25NS0093 RFP Primary

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Utility Audits, Risk and Compliance Division is issuing Request for Proposal 25NS0093 for independent audit services of communication carriers and utility companies. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to conduct audits of revenues and program-related costs and activities for high-risk utilities in accordance with Public Utilities Code sections 274 and 314.5 and Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). The contractor will audit six Public Purpose Programs administered by CPUC: California High-Cost Fund-A and B, California LifeLine Program, Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program, California Teleconnect Fund, and California Advanced Services Fund, as well as surcharge and revenue audits. The contract term is three years with a requirement to complete four audits annually for a total of twelve audits, with the first draft audit report due no later than eight months after contract commencement and all final reports due by September 30, 2029. Key deliverables include detailed audit or examination plans and programs (12 total), monthly status reports (36 total), standing meetings conducted virtually (12 total), draft reports in Microsoft Word format (12 total), final reports in Adobe PDF format (12 total), and additional services not to exceed ten percent of the combined cost of core tasks. Minimum qualifications require at least one key personnel member with a Certified Public Accounting license, five years of experience performing GAGAS-compliant engagements, successful completion of a peer review within the last three years, and knowledge and prior audit experience in government and utility program audits within the last five years. The contractor must maintain professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate, commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and workers compensation coverage. The written questions deadline is January 9, 2026, with written answers posted by January 14, 2026, and proposal responses due January 30, 2026, by 10:00 AM Pacific Time. The notice of intent to award is tentatively scheduled for February 6, 2026, with contract execution targeted for March 1, 2026.

This procurement includes a mandatory three percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation commitment, with DVBE incentives available ranging from one to five percent based on participation levels. Small business preferences of five percent are available to certified small businesses or non-small businesses subcontracting at least twenty-five percent to small businesses. Travel costs are not separately reimbursed and must be included in the contractor's rates. All final audit reports will be posted to the CPUC public website, and the contractor must comply with strict confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements under Public Utilities Code section 583 and General Order 66-D. The cost structure requires proposers to identify key staff members and their hourly rates, calculate cost per unit for each deliverable category, and multiply by the required quantities to establish total task costs; however, specific budget parameters, funding sources, and award amounts are not detailed in the available solicitation documents. Invoices are submitted monthly with payment processed upon approval, and the contractor is responsible for retaining records subject to financial audit for three years after work completion.