RFP for External Audit Services

Background
The Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS) is a public cyber charter school and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to provide individualized, growth-focused K-12 online public education in a technology-rich environment that empowers students to reach their full academic and leadership potential. The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately $68 million, funded through state, federal, grants, and contributions. PALCS is committed to financial integrity, transparency, and compliance with nonprofit accounting best practices.

Work Details
The selected Auditor will provide the following services:

1. Annual Audit of Financial Statements: Conduct an independent audit & single audit of the Organization’s financial statements under GASB accounting standards; prepare audited financial statements with all required disclosures; issue an auditor’s opinion and report.

2. Required Communications: Present audit results to management and the School Board at the annual October public meeting; provide a management letter with findings and recommendations a week in advance; communicate any significant audit issues encountered.

3. Additional Nonprofit-Specific Services: Preparation and filing of IRS Form 990; Single Audit for federal awards; review of internal controls over financial reporting; assistance with implementing nonprofit accounting best practices.

4. Agreed Upon Procedures: Perform enrollment tests to verify accuracy of student enrollment; review expense reimbursements for Board members; review selection process for contracts publicly bid; review Board policies regarding internal controls, ethics, conflict of interest, whistle-blower protections, compliance with open meetings laws, finances, budgeting, audits, public bidding, and bonding.

Period of Performance
The initial contract term will cover audits for fiscal years ending 2026–2027. The final audit report is expected to be delivered by October 1 each year.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed at The Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School located at 1332 Enterprise Drive, West Chester, PA.

Bidder Requirements
Proposals must include a firm profile summarizing years in business and nonprofit audit experience; statement of independence regarding conflicts of interest; details about the proposed audit team including qualifications; description of audit methodology; anticipated timeline and milestones; annual audit fee structure including fees for IRS Form 990 preparation and Single Audit; references from at least three charter school clients served within the past three years.