Full-Service Accounting & Financial Management Services

El Pueblo Housing Development (EPHD), a municipally affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary of the City of Tucson, is requesting proposals for full-service accounting and financial management services, with proposals due July 31, 2026 by 2:00 p.m. Arizona time and a pre-submittal meeting scheduled for July 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Proposers may bid on accounting services, audit services, or both; firms providing both services must demonstrate strict independence safeguards under AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and Government Auditing Standards, including separate engagement teams and partners, prohibition of audit team members from preparing accounting records subject to audit, and annual written independence representations with current peer review reports.

Minimum qualifications require five years of nonprofit accounting experience, affordable housing development accounting expertise, LIHTC cost certification support experience, and federal grant compliance experience (HOME, CDBG, ARPA). Scope encompasses general ledger and fund accounting, development and construction accounting, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, monthly/quarterly/annual financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, compliance responsibilities including Section 3 and Davis-Bacon support, audit services, and internal controls development. EPHD utilizes LIHTC equity, HOME, CDBG, ARPA/SLFRF, Arizona Department of Housing funds, tax-exempt bonds, vouchers, and philanthropic sources.

Estimated annual cost is $500,000 in the first year and $350,000 in subsequent years. The contract term runs one year from award with the City retaining the option to extend for up to three additional one-year periods. Evaluation criteria in order of importance are relevant experience, method of approach, affordable housing and LIHTC expertise, cost proposal, and compliance and internal control framework. Fixed fees are preferred. Required insurance includes commercial general liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), commercial automobile liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), workers' compensation (statutory), and professional liability / errors and omissions ($1,000,000 each claim / $2,000,000 annual aggregate). The contract is subject to HUD requirements, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage provisions, Section 3 employment requirements, and ARPA compliance terms and conditions. Contractors must obtain a City of Tucson business license and register with the City's Business Services Department. Submissions must be in "submitted" status in the City's online bidding system by deadline to be considered.