Performance Audit of Lee County Government

Request for Proposal #4120-01-27
To Conduct a Performance Audit of Lee County
Government Operations, Systems, and Procedures
Date of Issue: July 27, 2026
Proposal Due Date: August 28, 2026, by 2:00 PM EST
Direct all inquiries concerning this RFP to:
Lisa G. Minter, County Manager
Phone: (919) 718-4600 x5513
Email: lminter@leecountync.gov

Lee County Performance Audit RFP #4120-01-27
1) Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals from interested
and experienced firms to perform an independent, objective, and reliable evaluation of
whether systems, operations, and programs operate in accordance with existing
regulations and community needs while promoting high efficiency and effectiveness.
2) Background
Situated in the "Carolina Core" and positioned between several of North Carolina's
major economic centers, Lee County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state,
with a population now exceeding 70,000 residents. Recent commercial and industrial
investments have strengthened the County's tax base and enabled progress in
meeting the needs of a rapidly expanding community. Continued population growth,
though, is creating increasing demands for enhanced public safety, improved facilities,
expanded programming, and significant investment in the public school system. At the
same time, rising personnel costs and general inflation are placing additional strain on
the County's operating budget. These pressures challenge the County's commitment
to provide the high-quality services residents demand while also maintaining a
responsible and sustainable tax rate. As the County looks to future years, a
performance audit is desired to ensure long-range planning decisions are data driven.
3) Objectives
The audit should identify where Lee County Government can improve the value it
provides to residents and stakeholders and offer clear recommendations to enhance
efficiency, transparency, and overall performance. The selected firm is expected to:
a) Conduct a performance evaluation that provides objective analyses, findings,
conclusions, and recommendations to improve program performance and
operations and strengthen accountability, transparency, and public
understanding.
b) Provide a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness, fairness, and
efficiency of County programs, services, and administrative functions.
c) Review the organizational structure, procedures, systems, and resource
allocations across County government to evaluate their alignment with assigned
responsibilities, service demands, and strategic objectives.
d) Identify strengths and weaknesses related to organizational structure,
operational procedures, systems, technology use, and resource allocation to
determine the most cost-effective and strategic approaches for meeting current
and future needs. Consider opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration,
community partnerships, and private-sector engagement.
e) Benchmark County operations against comparable local governments,
emphasizing jurisdictions recognized for employing best practices.
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Lee County Performance Audit RFP #4120-01-27
f) Recommend measures designed to add value, improve operational
performance, and ensure consistency in the application of laws, policies, codes,
and regulations across all County departments.
g) Recommend practical, achievable, and realistic adjustments to organizational
reporting relationships, position classifications, and job functions that will:
i) Clarify roles, responsibilities, and authority across the organization.
ii) Eliminate duplication and overlap within and between departments.
iii) Improve the timeliness and quality of services delivered to residents.
iv) Strengthen communication within and across County departments.
h) Present all findings and recommendations in a complete, comprehensive report
and deliver a formal presentation of the results to County staff and the Board of
Commissioners.
4) Methodology
The consultant shall submit a proposed methodology to achieve the project
objectives described above. The methodology should incorporate the following
elements:
a) Develop an inventory of services provided by County government as a whole,
as well as by individual departments and divisions, and identify the resources
allocated to each service.
b) Compile and review relevant background information, including:
i) Current County organization charts and staffing levels.
ii) Position descriptions and required competencies, as needed.
iii) Recent reports, studies, audits, or service delivery reviews.
iv) Industry standards, norms, and benchmarks relevant to County services.
c) Analyze background information to identify key patterns and trends and
develop structured tools (such as questionnaires or surveys) to obtain input from
employees and stakeholders, including:
i) Identification of strengths and weaknesses in service delivery and
internal processes.
ii) Interdepartmental relationships and levels of coordination.
iii) Suggestions for improving service quality, operational efficiency, and
cost-effectiveness.
iv) Prioritization of recommended improvements.
d) Conduct stakeholder interviews, including:
i) County employees.
ii) County Manager.
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Lee County Performance Audit RFP #4120-01-27
iii) County Commissioners.
iv) Department directors and leadership teams.
v) Community stakeholders.
vi) Additional stakeholders identified by the County Manager.
e) Gather observations and feedback on current operations and obtain
suggestions for improvement through interviews, surveys, or both.
f) Review and analyze County policies and procedures and assess compliance
with federal laws, state statutes, administrative rules, and County ordinances.
g) Evaluate program goals and outcomes and assess the County's success in
achieving those goals.
h) Review the consistency and fairness of the application of internal regulations
across departments.
i) Compare current performance metrics to industry standards and best practices.
5) Proposal
The County will accept proposals only for the project described above. Please note
that the terms of this RFP and your response thereto will be incorporated into the terms
of the Contract if your organization is successful. Such a proposal shall include the
following:
a) Names of the key personnel to be assigned, with resumes outlining
qualifications and experience.
b) At least three business references are required. References must include
organization name, contact, address, phone number, length of time associated
with your organization, and a brief description of the services provided.
c) Indicate and briefly describe your experience with performance auditing.
d) A list of any and all fees and other costs you would charge in connection with
this project.
e) A proposed project schedule/payment schedule for the term of the Contract.
f) Your proposal should include any other conditions/requirements for the
completion of the project.
6) Selection Process
The submissions will be reviewed by County staff. In soliciting proposals, the County's
intent is to have an effective and detailed performance audit completed in time for us
to begin considering and potentially implementing its recommendations as part of the
FY2027-28 budget development process in Spring 2027.
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Lee County Performance Audit RFP #4120-01-27
Therefore, selection of a firm will be based upon, but not limited to, the following
considerations and criteria as it relates to this RFP:
a) Proposer experience and qualifications.
b) Proposed project schedule.
c) Proposed project methodology.
d) Proposed cost(s).
7) Schedule
The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFP. Lee County will make every
effort to adhere to this schedule.
Activity Responsibility Date and Time
Issue RFP Lee County July 27, 2026, 12:00 PM
RFP Submittal Question Deadline Proposer August 7, 2026, 12:00 PM
Responses to RFP Questions Provided Lee County August 17, 2026, 12:00 PM
Deadline for Proposal Submission Proposer August 28, 2026, 2:00 PM
Contract Awarded Lee County TBD
Contract Effective Date Lee County TBD
8) Proposal Submission
a. Digital submissions are not allowed. Two sealed paper copies of the proposal
marked with the designation of "Lee County Government Performance Audit
2026" shall be submitted via mail or in person Lee County Government Finance
Department.
b. RFPs shall be signed by an individual or individuals authorized to execute legal
documents on behalf of the vendor and shall contain a declaration to the effect
that the proposed project team will remain in effect for a minimum of sixty days
after the submittal date.
c. RFPs must be received by 2:00 PM EST on August 28, 2026. Submit to:
Lee County Finance Office, Attn: Purchasing Agent
115 Chatham St. Suite 301
Sanford, NC 27330
d. RFPs are to be submitted with the following information:
i. Name of Vendor.
ii. Consultant Project Manager's email and phone number.
e. Proposals received after the hour and date specified above will not be
considered.
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Lee County Performance Audit RFP #4120-01-27
f. All proposals shall be submitted according to the specifications set forth in the
RFP. Failure to adhere to these specifications may be cause for rejection.
g. Once submitted, proposals, including the composition of the vendor staff, shall
not be changed.
h. If deemed necessary interviews may be scheduled with selected proposers.
i. The County reserves the right to reject any and all proosals and any part of the
proposal, to waive formalities and technicalities, and to re-request proposals for
this work and services.
j. The RFP shall remain subject to acceptance and not withdrawn for a period of
sixty (60) days after the date of the opening of the proposals.
k. The County shall, upon mutually agreeable and acceptable terms and conditions
with the successful respondent/consultant, enter into a formal agreement for an
agreed upon fee and period of time. The County reserves the right to negotiate
terms, including the proposed fee with any selected consultant
l. All requests for clarification for the RFP can be directed to the County Manager,
Lisa Minter, at lminter@leecountync.gov.
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