REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)INDEPENDENT AUDITING SERVICES BERRIEN COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

1. Introduction

The Berrien County Conservation District is requesting proposals from qualified

Certified Public Accounting firms to perform a biennial audit of its financial statements.

2. Nature of Services Required

• Scope: Audit of all funds and account groups of the District.

• Frequency: Biennial basis covering a two-year financial cycle.

• Initial Period: The first audit will cover Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.

• Contract Option: Multi-year contract covering two consecutive biennial audit

cycles.

• Standards: Audit must comply with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards

(GAAS) and Government Auditing Standards.

• Reporting: Preparation of financial statements, footnotes, and a management

letter.

3. Background Information

• Entity: Berrien County Conservation District.

• Location: Berrien County, Michigan.

• Basis of Accounting: Modified accrual basis.

• Funding Sources: State grants, local allocations, and fee-for-service programs.

4. Proposal Submission Requirements

All proposals must include the following information to be considered:

• Firm Profile: Size, location, and history of the firm.

• Government Experience: Evidence of experience with Michigan conservation

districts or local government entities.

• Staff Qualifications: Resumes of the partner, manager, and field staff assigned

to the audit.

• Audit Approach: Explanation of the methodology, timeline, and software used.

• References: Contact information for at least three similar government clients.

• Cost Proposal: Total all-inclusive maximum fee itemized separately for the first

biennial cycle FY 2025 and FY 2026 and the second consecutive biennial cycle.

5. Timeline

• RFP Issuance Date: June 8, 2026

• Proposal Submission Deadline: July 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

• Evaluation Period: August 1-10, 2026

• Firm Selection: August 10, 2026

6. Submission Instructions

Please submit one electronic copy (PDF) of your proposal via email to:

• Contact Person: Lisa Kuntz

• Email Address: Berriencd@macd.org

• Subject Line: Proposal for Biennial Auditing Services

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Responsiveness to the RFP requirements.

• Experience and technical ability of the firm and assigned staff.

• Ability to meet the November 2026 field work schedule

• Feedback from client references.

• Total cost of the services across both contract cycles.

The Berrien County Conservation District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals

submitted.