Auxiliary Audit Services

California State University Channel Islands is requesting proposals for auxiliary audit services covering four legally separate affiliated entities — the CSU Channel Islands Site Authority, CSU Channel Islands Financing Authority, Associated Students of California State University Channel Islands Inc., and the CSU Channel Islands Foundation — with proposals due November 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT via PlanetBids.

Proposers must hold current California CPA licensure and demonstrate experience auditing at least three comparable 501(c)(3) organizations over the past five years, with team members possessing at least three years' recent experience in auditing such entities with enterprise financial systems. This is a dual-standard audit: ASI reports under FASB guidance while the Foundation, Site Authority, and Financing Authority report under GASB guidance, requiring proposers to address both frameworks in their audit approach and staffing plans. The scope includes financial statement audits conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and Government Auditing Standards, tax preparation and filing services (Form 990 filings and California Franchise Tax Board registrations), management letters, supplementary information and schedules, and interim status reporting.

The contract term covers an initial three-year period (fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, 2028, and 2029) with two successive one-year renewal options through June 30, 2031. Pricing must be fixed and not-to-exceed for the initial three years; option-year pricing may not exceed the preceding year by more than 3 percent. All ordinary costs including labor, supervision, technology, and overhead are included in base fees.

Proposals are evaluated on a 200-point scale: understanding of engagement (20 points), experience with 501(c)(3) auditing including FASB and GASB standards (45 points), personnel qualifications (40 points), audit implementation plan (35 points), and cost effectiveness (60 points). Up to five finalist firms may be invited for interviews worth an additional 40 points. Questions are due October 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. PT, with responses and addenda posted by October 27. Notice of intent to award is anticipated the week of November 23, 2026, with contract execution expected the week of December 14 and service commencement in January 2027.