IPL Audit RFP March 16, 2011x
Description
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AFFILIATE AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY NOTICE TO VENDORS The Iowa Utilities Board will be receiving sealed proposals until 4:30 P.M. CT on June 3, 2011, from nationally or regionally recognized independent auditing firms to perform an affiliate and management audit of Interstate Power and Light Company pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 476, including Iowa Code § 476.75. Late proposals will not be considered. All contacts and inquiries concerning this request for proposals must be submitted in writing by April 6, 2011, to the Board at the following address: Executive Secretary Iowa Utilities Board 1375 E. Court Avenue, Room 69 Des Moines, IA 50319-0069 STATE OF IOWA IOWA UTILITIES BOARD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AFFILIATE AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER TITLE 1 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 2 AUDIT REQUIREMENTS 3 PROPOSAL FORMAT AND EVALUATION 4 REQUIRED FORMS 5 SAMPLE CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................... 2 1.2 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (ALL TIMES LISTED ARE LOCAL IOWA TIMES) ...... 3 1.3 INQUIRIES ................................................................................................. ...
Informations
| Publié par | Enfea |
| Nombre de lectures | 16 |
| Langue | English |
Extrait
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AFFILIATE AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY NOTICE TO VENDORS The Iowa Utilities Board will be receiving sealed proposals until4:30 P.M. CT on June 3, 2011,from nationally or regionally recognized independent auditing firms to perform an affiliate and management audit of Interstate Power and Light Company pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 476, including Iowa Code § 476.75. Late proposals will not be considered. All contacts and inquiries concerning this request for proposals must be submitted in writing by April 6, 2011, to the Board at the following address: Executive Secretary Iowa Utilities Board 1375 E. Court Avenue, Room 69 Des Moines, IA 50319-0069
STATE OF IOWA IOWA UTILITIES BOARD REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AFFILIATE AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER TITLE 1 2 3 4 5
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS
PROPOSAL FORMAT AND EVALUATION
REQUIRED FORMS
SAMPLE CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION............................................... 2 1.2 OF EVENTS (ALL TIMES LISTED ARE LOCAL IOWA TIMES)SCHEDULE ...... 3 1.3 INQUIRIES ........................................................................................................... 5 1.4 ................................................................. 6PREPARATION OF THE PROPOSAL 1.5 ........................................................................ 6ECONOMY OF PRESENTATION 1.6 RFP CHANGES AND ADDENDA......................................................................... 6 1.7 PROPOSAL OBLIGATIONS................................................................................. 6 1.8 CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST .... 7 1.9 CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION ....................... 7 1.10 ............................................................................ 8REJECTION OF PROPOSALS 1.11 ........................................................................ 9WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS 1.12 DISPOSITION OF PROPOSALS ......................................................................... 9 1.13 9RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT ......PUBLIC 1.14 PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD ......................................................... 10 1.15 GIFT LAW AND BRIBERY ................................................................................. 10 1.16 EXCEPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS............................................. 11 1.17 IOWA STATUTES AND RULES......................................................................... 12 1.18 12 ..............................LICENSES, PERMITS, INSPECTIONS, AND COPYRIGHT 1.19 COSTS OF PREPARATION OF PROPOSAL .................................................... 12 1.20 RELEASE OF CLAIMS....................................................................................... 12 1.21 .............................................................................. 13CREATION OF CONTRACT 1.22 NO MINIMUM GUARANTEED ........................................................................... 13 1.23 MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................................................. 13
1.1 A.
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Iowa Utilities Board (Board), an independent division of the Iowa Department of Commerce, issues this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from nationally or regionally recognized independent auditing firms to conduct an affiliate and management audit of Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), pursuant to Iowa Code § 476.75 and Iowa Code chapter 476. Iowa Code § 476.75 grants the Board specific authority to require audits of the transactions between public utilities and their affiliates. Also, the Board has broad general authority under Iowa Code chapter 476 to examine the management functions of rate-regulated public utilities like IPL. On February 25, 2011, in Docket No. INU-2011-0001,In re: Interstate Power and Light Company, the Board issued an "Order Initiating Audit." One focus of the audit will be the transactions between IPL and its affiliates, primarily Alliant Energy Corporation (Alliant) and Alliant Energy Corporate Services, Inc. (AECS). IPL is a rate-regulated public utility providing electric and gas service to retail customers in Iowa. Alliant is the parent company of IPL. AECS provides Alliant and its various affiliates, including IPL, with, among other things, traditional administrative functions including strategy, accounting, communications, legal, regulatory, information technology, and environmental and safety management. In 2009, IPL paid almost $370 million to AECS for such things as bulk power, payroll, and outside professional services. IPL paid other affiliates a total of about $45 million for goods and services. Also in 2009, IPL billed AECS about $161 million for such things as facilities expense, federal and state income taxes, and gas revenue trading. IPL's billings to other affiliates were just over $4 million. The audit conducted pursuant to this RFP and resulting contract will examine such things as the accuracy and reasonableness of AECS and Alliant charges allocated to IPL and the necessity or reasonableness of processes or functions performed by AECS and Alliant on behalf of IPL. The second focus of the audit will be a management audit of IPL, which would include Alliant and AECS, to the extent management of Alliant and AECS affects decisions made by IPL. Among other topics identified in this RFP, the audit shall examine IPL/Alliant/AECS performance as compared to industry standards and best practices, with an emphasis on customer service and maintenance of gas and electric distribution systems, and the development of Alliant/IPL long-range and short-range operational plans to assure efficient and effective performance and an evaluation of how those plans fit with the
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B. C. 1.2 A.
Alliant/IPL corporate mission and vision, including an evaluation of IPL's reliance on purchase power for much of its electric supply. The Board intends to select one nationally or regionally recognized independent auditing firm to conduct both the affiliate and management portions of the audit and to submit an audit report to the Board. The successful vendor also may be required, upon request of the Board, to provide expert witnesses to testify in regulatory proceedings before the Board that may involve one or more of the subjects audited. Links to the Iowa Code and the Board’s rules at 199 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) chapters 1 through 45 are contained on the Board's Web site atgovub.iowa.thpt/:i/. This RFP is designed to provide vendors with the information necessary for the preparation of competitive proposals. The RFP process is for the Board's benefit and is intended to provide the Board with competitive information to assist in the selection process. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Each vendor is responsible for determining all factors necessary for submission of a comprehensive proposal. This RFP provides detailed instructions for the development of proposals to provide the required services. This RFP and the winning proposal of the successful vendor shall be included as mandatory parts of the contract between the Board and the successful vendor. The audit shall be completed and a final audit report shall be delivered to the Board no later than twelve months from the date of execution of the final contract, with any extension being at the sole discretion of the Board. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (ALL TIMES LISTED ARE LOCAL IOWA TIMES) The following dates are set forth for informational and planning purposes. However, the Board reserves the right to change the dates. Board issues the RFP ...................................................... March 16, 2011 The RFP will be posted on the Board's Web site,.boiawg.vohttp://iu. A link to the Board's Web site will be posted on the Iowa Department of Administrative Services' Web site,awoivog.unities.idopportthpt/:b/. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 73.16(2)"c"(2), the Board will give notice of the RFP to the Iowa targeted small business procurement notice system 48 hours before issuing the RFP.
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B.
C.
D.
E.
Vendors notify the Board of request to receive notices ... April 6, 2011 Vendors who wish to receive notifications, answers to questions, and amendments regarding this RFP must notify the Executive Secretary of the Iowa Utilities Board, 1375 E. Court Ave, Room 69, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0069, in writing no later than 4:30 p.m., April 6, 2011. Vendors are not required to file notice they wish to receive notifications, answers, and amendments in order to submit a proposal. Vendor's written questions.................................................. April 6, 2011 Vendors may submit written questions and requests for clarification concerning this RFP to the Executive Secretary. If the questions or requests for clarification relate to a specific section of the RFP, the vendor must refer to the specific page and section number. Vendor questions and requests shall be received no later than 4:30 p.m., April 6, 2011. Board's written response to questions .............................April 27, 2011 The Board will prepare a written response to all pertinent questions submitted by vendors in writing. The written response will be considered part of the RFP. On April 27, 2011, the response will be posted on the Board's Web site and mailed to all vendors who requested notification. Oral questions will not be permitted. The Board assumes no responsibility for verbal representations made by its employees unless such representations are confirmed in writing and incorporated into the RFP. Proposals due to the Board................................................. June 3, 2011 Proposals must be received by the Executive Secretary, Iowa Utilities Board, 1375 E. Court Avenue, Room 69, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0069, on or before4:30 P.M. on June 3, 2011 is a mandatory. This requirement. Any proposal received after this deadline will be rejected and returned unopened to the vendor. Vendors mailing proposals must allow ample mail delivery time to ensure timely receipt of their proposals. It is the vendor's responsibility to ensure that the proposal is received by the Board on or before the deadline. Postmarking by the due date will not substitute for actual receipt of the proposal. After the Board has opened the proposals, the Board will e-mail each vendor who submitted a timely proposal and notify the vendor that its proposal was received by the deadline. The proposals will remain confidential during the evaluation process until the Board has announced its notice of intent to award a contract. See Iowa Code § 72.3.
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F.
G. 1.3 A. B. C. D.
Board issues notice of intent to award on or about August 5, 2011 On or about August 5, 2011, the Board will send a letter to all vendors whose proposals were accepted for evaluation. The letter will notify them of the Board's intent to award the contract. The notice of intent to award will be posted on the Board's Web site. The Board will send a letter to the selected vendor notifying the vendor of the Board's intent to award the contract and listing the selected vendor's exceptions and alternative solutions that the Board approves and disapproves. The selected vendor must respond within seven days as to its position concerning the Board's disapproval of vendor exceptions and alternative solutions. The vendor must negotiate contract terms related to any approved vendor exceptions and alternative solutions in good faith. The contract cannot be awarded until the Board and the selected vendor agree regarding the exceptions and alternative solutions. The contract will be executed as soon as possible after the notice of intent to award is issued. Proposals must be held firm for a 60-day period from the date the intent to award is issued. If the apparent selected vendor fails to negotiate and deliver an executed contract in a timely manner, the Board may cancel the award and award the contract to the next highest ranked vendor. INQUIRIES All inquiries concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing by April 6, 2011, to the Board office at the following address: Executive Secretary Iowa Utilities Board 1375 E. Court Ave., Room 69 Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0069 Once the RFP has been issued, all contacts and inquiries regarding the RFP from potential vendors to the Board must be in writing to the Executive Secretary of the Board. Oral questions relating to the interpretation of the RFP will not be accepted. Only written communications agreed to by the Board are binding on the Board. The state assumes no responsibility for representations concerning conditions made by its officers or employees prior to the execution of a legal contract, unless such representations are specifically incorporated
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1.4 A. B. C. 1.5 1.6
1.7 A. B.
into this RFP. All requests for clarification shall be submitted in writing as provided in RFP Sections 1.2 and 1.3. PREPARATION OF THE PROPOSAL The official proposal must be in writing. Changes must be lined out and initialed. The format and the instructions in RFP Chapter 3 shall be followed. Proposals sent by electronic mail or fax will not be accepted. Use of the proposal response forms in RFP Chapter 4 is mandatory. All answers that are given to the questions asked in this RFP are subject to verification. Misleading or inaccurate answers shall be grounds for disqualification at any stage in the procurement process. ECONOMY OF PRESENTATION Proposals shall not contain promotional or display materials. All questions posed by the RFP must be answered concisely and clearly. RFP CHANGES AND ADDENDA The Board reserves the right to amend the RFP at any time. The vendor shall acknowledge receipt of an amendment, if one is issued, in its proposal. If the amendment occurs after the closing date for receipt of proposals, the Board may, in its sole discretion, allow vendors the opportunity to amend their proposals in response to the amendment if necessary. In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of the RFP prior to the scheduled proposal submittal date, an addendum will be issued to all qualified vendors who have notified the Executive Secretary as provided in RFP Section 1.2.B of their interest in receiving notifications regarding this RFP. Any addendum will be posted on the Board's Web site. PROPOSAL OBLIGATIONS The contents of the proposal and any written clarification thereto submitted by the successful vendor and agreed to by the Board shall become part of the contractual obligation and incorporated by reference into the ensuing contract. Proposals shall describe the vendor's audit processes and any variations from the RFP in detail. Proposals must be in such form that they will be contractually binding upon approval.
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C. 1.8 A. B. C. D. E.
1.9 A.
The offer made by the submitted proposal, and any clarifications to that proposal, shall be signed by an officer of the offering firm or a designated agent empowered to bind the firm in a contract. CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST The proposal shall include a letter certifying the vendor's independence and no conflict of interest asserting the following representations in connection with the proposed audit: The proposal has been developed independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement with any employee of the Board. The proposal has been developed independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other vendor or parties for the purpose of restricting competition. Unless otherwise required by law, the information found in the proposal has not been knowingly disclosed and will not be knowingly disclosed prior to the award of the contract, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor. No attempt has been made or will be made by (name of vendor) to induce any other vendor to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. No relationship exists or will exist during the contract period between (name of vendor) and the Board that interferes with fair competition or as a conflict of interest. In the letter certifying the vendor’s independence and no conflict of interest, the vendor shall also disclose all previous work performed for Alliant, IPL, or Wisconsin Power and Light, or any affiliates pursuant to any current or previous contracts or agreements. The Board will evaluate the significance of any previous or current work and whether such work presents a conflict of interest which could disqualify the vendor. CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION The price proposal shall include a letter certifying the vendor's independent price determination asserting the following representations: The prices in this proposal have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any competitor.
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B. Unless otherwise required by law, the prices that have been quoted in this proposal have not been knowingly disclosed by any vendor and shall not knowingly be disclosed by the vendor prior to the notice of intent to award, directly or indirectly, to any competitor. C. No attempt has been made or shall be made by the vendor to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. D. Each person signing this proposal certifies to being the person responsible within the vendor's organization for the decision as to the prices being offered, or to being an agent authorized in writing to make the pricing decision, and that neither the person directly responsible nor the agent has participated, nor will they participate in any action contrary to RFP paragraphs 1.9.A through 1.9.C. 1.10 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS A. The Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the execution of a written contract, without penalty. Issuance of this RFP does not constitute a commitment by the Board to award a contract. B. Any proposal may be rejected outright and not evaluated for any one of the following reasons: 1. Failure to deliver the proposal before4:30 P.M. on June 3, 2011. 2. Failure to include the required response form(s) signed by an officer of the company submitting the proposal. 3. Failure to follow the proposal format instructions as specified in RFP Chapters 3 and 4. 4. The vendor states that an audit requirement cannot be met. 5. The vendor's proposal materially changes an audit requirement. 6. The vendor's proposal limits the rights of the Board. 7. The vendor fails to include information necessary to substantiate that it will be able to meet an audit requirement. A response of "will comply" or merely repeating the audit requirement is not sufficient. Responses must indicate present capability; representations that future developments will satisfy the requirement are not sufficient.
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8. The vendor fails to timely respond to the Board's request for information, documents, or references. 9. The vendor fails to include any signature, certification, authorization, stipulation, disclosure or guarantee requested in the RFP. 10. The vendor presents the information requested by the RFP in a format inconsistent with the instructions of the RFP. 11. The vendor initiates unauthorized contact regarding the RFP with state employees. 12. The vendor provides misleading or inaccurate responses. 13. The vendor fails to meet any other material requirement of the RFP. 14. The vendor is not a nationally or regionally recognized independent auditing firm. 1.11 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS Proposals may be withdrawn, modified, and resubmitted at any time prior to the time set for the receipt of proposals. Vendors must notify the Board in writing if they wish to withdraw their proposals. A vendor shall not withdraw its proposal or its prices prior to the end of the 60-day period immediately following the issuance of the notice of intent to award the contract. 1.12 DISPOSITION OF PROPOSALS All proposals become the property of the Board and shall not be returned to the vendor unless all proposals are rejected and no award is made. 1.13 PUBLIC RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Pursuant to Iowa Code § 72.3, the contents of all proposals will not be disclosed until the conclusion of the selection process. The laws of Iowa generally require that at the conclusion of the selection process, the contents of all proposals will be treated as public information unless the vendor properly requests that information be treated as confidential at the time of submitting the proposal. Following the conclusion of the selection process, the Board's treatment of information as public or confidential is governed by Iowa Code chapter 22 and the
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