HOPE01-26 - Audit Services

The California Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Empowerment (HOPE) Program Board is requesting proposals for audit services covering the HOPE Boards Administrative Fund for fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, 2026, and 2027, with proposals due June 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time under RFP HOPE01-26.

A 5% preference applies to California-certified small businesses; a separate 5% preference applies to non-small businesses committing to 25% subcontractor participation with certified small businesses. The DVBE incentive program offers 1 to 5% incentive based on confirmed disabled veteran business enterprise participation levels.

Proposers must be professionally certified public accounting firms in business for at least three years, qualified to do business in California, and maintaining California office space with professional CPA staff. The scope includes evaluation of internal control systems in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, confirmation of program expenses including costs of consultants and contractors, and production of comprehensive audit reports containing statements of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows. Draft reports are due November 1 and final reports by November 15 of each fiscal year; one original and five printed copies plus electronic PDF versions must be delivered to HOPE staff.

The maximum contract amount is $105,000 for the two-year term from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with an optional one-year extension available for an additional $35,000, potential total not to exceed $140,000. Cost proposals must assume 300 total hours in year one and 150 hours annually thereafter, with hourly rates remaining constant throughout the contract term.

Evaluation allocates 35 points each to firm qualifications and experience, personnel qualifications and experience, and cost proposal, with the lowest-cost proposal receiving maximum cost points. Written questions are due June 5, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time; answers will be distributed June 12, 2026. Award notification is anticipated June 26, 2026, with agreement commencement July 1, 2026 pending Department of General Services approval.