Financial Auditing Services

Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District is soliciting proposals from CPA firms for its 2026 financial audit, with proposals due November 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The posting's due-date field shows November 19, but the RFP and bid instructions set November 17. No set-aside or local-vendor preference applies.

The scope is a complete audit of the District's financial records for January through December 2026, with the audit report due to the Executive Director by May 1, 2027. The District is a political subdivision of New York State and a component unit of Dutchess County government, funded by county appropriations, New York State grants and contracts, and earned program income. Proposals must include firm background with prior similar engagements (preferably with other New York State Soil and Water Conservation Districts), personnel resources with an organizational chart, a minimum of three current client references, and a proposed audit plan.

Pricing must be submitted in three formats: hourly rate, lump sum, and hourly rate with a not-to-exceed amount for 10 completed audits. All costs must include meetings, preparation, field work, and report preparation. The District does not reimburse travel time or travel expenses.

The contract is one year beginning January 1, 2027, with the District holding sole discretion to extend for two additional one-year terms. Evaluation criteria are experience with similar services, audit plan, personnel qualifications, references, and cost proposal. The District may make multiple awards, seek clarifications, and require finalist presentations.

Sealed proposals go to 2715 Route 44, Suite 3, Millbrook, New York 12545, as one original, two copies, and one electronic PDF. Submissions must include the signed CS-1 Proposal Form/Price Pages, CS-1 Proposer Information/Acknowledgement Form, and CS-2 Non-Collusion Affidavit. Written questions go to admin@dutchessswcd.org by close of business November 17, 2026, and answers post as addenda on nyscr.ny.gov, the sole source for bid documents. Proposals remain irrevocable for 120 days after the due date. The successful firm must provide approved insurance certificates and a current IRS Form W-9 before payment, and the District owns all work products. Protests go to the Board of Directors within five calendar days of award announcement.