RFP for Professional and Financial and Administrative Auditing Services

1286 Black Rock Road Phoenixville PA 19460
610-933-9179
admin@upperprovmcpa.gov
www.upperprovmcpa.gov
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE AUDITING SERVICES
Date: October 5, 2026
Submittal Deadline:
Postmarked November 6, 2026
Upper Providence Township's Point-of-Contact for this RFP:
Timothy J. Tieperman, Township Manager
ttieperman@upperprovmcpa.gov
1286 Black Rock Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460

I. Introduction
Upper Providence Township ("the Township") hereby invites qualified certified
public accounting firms ("the Auditor") to submit proposals for the provision of independent
auditing services for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The purpose of this RFP is to obtain
professional auditing services that ensure the Township's financial statements are fairly
presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applicable to
governmental entities and audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
(GAAS), Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), and applicable Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) reporting requirements.
The Township seeks to establish a dependable, well-coordinated relationship with the
selected Auditor-one grounded in consistency, predictability, and timely completion of
annual audit milestones. The Township has taken proactive measures to enhance its audit
readiness, including retaining supplemental CPA advisory support to assist with internal
reconciliations and documentation organization. These measures are intended to ensure that
the selected Auditor encounters an efficient and well-prepared financial environment,
particularly as the Township aims for completion of the Fiscal Year 2026 audit by June 1.
While the Township's FY2024 audit has experienced timing delays due to transitional
scheduling factors, the Township remains committed to strengthening internal processes to
support a smooth audit experience.
2. Background
Upper Providence Township is a Second-Class Township located in Montgomery
County, Pennsylvania, with an estimated population of over 25,000 residents. The Township
encompasses a diverse blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, institutional
uses, recreational areas, and a growing network of parks and open space. The Township's
proximity to major regional employment centers-including King of Prussia, Collegeville,
and the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area-contributes to its continued residential and
economic growth.
The Township operates under an elected five-member Board of Supervisors,
supported by a full-time Township Manager and professional staff responsible for municipal
finance, administration, police services, public works, sewer operations, parks and recreation
programming, emergency management coordination, and capital project implementation. The
Township provides comprehensive municipal services including law enforcement, road
maintenance, snow removal, stormwater management, sewer system operations, recreation
programs, facility maintenance, code enforcement, and a combination career and volunteer
fire and ambulance support system.

The Township's financial reporting structure reflects the breadth of its governmental
activities and includes multiple funds that are subject to an annual audit. As of January 1,
2026, the Township maintains the following:
A. Governmental Funds:
* General Fund
* Capital Projects Fund;
* Parks and Recreation Capital Fund;
* Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Fund;
* Highway Aid (State Liquid Fuels) Fund.
* Emergency Management Services (EMS) Fund
B. Proprietary Funds:
* Sewer Revenue Fund
* Sewer Capital Fund.
C. Fiduciary Funds:
* Police Pension Fund
* NonUniform Pension Fund
* Firefighter's Pension Fund
* PostEmployment Benefits (OPEB) Fund.
The Auditor will be responsible for issuing independent opinions on the Township's financial
statements for all funds listed above, as well as providing all required supplementary
schedules and necessary management recommendations.
3. Scope of Work
The Auditor shall perform an annual audit of the Township's financial statements for
fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The engagement shall include the following components:
A. Financial Audit and Reporting Requirements: The Auditor shall conduct an
examination of the Township's financial records sufficiently to express an opinion on
the fairness of presentation of the Township's financial statements. This review shall
encompass all governmental, proprietary, and fiduciary funds. The Auditor will be
responsible for preparing audited financial statements, accompanying footnotes,
required supplementary information, combining statements, and pension/OPEB-
related schedules consistent with GASB requirements.
B. Internal Control Review: The Auditor shall evaluate the Township's internal control
structure, including accounting procedures, authorization practices, segregation of
duties, and compliance with financial policies. The Auditor shall prepare a
management letter identifying significant deficiencies, material weaknesses, and
recommendations for improvement.

C. Compliance with State and Federal Requirements: The Auditor shall ensure
compliance with applicable Commonwealth reporting requirements, including
preparation and filing of DCED's Municipal Annual Financial Report and PennDOT
Liquid Fuels forms. The Auditor shall also determine whether federal financial
assistance thresholds require the performance of a Single Audit under Uniform
Guidance. If required, the Single Audit shall be conducted concurrently with the
annual audit.
D. Meetings and Communication: The Auditor shall meet with Township management
at the beginning of each audit cycle to review expectations, required documentation,
and the audit schedule. The Auditor shall communicate regularly during fieldwork to
address outstanding items. Upon completion, the Auditor shall present audit results to
the Township Manager and, if requested, to the Board of Supervisors.
4. Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals submitted in response to this request shall include, at a minimum:
A. Firm Qualifications: A narrative description of the firm's experience in conducting
audits of Pennsylvania municipalities comparable in size and complexity to Upper
Providence Township. The proposal should identify any specialized governmental
auditing expertise relevant to GASB, DCED, PennDOT Liquid Fuels, OPEB
valuations, and pension plans.
B. Personnel Assigned: Identification of the individuals who will be assigned to the
engagement, including partners, managers, seniors, and staff accountants. Resumes
should outline professional experience and certifications.
C. Audit Approach and Work Plan: A description of the Auditor's proposed
methodology, including anticipated segmentation of audit work, interim procedures,
reliance on analytical versus substantive testing, treatment of proprietary and
fiduciary funds, use of audit software, and expected timeline for completion.
D. Independence and Peer Review: A statement confirming the firm's independence
from the Township in accordance with professional standards. The firm must provide
its most recent peer review report and indicate whether the report included any
deficiencies.
E. Fee Proposal: A clear and comprehensive fee schedule for each audit year, including
any additional charges associated with Single Audits or optional services. The fee
proposal shall identify hourly rates for each staff category.
F. References: Contact information for at least three municipal clients for whom the
firm has performed audit services within the last three years.

5. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
* Depth and relevance of municipal auditing experience
* Qualifications of assigned personnel
* Clarity and thoroughness of the proposed audit approach
* Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver reports in accordance with
applicable standards
* Quality of references
* Competitiveness and transparency of fees.
The Township reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not obligated to select
the lowest bid.
6. Anticipated Submission Schedule and Instructions
* RFP Issued: October 5, 2026
* Deadline for Questions: October 23, 2026
* Responses to Questions/Addenda Issued: October 30, 2026
* Proposal Submission Deadline (Postmark): November 6, 2026
* Evaluation of Proposals: November 9-13, 2026
* Interviews/Clarifications (if necessary): November 16-23, 2026
* Selection and Contract Negotiations: Early December 2026
* Anticipated Contract Award: December 7, 2026
The above schedule is tentative and may be modified by the Township as circumstances
warrant. The Township reserves the right to request additional information or clarification
from any proposer, conduct interviews, negotiate with one or more proposers, reject any or
all proposals, and waive minor irregularities when determined to be in the best interests of the
Township
Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format, accompanied by five printed
copies, to:
Upper Providence Township
Attn: Timothy J. Tieperman, Township Manager
1286 Black Rock Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Electronic submissions may be sent to: ttieperman@upperprovmcpa.gov
7. Contract Negotiation and Terms
Following evaluation, the Township will enter negotiations with the highest-ranked
proposer. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the Township may proceed to the next-ranked
firm. The Auditor commits to meeting all established deadlines and providing all deliverables
in accordance with the agreed-upon timeline. Failure to meet critical deadlines may constitute
grounds for contract termination.