Request for Proposal Audit Services RFP #2026-01

The Town of Berryville, Virginia, located in Clarke County, is issuing Request for Proposal RFP #2026-01 to procure audit services from qualified certified public accounting firms. The procurement seeks comprehensive audit services for the Town's financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, with potential for renewal in subsequent years based on satisfactory performance and mutual agreement. Qualified firms must perform audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) and Government Auditing Standards (GAS), addressing the Town's general fund, water fund, and sewer fund operations. Key deliverables include preparation of significant accrual entries, liability adjustments, depreciation calculations, and a single audit engagement that encompasses material federal grant activity and defined benefit pension and OPEB obligations under GASB 75 and GASB 68 standards. The Town requires audit firms with demonstrated experience in municipal accounting and auditing, strong technical qualifications, qualified staff expertise, and robust quality control procedures. Evaluation criteria include relevant experience, technical qualifications, understanding of municipal accounting requirements, staff expertise, quality control procedures, and proposed fees. The proposal deadline is April 6, 2026, with an addendum issued on March 17, 2026, providing responses to bidder inquiries regarding audit scope, methodology preferences, and adjusting journal entries totaling 14 entries prepared by the current auditor.

The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular categories of organizations such as disadvantaged enterprises; all qualified CPA firms are encouraged to submit proposals. The incumbent auditor conducted the prior fiscal year 2026 audit at a fee of $18,250.00, establishing a baseline for budget considerations, though the solicitation indicates funding will be determined through the Town's general operating budget based on the selected firm's pricing and scope of work. The current auditor maintains and prepares year-end accrual entries for the Town, while the Town independently maintains capital assets in an Excel file updated throughout the fiscal year, requiring the selected firm to integrate with these existing systems and processes. The Town has expressed a preference for a combination of onsite and remote audit work, providing flexibility in audit delivery methodology. No specific technology or infrastructure integration requirements beyond compatibility with the Town's existing accounting systems and Excel-based capital asset tracking are noted in the solicitation documents.