Auxiliary Audit Services

California State University Channel Islands is soliciting proposals from qualified independent certified public accounting firms to provide financial-statement audit and tax-preparation services for four affiliated entities, with proposals due November 2, 2026.

The engagement covers Associated Students of CSU Channel Islands, Inc.; CSU Channel Islands Foundation; CSU Channel Islands Site Authority; and CSU Channel Islands Financing Authority. The selected firm must perform annual audits, issue required reports and management letters, attend mandatory meetings and governing-body presentations, and prepare applicable tax and charitable-registration filings including Form 990, California Franchise Tax Board, and Registry of Charities and Fundraisers filings for each entity. Proposers must be independent certified public accounting firms with demonstrated experience in higher education auditing and nonprofit financial reporting, and must detail qualifications, experience with similar institutions, proposed audit methodology, staffing plans, and fee structures.

The initial contract term covers fiscal years ending June 30, 2027 through June 30, 2029, with up to two one-year renewal options through June 30, 2031. The pricing proposal requires firm, fixed, not-to-exceed dollar amounts for five fiscal years (2026-27 through 2030-31) encompassing basic audit fees and tax-preparation fees for all four entities and filing combinations. Option-year pricing for fiscal years 2029-30 and 2030-31 may not exceed the immediately preceding year by more than 3.0%. Hourly rate schedules for Engagement Partner, Principal/Director, Manager, Senior, Staff, Tax Specialist, and Information-Technology Audit Specialist classifications are required and are also subject to the 3.0% maximum annual increase cap for option years. Additional services, hourly services beyond those specified, reimbursable expenses, and unlisted tax filings require separate prior written authorization and are excluded from the Combined Evaluated Price.

CSU standard terms require contractors to maintain commercial general liability insurance ($4 million aggregate / $2 million per occurrence), business automobile liability ($1 million per accident), and workers' compensation as required by law. Work product becomes the exclusive property of CSU unless otherwise specified. Contractors must comply with California Consumer Privacy Act, FERPA, HIPAA, and other applicable privacy laws, report security incidents within 24 hours, and disclose any AI use in contract performance. For contracts exceeding $10,000, CSU and the California State Auditor retain examination and audit rights for three years after final payment.