New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority - Request for Proposals for Auditing Services 2026
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | State of New JerseyState · Hamilton, NJ- Due
- Mar 9, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Feb 3, 2026
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Primary contact
- Roseann Sorrentino
The 30-second brief
The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is seeking proposals from qualified accounting firms to act as the independent auditor. The scope of services includes annual financial audits and compliance reviews for funds and accounts not recorded on the State's accounting system, including the NJCLASS Loan Program, Other HESAA Programs and Funds, and the New Jersey World Trade Center Scholarship Fund, as well as Agreed-Upon Procedure (AUP) reviews for HESAA's annual bond transactions. Proposals are due by March 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM, with questions accepted until February 13, 2026. The initial contract term is for three years, commencing July 1, 2026, with an option to extend for two additional one-year periods.
The quality of response to the RFP package including the firm's general and technical approach and plans (20 percent), The demonstrated ability and qualifications to conduct governmental audits and volume of borrowers/complexity of investment portfolio (20 percent), The quality of relevant service to governmental entities in previous transactions (20 percent), Familiarity with laws, rules and regulations relevant to governmental audits (20 percent), The qualifications, experience and assurance of availability and timely performance of assigned staff (20 percent), Small Business and Disabled Veterans' Business Preferences (additional 50 points added to final weighted Technical Evaluation Score), Price Evaluation based on total Quote price on fee proposal.
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Summary
The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is seeking proposals from qualified accounting firms to act as the independent auditor.
The scope of services includes annual financial audits and compliance reviews for funds and accounts not recorded on the State's accounting system, including the NJCLASS Loan Program, Other HESAA Programs and Funds, and the New Jersey World Trade Center Scholarship Fund, as well as Agreed-Upon Procedure (AUP) reviews for HESAA's annual bond transactions. Proposals are due by March 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM, with questions accepted until February 13, 2026. The initial contract term is for three years, commencing July 1, 2026, with an option to extend for two additional one-year periods.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The quality of response to the RFP package including the firm's general and technical approach and plans (20 percent), The demonstrated ability and qualifications to conduct governmental audits and volume of borrowers/complexity of investment portfolio (20 percent), The quality of relevant service to governmental entities in previous transactions (20 percent), Familiarity with laws, rules and regulations relevant to governmental audits (20 percent), The qualifications, experience and assurance of availability and timely performance of assigned staff (20 percent), Small Business and Disabled Veterans' Business Preferences (additional 50 points added to final weighted Technical Evaluation Score), Price Evaluation based on total Quote price on fee proposal.
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
9- New Jersey Business Registration
- Chapter 51 political contribution disclosure and certification forms
- Chapter 271 political contribution disclosure
- Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Iran
- Ownership Disclosure Form
- Confidentiality/Commitment to Defend Form
- HESAA Security Due Diligence Third-Party Information Security Questionnaire
- Cost Proposal by Contract Year (Attachment 1)
- Estimated Staffing Plan by Contract Year (Attachment 2)
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Duration
- 60 months
- Scope location
- Trenton, NJ
- Reported agency
- New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | State of New Jersey?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is March 9, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Roseann Sorrentino.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | State of New Jersey in NJ, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Roseann Sorrentino. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "The quality of response to the RFP package including the firm's general and technical approach and plans (20 percent), The demonstrated ability and qualifications to conduct governmental audits and vo..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | State of New Jersey?
All active and historical solicitations from Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | State of New Jersey are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | State of New Jersey regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: New Jersey Business Registration, Chapter 51 political contribution disclosure and certification forms, Chapter 271 political contribution disclosure, Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Ac. Review the full document from Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | State of New Jersey for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Trenton, NJ. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.