Reference Checks Week of November 16, 2026 (estimated)

Notice of Intent to Award Week of November 23, 2026 (estimated)

Contract Preparation and Finalization Week of December 7, 2026 (estimated)

Contract Issuance and Execution Week of December 14, 2026 (estimated)

Anticipated Commencement of Services January 2027, following contract execution

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SECTION III: SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Basic Audit Services to Be Rendered

Each audit shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. If, during any audit period, an Entity expends federal awards in an amount or under circumstances requiring a Single Audit or program-specific audit, such services may be authorized as an Additional Service under Section 3.7 and, if authorized, shall be conducted in accordance with the Single Audit Act, as amended, and Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart F. Each audit shall also comply with all applicable CSU directives and reporting requirements and any other federal, state, grant-specific, or Entity-specific audit requirements.

3.2 Audit Scope of Services

The audits will cover all funds and financial activities of the following Entities:

• Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands, Inc. (“ASI”), including all funds appropriated for or administered in connection with its programs and organizations;

• California State University Channel Islands Foundation;

• California State University Channel Islands Site Authority; and

• California State University Channel Islands Financing Authority.

These organizations are collectively referred to in this RFP as the “Entities.”

Each audit must be performed on the accrual basis of accounting and in accordance with the professional and reporting standards applicable to the Entity. ASI reports under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance. The Foundation, Site Authority, and Financing Authority report under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (“GASB”) guidance.

Each audit must comply with Government Auditing Standards and, as applicable to the Entity, California Code of Regulations, Title 5, section 42408 et seq.; applicable CSU directives and reporting requirements; and any other federal, state, grant-specific, or Entity-specific audit requirements. If Single Audit or program-specific audit services are authorized under Section 3.7, those services must also comply with the Single Audit Act, as amended, and Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart F.

The audit scope must include, as applicable to each Entity, financial reporting and the year-end closing process; cash and investments; contributions, pledges, endowments, and donor restrictions; revenue recognition; leases; debt and financing arrangements; related-party and inter-Entity transactions; capital assets; internal controls relevant to the audit, including internal controls over financial reporting; information-technology controls relevant to the financial statement audit; compliance with applicable laws, regulations, agreements, and CSU requirements; required supplementary information and schedules; and any other procedures necessary to issue the required audit reports and opinions.

3.2.a. Required Tax Preparation Services In addition to the basic audit services, the Contractor must prepare the federal, state, and charitable registration returns and filings identified for each applicable Entity in the Pricing Proposal Form, including, as applicable, Form 990 and required California Franchise Tax Board

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The Contractor must coordinate with each applicable Entity, prepare each required filing in accordance with applicable requirements, obtain all necessary Entity approvals, and timely submit the filing to the appropriate governmental agency by the original filing deadline or a properly extended filing deadline.

Each required tax filing must be separately priced by Entity, filing, and contract year in accordance with Section V. Required tax-preparation fees are included in the Combined Evaluated Price.

3.2.b. Tax Preparation Deliverables and Timing

For each applicable Entity, the Contractor shall prepare all required federal, state, and charitable registration returns and filings identified in the applicable engagement and Pricing Proposal Form. Tax preparation services shall include, as applicable:

1. Preparation of complete draft returns and supporting schedules for review by the applicable Entity;

2. Coordination with CSUCI and the applicable Entity regarding information, schedules, elections, disclosures, and other documentation necessary to complete the filings;

3. Incorporation of authorized corrections or revisions identified during Entity review;

4. Preparation and coordination of all required signature authorizations and electronic-filing documentation;

5. Timely electronic or other required submission of the approved returns and filings to the appropriate governmental agencies;

6. Provision of complete final copies of all filed returns, schedules, confirmations, and acceptance notices to the applicable Entity; and

7. Timely preparation and filing of extensions when authorized by the applicable Entity and reasonably necessary to preserve filing deadlines.

The Contractor shall promptly notify CSUCI and the applicable Entity of any material tax issue, filing concern, notice, or other matter identified in connection with the preparation of the required returns. Representation before taxing or regulatory authorities, responses to examinations or notices requiring substantive professional services, amended returns arising from matters outside the Contractor's responsibility, and other services beyond routine preparation and filing are not included unless expressly authorized in writing as Additional Services under Section 3.7.

3.3 Audit Term and Continued Engagement

The initial engagements will cover the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Each Entity-specific contract package will have an initial three-year term covering audit services for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, June 30, 2028, and June 30, 2029.

Each contract package may include up to two successive one-year renewal options covering the fiscal years ending June 30, 2030 and June 30, 2031. Renewal options are not automatic and may be exercised only in writing, subject to satisfactory performance, continued auditor

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Pricing for the three initial contract years and both option years must be submitted in accordance with Section V, Pricing and Cost Proposal. Inclusion of option-year pricing in the Combined Evaluated Price does not obligate any Entity to exercise a renewal option.

Annual Performance Review and Renewal Considerations In determining whether to exercise a renewal option, the applicable Entity may evaluate the audit firm’s performance, including:

1. Compliance with all applicable audit requirements, contract requirements, CSU directives, and auxiliary auditing and reporting instructions, procedures, and formats;

2. Adherence to the required audit schedule and completion deadlines;

3. Timeliness, clarity, completeness, accuracy, and fairness of reports and recommendations;

4. The qualifications and independence of personnel assigned to the engagement and the firm’s ability to balance continuity of key personnel with appropriate team rotation to preserve institutional knowledge while bringing fresh perspectives to the audit;

5. The firm’s responsiveness and timeliness in addressing authorized requests for special audit services or other audit-related needs arising during the contract year;

The performance review may be considered in determining whether to exercise a renewal option but does not obligate any Entity to renew its contract.

3.4 Audit Reports Required

The following reports are expected at the completion of the audit:

3.4.a. Executive Summary The auditor shall summarize the results of the audit to identify significant audit findings.

Reference shall be made to the section(s) of the report that contain detailed descriptions of specific findings.

3.4.b. Financial Statements A separate independent auditor’s report on the financial statements of each Entity, expressing an opinion on whether the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applicable to that Entity.

For ASI, the report must include the financial statements and related disclosures required by applicable FASB and CSU reporting requirements, including the required presentation of expenses by nature and function. For the Foundation, Site Authority, and Financing Authority, the report must include the financial statements and related disclosures required by the applicable GASB and CSU reporting requirements. Each report must also include all required supplementary information, schedules, and other reports required by the accounting and reporting framework applicable to the Entity.

3.4.c. Supplementary Information

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ASI reports under FASB guidance. The Foundation, Site Authority, and Financing Authority report under GASB guidance. Each Entity’s audited financial report must include all supplementary information, schedules, and reporting packages required by the applicable accounting framework and the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

Proposers must review the historical audited financial statements identified in this RFP for examples of the required supplementary information. The historical statements are provided for reference only; the successful Proposer will be responsible for complying with all requirements applicable to the audit period.

Note: FASB auxiliaries may choose to present their main set of statements by object of expenditure and have the functional classification included as audited supplemental information.

3.4.d. Management Letter A letter prepared by the auditor which may include findings, observations, opinions, comments, or recommendations with regard to systems of internal control, accounting systems compliance with laws, rules and regulations, or any other material matter that may come to the attention of the auditor during the course of the examination. Such findings, observations, opinions, comments, or recommendations shall not be construed as special or additional studies but shall be limited to those usually associated with such an examination.

3.5 Schedule of Reports

3.5.a. Interim Reports The accounting firm must provide regular written interim status reports to the Assistant Vice President for Business and Financial Services/Controller (“AVP”). The reports must summarize the work performed during the reporting period, outstanding requests, schedule status, emerging issues, and other observations or findings relevant to the audit.

3.5.b. Financial Statements and Management Letter The auditor must deliver the final audited financial statements, all required reports, and the management letter in electronic format within ninety (90) calendar days after the close of each Entity’s fiscal year, unless a different deadline is expressly established in the applicable Entity’s contract package. At no additional cost, the auditor must also provide ten (10) bound copies of these deliverables to each Entity.

3.6 Meetings, Training, and Timing

The auditor must attend a pre-audit conference to review and confirm the scope, schedule, responsibilities, and information requirements for each audit. Audit fieldwork may begin on May 1 of the fiscal year being audited or on an earlier date mutually agreed upon by the auditor and the applicable Entities.

During the audit, the auditor may be required to meet with appropriate Entity and CSUCI officials as requested or otherwise necessary to discuss the audit and related matters.

Within eighty (80) calendar days after the close of each Entity’s fiscal year, the auditor must present the audit results, substantially complete draft financial statements and reports, and the draft management letter at a meeting of the applicable Entity’s Audit Committee, governing board, or other designated body. The presentation must be scheduled to allow sufficient time to address required corrections and finalize the audited financial statements and other required

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Transition Requirements: If the selected firm is not the incumbent auditor, the firm shall coordinate communications with the predecessor auditor, review predecessor workpapers as appropriate, develop an opening balance and transition strategy, and identify information requirements early enough to support timely completion.

Required Chancellor's Office Training. The accounting firm shall attend any annual training required by the CSU Chancellor's Office relating to CSU auxiliary organization transactions, reporting requirements, or audit procedures. The firm should anticipate approximately four (4) to eight (8) hours of required training annually. Required training shall be included in the Proposer's basic audit fees and shall not constitute an Additional Service.

3.7 Additional Services

Additional Professional Services: At the written request of an Entity, the firm may be asked to provide Single Audit or program-specific audit services, agreed-upon procedures, accounting consultation, or other professional services that are not included in the basic audit services or required tax preparation services. Each additional service requires prior written authorization by that Entity, an agreed scope and fee, and confirmation that the service will not impair auditor independence.

3.7.a. Extraordinary Circumstances If information identified during an engagement indicates extraordinary circumstances that may require services beyond the agreed scope, the Proposer must promptly provide the applicable Entity’s authorized representative, and its governing board or audit committee as appropriate, with all relevant facts, the proposed additional procedures, the anticipated effect on the schedule, any auditor-independence considerations, and the fee basis for the additional services. The Proposer may not perform any additional services or incur additional fees without the applicable Entity’s prior written authorization.

3.8 Method and Basis of Compensation

Compensation for services under this RFP shall be based on the fixed, not-to-exceed pricing submitted in accordance with Section V, Pricing and Cost Proposal. No fee or expense in excess of the applicable approved amount may be incurred without the prior written authorization of the applicable Entity. Required audit-related meetings, governing-body presentations, and ordinary costs of performing the basic audit and required tax-preparation services must be included in the applicable not-to-exceed fees.

3.9 Assistance to be Provided to Auditors

Management of each Entity is responsible for its financial statements, accounting records, internal controls, and management representations. CSUCI will coordinate with the Entities to facilitate schedules and supporting documentation requested by the auditor. Any financial-statement preparation or other non-audit assistance provided by the auditor must comply with applicable independence requirements.

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CSUCI and the Entities will designate the Assistant Vice President for Business and Financial Services/Controller, or another authorized designee, to…