NWFWMD Independent Financial Audit Services

The Northwest Florida Water Management District is requesting proposals for independent financial audit services under an RFP with proposals due September 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET, with the Audit Selection Committee meeting on October 14, 2026 to evaluate proposals and the Governing Board considering the recommendation the same day at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The District encompasses all or part of 16 counties in northwest Florida with approximately 1.5 million residents and requires annual audits of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, Government Auditing Standards, the Single Audit Act, and Florida Auditor General rules. The selected firm must be a certified public accounting firm with current Florida Board of Accountancy licensure, compliance with independence requirements, and demonstrated experience with state and local government audits including special districts. The audit scope includes independent auditor's reports on financial statements, single audits of federal and state awards, compliance testing, a management letter, and supplementary reports. Respondents must provide firm financial statements for the past two years, evidence of good standing, results of any federal or state desk or field reviews, disclosure of any disciplinary actions or litigation, and three references from similar Florida governmental audit engagements completed within the past five years.

The initial contract term is three fiscal years (ending September 30, 2026, 2027, and 2028) with the option for three additional one-year renewals through fiscal year 2030–31. Pricing must be submitted on an all-inclusive hourly rate basis covering all direct, indirect, travel, and out-of-pocket costs, with three-year base contract pricing and optional renewal pricing clearly identified.

Evaluation criteria are weighted across five categories: Organization Profile and Experience (25 points), Personnel Qualifications and Experience (25 points), References and Prior Governmental Audit Experience (20 points), Technical and Management Approach (20 points), and Cost Proposal (10 points), totaling 1,000 points maximum. The selected firm must maintain General Liability insurance with $1 million limits, Motor Vehicular Liability of $1 million combined single limit, and Workers' Compensation insurance. Financial consequences apply: 1% fee reduction if the draft report is submitted beyond the first five business days of April, and an additional 1% reduction if the final ADA-compliant report is submitted beyond 16 days before the May Governing Board meeting. Key deliverable milestones include interim work completion by December 31, a detailed audit plan by January 15, fieldwork completion by the end of February, and draft reports by the third week in March.