Request for Audit Services (RFA)
Issued by: Restore America’s Estuaries
Date Issued: November 13, 2025
Proposal Due Date: December 12, 2025
I. Introduction
Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, invites qualified independent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firms to submit proposals to perform an annual audit of our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, and to provide related professional services as described below. The audit shall be conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and, if applicable, the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F – Uniform Guidance).
II. Organizational Background
Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) is an Arlington, Virginia based non-profit corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable, tax-exempt organization pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. RAE was founded in 1994 with a mission to preserve the nation’s network of estuaries by protecting and restoring the lands and waters essential to the richness and diversity of coastal life. We have an audit committee of five members who will be responsible for the approval of our final auditor selection.
RAE has an annual budget of $8.1M in 2025 and employs fourteen people across the United States. Our main programs are Coastal Habitat Restoration (CRP), a National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration that is held every two years, and the development of a greenhouse gas offset protocol for tidal wetlands (Blue Carbon). Our primary sources of revenue are from United States government partnerships, corporate donations, foundation grants, and individual contributions.
RAE is an alliance of 10 non-profit organizations spanning the nation’s coastline, each with a focus on community-based estuarine conservation efforts.
RAE has a fiscal year-end of December 31, with a requirement to file OMB Circular A-133 and federal tax Form 990. All accounting records are handled in-house through use of QuickBooks Premier Non-Profit Accounting Software.
III. Scope of Services
The selected firm will be expected to perform the following services:
1. Annual Financial Audit
• Conduct an audit of the organization’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.
• Perform the audit in accordance with GAAS, Government Auditing Standards (if applicable), and Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F requirements.
• Express an opinion on the fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP.
• Issue any required reports on internal controls and compliance for federal funding.
• Present audit findings and final reports to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors as requested.
2. Management Letter
• Provide a detailed management letter containing comments and recommendations to improve accounting procedures, internal controls, and administrative efficiency.
3. Tax Preparation and Compliance
• Prepare and file the organization’s IRS Form 990, including all required schedules and state filings.
• Prepare and file the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA)
• Provide a draft for review by management prior to submission to the Board for approval.
• Prepare and submit approved audit report to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.
4. Advisory and Consultation Services
• Remain available throughout the year to offer guidance on financial accounting and reporting issues.
• Provide technical advice regarding implementation of new accounting standards and federal compliance requirements.
IV. Proposal Requirements
Each proposal must include the following elements:
1. Firm Profile and Qualifications
• Description of the firm (size, years in business, office location, and primary contact person).
• Evidence of licensure and good standing to practice public accounting.
• List of certifications of employees applicable to the work.
• Summary of experience with nonprofit organizations and federal grant audits (Single Audits).
• Bios of key personnel to be assigned to the engagement.
2. Audit Approach and Timeline
• Proposed audit methodology and phases (e.g., planning, fieldwork, reporting).
• Expected timeline for fieldwork completion and issuance of final reports.
3. References
• Minimum of five references from nonprofit clients served within the past three years.
• Examples of reports from previous work.
4. Fees and Billing Structure
• Itemized fee proposal covering the audit, Form 990 preparation, Federal Audit Clearinghouse submission and year-round advisory services.
• Identify any hourly rates for additional services and proposed billing schedules.
V. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:
• Demonstrated experience auditing nonprofit organizations and federal award recipients.
• Qualifications and experience of assigned staff.
• Quality of audit approach and ability to meet timelines.
• Fee structure and overall cost effectiveness.
• Strength of references and prior performance records.
VI. Submission Instructions
Proposals must be received by December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET via email in PDF format to: Ashley Ross, Vice President of Program Administration and Finance 601 13th St NW, 12th Floor Washington, DC 20005 aross@estuaries.org Late submissions may not be considered.
VII. Questions
All inquiries concerning this RFA should be submitted by December 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET to Ashley Ross, aross@estuaries.org. Responses will be shared with all potential applicants to ensure fairness.
VIII. Terms and Conditions
Restore America’s Estuaries reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive irregularities or informalities as deemed appropriate.
• The selected firm will enter into a formal engagement letter consistent with AICPA standards.
• The organization is not liable for any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal.
• The auditor must maintain independence in accordance with Government Auditing Standards and applicable ethics rules.
• Firms must disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest, including relationships with RAE member organizations or federal agencies funding RAE programs.
