Exhibit_A-_Scope_of_Work.pdf

Exhibit A

AGENCY SOLICITATIONS

PURPOSE: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, (DEQ) Administrative Services Division (ASD) Procurement Department is seeking responses on behalf of the Agency from potential suppliers to provide a contract for the purchase of Independent Program Review Services. A contract resulting from this Invitation to Bid. Below is a consolidated Invitation to Bid (RFQ) drafted from your solicitation material.

PURPOSE AND INTENT: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”), Administrative Services Division (“ASD”), Acquisition Management Section, is issuing this Invitation to Bid (“RFQ”) to obtain competitive responses from qualified and independent firms to provide Independent Program Review Services. DEQ intends to establish a contract with a supplier capable of conducting a comprehensive programmatic, financial, operational, and compliance review of designated programs administered in partnership with the Oklahoma Rural Water Association

(“ORWA”).

The purpose of this acquisition is to obtain an independent and objective assessment of program administration, governance, financial stewardship, internal controls, contractual and regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and overall program performance. The selected supplier shall identify strengths, risks, deficiencies, control weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement and shall provide practical and actionable recommendations designed to strengthen accountability, transparency, efficiency, compliance, and program effectiveness.

The programs anticipated to be included within the review are the Rural Water Infrastructure Grants (“RIG”), Emerging Contaminants Small and Disadvantaged Communities (“EC-SDC”), Long Range System Sustainability (“LRSS”), Operator Certification Training, Training and Rate Analysis Studies Agreement, Lead Service Line Inventory, and Leak Detection Program. DEQ reserves the right to modify the programs included within the review when necessary to meet the needs and best interests of the State.

BACKGROUND: DEQ administers environmental programs designed to protect public health and Oklahoma’s natural resources. In carrying out this mission, DEQ partners with outside organizations provide technical assistance, education, outreach, training, infrastructure support, and other services necessary to support environmental and public health programs throughout the State of Oklahoma.

As a steward of public resources, DEQ is responsible for ensuring that programs and contractual relationships involving public funds are administered effectively, efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with applicable requirements. DEQ is therefore seeking an independent evaluation of selected programs administered through its partnership with ORWA. The review is intended to provide DEQ leadership with an objective assessment of current practices and reliable information upon which future program, contractual, financial, and management decisions may be based.

OBJECTIVES: The selected supplier shall conduct an independent review designed to evaluate overall program effectiveness, financial accountability, governance and oversight, operational efficiency, internal controls, risk management, and compliance with applicable contractual, state, federal, grant, and DEQ requirements.

The review shall determine whether program resources and expenditures appropriately support established program objectives, are adequately documented, and comply with applicable requirements. The supplier shall also evaluate whether governance structures, management practices, monitoring activities, financial controls, operational procedures, and accountability mechanisms are sufficient to safeguard public resources and support successful program outcomes.

The final assessment shall identify material risks, deficiencies, weaknesses, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement and shall provide recommendations that DEQ can reasonably implement to improve program administration, oversight, accountability, transparency, and performance.

SCOPE OF SERVICES: The selected supplier shall perform a comprehensive and independent review of the programs identified by DEQ. The review shall include examination of governance and oversight, financial administration, contractual and regulatory compliance, program performance, operational practices, internal controls, and organizational risk.

Governance and Oversight Review: The supplier shall evaluate the governance and oversight structure associated with the programs under review. The assessment shall include an examination of established roles and responsibilities, governance structures, management oversight, accountability mechanisms, decision-making processes, monitoring activities, and communication between DEQ and ORWA. The supplier shall determine whether governance and oversight practices provide sufficient accountability, transparency, management control, and assurance that program objectives are being achieved.

Financial Review: The supplier shall review financial records, invoices, reimbursement procedures, supporting documentation, allowable costs, procurement practices, and internal financial controls associated with the programs under review. The supplier shall determine whether expenditures support established program objectives, are reasonable and adequately documented, comply with contractual requirements, and meet applicable state and federal requirements. The financial review shall also evaluate whether appropriate controls exist to safeguard public funds, prevent or identify improper expenditures, support accurate reporting, and provide reasonable assurance that financial transactions are authorized, documented, and administered appropriately.

Compliance Review: The supplier shall evaluate compliance with applicable state statutes, federal laws and regulations, grant requirements, contracts, DEQ policies and procedures, reporting requirements, and other governing requirements applicable to the programs under review. The supplier shall identify instances of actual or potential noncompliance and assess the associated operational, financial, contractual, regulatory, or reputational risk. Findings shall be supported by sufficient documentation and shall include recommended corrective actions when appropriate.

Program Performance Review: The supplier shall evaluate the effectiveness of each program by reviewing established objectives, performance measures, required deliverables, technical assistance, training activities, resource utilization, and documented program outcomes. The assessment shall consider whether the programs are accomplishing their intended purposes and whether available resources are being used effectively and efficiently. The supplier shall identify opportunities to improve performance measurement, program administration, service delivery, documentation, monitoring, and outcome reporting.

Operational Review: The supplier shall assess the organizational and operational practices supporting the programs, including organizational structure, staffing, workflows, documentation practices, communication processes, and coordination between DEQ and ORWA. The assessment shall identify unnecessary duplication, inefficient processes, unclear responsibilities, communication deficiencies, documentation weaknesses, or other operational conditions that may adversely affect program performance, accountability, or compliance.

Internal Control Review: The supplier shall evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls associated with financial management, contract administration, program monitoring, reporting, data management, information security, segregation of duties, and fraud prevention. The review shall determine whether controls are appropriately designed and implemented to mitigate identified risks and whether additional or enhanced controls are necessary to protect public funds, program information, and the integrity of program operations.

Risk Assessment: The supplier shall conduct a comprehensive risk assessment addressing financial management, operational processes, compliance, contract administration, data management, governance, and performance monitoring. Identified risks shall be evaluated based upon their significance and potential impact on DEQ, public resources, program objectives, and contractual or regulatory compliance. The supplier shall provide practical recommendations for mitigating identified risks and, where appropriate, prioritize recommended corrective actions based upon risk, urgency, impact, and implementation considerations.

PROJECT APPROACH AND REQUIRED DELIVERABLES: The engagement is anticipated to consist of seven primary phases. The supplier may recommend reasonable modifications to the sequencing or methodology when such modifications improve the effectiveness of the review;

however, all required deliverables must be completed unless otherwise authorized in writing by

DEQ.

Phase One – Project Work Plan. Following contract execution, the supplier shall develop and submit a comprehensive Project Work Plan identifying the proposed timeline, review methodology, staffing plan, communication procedures, major milestones, documentation requirements, and anticipated completion dates. The work plan shall provide DEQ with sufficient information to understand how the supplier intends to conduct and manage the engagement.

Phase Two – Entrance Conference. The supplier shall participate in an entrance conference with DEQ leadership and other designated personnel. The conference shall be used to review and confirm the project scope, discuss expectations, finalize the anticipated schedule, identify required documentation, establish communication protocols, and address matters necessary for successful completion of the engagement.

Phase Three – Fieldwork. The supplier shall conduct the fieldwork necessary to complete the review. Fieldwork may include interviews, document reviews, financial analysis, internal control testing, compliance testing, sampling, data analysis, and site visits when applicable. The supplier shall coordinate fieldwork activities with DEQ to minimize unnecessary disruption to agency operations.

Phase Four – Preliminary Findings. Following substantial completion of fieldwork, the supplier shall provide DEQ with preliminary observations, identified risks, potential findings, and areas requiring additional information or clarification. DEQ management shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to submit additional documentation, provide clarification, and address factual matters before issuance of the draft report.

Phase Five – Draft Report. The supplier shall prepare a comprehensive draft report that includes, at a minimum, an executive summary, relevant background information, engagement objectives, scope, methodology, findings, supporting evidence, risk assessments, and recommendations.

Findings and recommendations shall be written clearly and shall provide sufficient information for DEQ management to understand the condition identified, associated risk, and recommended corrective action.

Phase Six – Final Report. Following DEQ’s review of the draft report, the supplier shall prepare and submit a final report incorporating or addressing DEQ comments as appropriate. The final report shall include final findings and recommendations, prioritized corrective actions, and relevant implementation considerations. Recommendations should be practical, actionable, and appropriately aligned with the significance of the identified condition or risk.

Phase Seven – Executive Presentation. Upon completion of the final report, the supplier shall provide an executive-level presentation of the engagement results to DEQ leadership. The presentation shall summarize significant findings, risks, recommendations, and prioritized corrective actions and shall allow DEQ leadership an opportunity to ask questions regarding the review.

SUPPLIER QUALIFICATIONS: Responding suppliers shall demonstrate sufficient professional experience, technical expertise, organizational capacity, and independence to successfully perform the required services. Relevant experience should include auditing or reviewing governmental entities, evaluating state agency or publicly funded programs, federal grant compliance, governmental accounting principles and standards, internal control assessments, operational or performance reviews, and reviews of nonprofit organizations or other entities receiving public funds.

Experience involving environmental programs, public infrastructure programs, or similar publicly funded programs is preferred.

The proposed engagement team should include personnel with qualifications appropriate to the complexity and scope of the engagement. The team should include an Engagement Partner, Audit Manager, Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”), and other qualified personnel or subject matter specialists as necessary. Certified Internal Auditor (“CIA”) credentials are preferred when applicable.

The supplier shall identify key personnel proposed for the engagement and describe each individual’s qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, assigned responsibilities, and anticipated availability for the project.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS: Services shall be performed in accordance with all professional standards applicable to the engagement. These may include Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (“GAGAS”), applicable guidance issued by the United States Government Accountability Office (“GAO”), applicable federal grant requirements, Oklahoma statutes and administrative rules, and other professional standards appropriate to the work performed. The selected supplier shall be responsible for identifying and complying with the professional standards applicable to the services performed under the resulting contract.

INDEPENDENCE AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: The supplier must maintain independence and objectivity throughout the engagement. The supplier shall certify that it is independent of DEQ and ORWA and that no financial, organizational, professional, or personal relationship exists that would impair, or reasonably appear to impair, its independence or objectivity.

Any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest shall be disclosed in the supplier’s response.

If a conflict arises after contract award, the supplier shall immediately notify DEQ in writing.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORDS: The selected supplier shall maintain the confidentiality and security of information obtained during the engagement and shall comply with all applicable state and federal confidentiality, privacy, data security, and records requirements. Records associated with this acquisition or resulting contract may be subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act unless specifically protected from disclosure by applicable law. The supplier shall clearly identify information it considers confidential or proprietary; however, such designation shall not independently determine whether information is exempt from disclosure under Oklahoma law.

CONTRACT TERM AND RENEWAL: The initial contract term shall be one year beginning on the effective date of the resulting contract. DEQ may, at its discretion and subject to applicable law, funding availability, satisfactory supplier performance, and continued need, exercise up to two additional one-year renewal options. Renewal shall not be automatic and shall require appropriate written authorization by DEQ.

QUOTE RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS: To be considered responsive, suppliers shall submit a complete quote containing sufficient information for DEQ to evaluate the supplier’s qualifications, technical approach, ability to perform the services, past performance, proposed schedule, and total cost. The response shall include an executive summary and company profile describing the supplier’s history, organizational structure, primary business activities, relevant governmental experience, and qualifications to perform the required services.

The technical response shall describe the supplier’s proposed methodology for completing the engagement, including its approach to program review, financial analysis, risk assessment, internal control evaluation, compliance testing, sampling, quality assurance, communication, project management, and reporting. The response should demonstrate a clear understanding of DEQ’s objectives and the scope of services.

The response shall identify the proposed project team and provide the qualifications, professional certifications, relevant experience, responsibilities, and availability of key personnel. Suppliers shall identify any subcontractors or third-party suppliers anticipated to perform a material portion of the work and describe their proposed responsibilities.

The supplier shall provide a proposed project schedule identifying estimated commencement and completion dates and major milestones for each phase of the engagement. The schedule shall clearly identify the supplier’s anticipated ability to begin services following contract award.

The supplier shall provide at least three references from governmental entities for which the supplier has completed services of a similar nature and complexity. References should include the organization, project description, period of performance, and appropriate contact information.

PRICE QUOTE: The supplier shall provide a complete cost proposal sufficient for DEQ to determine the total anticipated cost of the engagement. Pricing shall include a total firm-fixed price for completion of the required scope of services and deliverables. The pricing response shall also identify proposed milestone or deliverable-based payments, when applicable, and provide sufficient detail regarding the personnel and professional services included in the total price. The supplier shall provide the anticipated staffing classifications, estimated hours by classification, and applicable hourly rates.

Any travel expenses, reimbursable expenses, administrative fees, third-party costs, or other charges necessary to complete the engagement shall be separately identified. Unless specifically identified and accepted by DEQ, the quoted firm-fixed price shall be presumed to include all costs necessary to successfully perform the required services.

Hourly rates for additional professional services that may be requested outside the original scope shall also be provided. Such rates are provided for evaluation and potential future use only and do not authorize additional work. No services outside the awarded scope shall be performed without prior written authorization from DEQ.

BEST-VALUE EVALUATION AND AWARD: DEQ intends to make an award based upon the quote determined to provide the best value to the State. Best value means the quote that DEQ determines provides the most advantageous combination of technical capability, relevant experience, project team qualifications, demonstrated past performance, and cost. Award is not required to be made to the supplier submitting the lowest-priced quote.

Responsive quotes will be evaluated using the following weighted criteria:

Technical Approach – 30%. DEQ will evaluate the supplier’s understanding of the required services;

proposed methodology; approach to financial, compliance, operational, programmatic, internal control, and risk review; project management strategy; quality assurance procedures; and overall ability to successfully accomplish the objectives of the engagement.

Relevant Experience – 25%. DEQ will evaluate the supplier’s demonstrated experience performing comparable engagements, particularly governmental audits or reviews, state agency program evaluations, federal grant compliance reviews, operational and performance reviews, internal control assessments, and reviews involving organizations receiving public funds.

Qualifications of Project Team – 20%. DEQ will evaluate the professional qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, proposed responsibilities, availability, and overall capability of the personnel assigned to the engagement.

Past Performance and References – 15%. DEQ will evaluate demonstrated past performance on comparable engagements and information obtained from references or other available sources regarding quality, timeliness, professionalism, responsiveness, contract performance, and successful completion of similar services.

Cost – 10%. DEQ will evaluate the total proposed cost, price reasonableness, completeness and transparency of pricing, staffing assumptions, estimated hours, rates, and other proposed expenses.

DEQ may consider all information submitted in the quote, information obtained through reference checks, supplier clarifications, responsibility determinations, past performance information, and other information reasonably relevant to determining the quote that represents the best value to the State.

CLARIFICATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS: DEQ may request written clarification or additional information from one or more suppliers when necessary to complete the evaluation. A request for clarification shall not obligate DEQ to provide the same request to every supplier unless required by applicable procurement requirements. DEQ may conduct interviews, presentations, or discussions when determined to be in the State’s best interest. Suppliers shall not assume that an opportunity will be provided to revise an incomplete or deficient response after the quote submission deadline.

TENTATIVE PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE: DEQ anticipates conducting this procurement according to the following schedule. Dates are subject to change at DEQ’s discretion. Changes to the procurement schedule will be communicated through the appropriate procurement process.

QUOTE SUBMISSION: Quotes must be received by DEQ no later than August 31,2026 by 4:30 PM Central Time. Responses received after the established deadline may be rejected in accordance with applicable procurement requirements.

Suppliers shall submit one complete electronic response in PDF format together with all required pricing, certifications, references, attachments, and other requested documentation.

Quotes shall be submitted in accordance with the following instructions:

Submission Method: Event System or Email Procurement Contact: Stacey Tucker CPO II Assistant Division Director, ASD Email: DEQBIDS@deq.ok.gov RFQ Number: EV00000967 mailto:DEQBIDS@deq.ok.gov

Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that their complete response is received by DEQ before the established deadline.

SUPPLIER QUESTIONS: Questions regarding this RFQ shall be submitted in writing to the designated DEQ Procurement Contact no later than 2:00 p.m. Central Time on August 24, 2026.

Suppliers shall not rely upon oral interpretations, instructions, representations, or other communications concerning this RFQ.

DEQ will compile all timely submitted questions and issue written responses in a question-and-answer format through a formal amendment. The amendment will be provided to all participating suppliers and may include clarifications, revisions, or modifications to the RFQ. If necessary, issuance of an amendment may result in an extension of the quote submission date and time.

Suppliers are responsible for reviewing and incorporating all officially issued amendments and clarifications into their responses. Each amendment issued by DEQ must be acknowledged and signed by the supplier and returned as part of the supplier’s complete quote response. Failure to submit a required signed amendment may result in the quote being determined nonresponsive.

Only written amendments, clarifications, and responses formally issued by DEQ Procurement shall modify or clarify the requirements of this RFQ..

DEQ RIGHTS AND RESERVATIONS: DEQ reserves the right, subject to applicable law and procurement requirements, to reject any or all quotes; waive minor informalities or irregularities;

request clarification or additional information; verify information contained in a response; conduct reference checks; conduct interviews or presentations; negotiate when authorized; modify or clarify the scope of services; cancel the solicitation when determined to be in the State’s best interest; and make an award determined to provide the best value to the State.

Issuance of this RFQ does not obligate DEQ to make an award or reimburse a supplier for costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the engagement, DEQ expects to receive a comprehensive and independent assessment that clearly identifies program strengths, deficiencies, risks, and opportunities for improvement; evaluates compliance with applicable contractual, financial, regulatory, grant, and program requirements; assesses the effectiveness of governance and oversight practices; evaluates the stewardship and protection of public funds; and provides practical, actionable recommendations for improving efficiency, accountability, transparency, compliance, internal controls, and overall program performance.

The final work product should provide DEQ executive leadership with reliable, objective, and sufficiently supported information to assist in making informed decisions regarding the future administration, oversight, contracting, funding, and management of the programs reviewed.

RESPONSE CHECKLIST: A complete response should contain the supplier’s executive summary and company information; technical approach and methodology; relevant firm experience; proposed project team and qualifications; proposed project schedule; at least three governmental references;

disclosure of subcontractors or third-party suppliers, if applicable; independence and conflict-of-interest certification; complete firm-fixed price quote; staffing classifications, estimated hours, and hourly rates; separately identified travel or reimbursable expenses; hourly rates for authorized additional services; and any other documentation specifically required by DEQ. Failure to provide requested information may affect DEQ’s ability to evaluate the response and may result in the response being determined nonresponsive when the omitted information is material to the solicitation.