- Detail
- Attachments
- Name
- SCDOT Performance Audit.pdf
- Delivery Point
- South Carolina
- Excerpt
- 1
Request for Proposal
South Carolina Department of Transportation Performance Audit
1. Introduction
The South Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is requesting proposals from qualified firms
to conduct a performance audit of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
All correspondence regarding this request for proposal should be directed to:
Sue Moss, CPA
Interim State Auditor
1901 Main Street, Suite 950
Columbia, SC 29201
803.832.8249
smoss@osa.sc.gov
2. Nature of Services Required
The purpose of this engagement is to conduct a performance and organizational audit of the
South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) in accordance with SC Code Section 57-
1-360(B)(4). The purpose of the audit is to assess current operations and to identify
opportunities to strengthen policies and practices for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
Recommendations addressing weaknesses or regarding implementation of better practices and
other observations should be articulated and prioritized according to significance and urgency and,
where feasible, should include an analysis of potential costs or benefits associated with
implementation. Areas to be considered within the scope of the performance and organizational
audit include:
1) Structure including a benchmark to other state DOT’s that are governed through direct
gubernatorial appointment.
2) SCDOT’s planning processes as required under state code and existing regional planning
programs.
3) Project planning, development, and delivery process utilizing recent process mapping
conducted by the Federal Highway Administration.
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4) Construction management framework in terms of project delivery, risk allocation, and dispute
resolution.
- Listing
- Title
- SCDOT Performance Audit
- Agency
- Auditor
- Due Date Raw
- 11/30/2026 05:00:00 PM
- Solicit Number
- 5400030348
- Pdf Text
- 1
Request for Proposal
South Carolina Department of Transportation Performance Audit
1. Introduction
The South Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is requesting proposals from qualified firms
to conduct a performance audit of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
All correspondence regarding this request for proposal should be directed to:
Sue Moss, CPA
Interim State Auditor
1901 Main Street, Suite 950
Columbia, SC 29201
803.832.8249
smoss@osa.sc.gov
2. Nature of Services Required
The purpose of this engagement is to conduct a performance and organizational audit of the
South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) in accordance with SC Code Section 57-
1-360(B)(4). The purpose of the audit is to assess current operations and to identify
opportunities to strengthen policies and practices for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
Recommendations addressing weaknesses or regarding implementation of better practices and
other observations should be articulated and prioritized according to significance and urgency and,
where feasible, should include an analysis of potential costs or benefits associated with
implementation. Areas to be considered within the scope of the performance and organizational
audit include:
1) Structure including a benchmark to other state DOT’s that are governed through direct
gubernatorial appointment.
2) SCDOT’s planning processes as required under state code and existing regional planning
programs.
3) Project planning, development, and delivery process utilizing recent process mapping
conducted by the Federal Highway Administration.
2
4) Construction management framework in terms of project delivery, risk allocation, and dispute
resolution.
5) Maintenance programs and structure relative to system size and operational requirements
including best practices and recommendations to optimize service and asset life.
6) Traffic engineering and transportation systems management capacity and needs necessary to
deal with the growth of South Carolina.
7) Financial management structure and processes needed to deliver current and anticipated
needs.
8) Requirements of Act 177 and steps being taken by SCDOT to deliver the program.
The provider is expected to utilize experience with similar engagements in exercising judgment
and creativity in conducting this engagement.
3. Time Requirements
Proposal Calendar
Request for proposal issued October 23, 2026
Due date for Intent to Respond notification November 16, 2026
Due date for proposals November 30, 2026
Award Date January 15, 2027
Engagement Timetable
Start of work Date mutually agreed-upon
Preliminary draft April 30, 2027
Final report issued July 30, 2027
4. Proposal Submission
An electronic proposal (PDF format) should be submitted by email (smoss@osa.sc.gov) no later
than 5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on November 30, 2026. Proposals meeting the
requirements set forth in this document will be evaluated by OSA.
5. Intent to Respond
A notification of intent to respond to this RFP is requested by email (smoss@osa.sc.gov) no later
than November 16, 2026, and should include the firm name as well as the name, title and contact
information of the lead consultant.
Submitting this notification is not a prerequisite for submitting a proposal, but rather is intended
to allow OSA to provide all firms that intend to respond copies of any questions and answers that
may arise during the proposal process and any amendments to this solicitation that may be
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published. Firms that either choose not to submit a notification of intent to respond or fail to
meet the deadline for its submittal may submit a proposal in response to this RFP, but must
include with their proposal an acknowledgement that they were notified that additional
information regarding this request was available from OSA upon request.
6. Background
The South Carolina Department of Transportation was established in 1917 and is responsible for
the construction, maintenance, and operation of the nation’s fourth largest state highway system
at approximately 41,000 miles. In addition, SCDOT has responsibility for the administration of
mass transit and rail programs. SCDOT is governed through Title 57 of the South Carolina Code
of Laws.
Until January 1, 2027, SCDOT is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the
Governor with General Assembly confirmation. The Commission appoints a Secretary of
Transportation to be the agency head, subject to Senate confirmation. Effective with the passage
of Act 177 of 2026, the Commission will be abolished, and the Secretary of Transportation will be
appointed directly by the Governor starting January 1, 2027.
The Secretary of Transportation serves as agency head with full responsibility for managing all
day-to-day activities. The Secretary is supported by four Deputy Secretaries (Engineering,
Finance and Administration, Planning, and Intermodal and Freight), Chief of Staff, and a Chief
Counsel. In addition, SCDOT is the only state agency with an internal auditor appointed by the
State Auditor who also serves on the executive team.
SCDOT has 4,600 approved positions with approximately 4,000 presently filled. Headquarters
provides centralized governance, project development including planning and preconstruction,
financial management and oversight, human resources, and procurement and construction
letting. Policy setting units exist for Maintenance, Traffic Engineering, Bridge Management, and
Construction.
The state is divided into seven engineering districts responsible for day-to-day maintenance,
traffic engineering, construction, and bridge activities. The state is further divided into individual
county maintenance and construction units in the state’s 46 counties.
SCDOT presently has a budget of approximately $2.8 billion, of which approximately $2.0 billion
is dedicated to its construction program. Current value of the construction program is
approximately $6.2 billion. Funding is approximately 60% state funds and 40% federal funds.
State funds include SCDOT’s share of the 28.75 cent gas tax, portions of the state’s license and
registration fees, car sales tax proceeds, and General Funds. At present, SCDOT has no debt
outstanding and recently gained the authority to enter into public-private partnerships to
advance large-scale projects.
Following the 2017 Roads Bill which increased the gas tax and several other revenue streams,
SCDOT has been focused on implementation of its 10-Year Plan. The primary focus of the 10-
Year Plan has been on improving pavement and bridge conditions, reducing fatality rates on rural
routes, and adding capacity to its interstate system. SCDOT reports the following challenges in
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achieving its mission:
1) Large backlog of deferred maintenance: pavement and bridge conditions began deteriorating
in the mid-2000’s. Current 10-Year Plan efforts have improved conditions, but large portions
of the network still require repair and rehabilitation.
2) Cost inflation has eroded the ability to deliver projects and as a result, planned efforts are
being scaled back to align to budgets. This includes a reduction in pavement rehabilitation
annually and deferring major interstate projects.
3) South Carolina has seen rapid growth over the past five years which is straining the capacity
of the system. As a result, increasing delays and congestion are becoming routine in areas
not accustomed to it.
The General Assembly adopted Act 177 of 2026 which requires a quadrennial performance audit
of SCDOT. In addition to the structural change to the SCDOT previously discussed, it also enabled
public-private partnerships, expanded procurement authorities, allowed SCDOT to obtain
National Environmental Policy Act Assignment, and expanded toll authorities to include choice
lanes.
7. Proposal Requirements
To provide the maximum degree of comparison, proposals must be organized as follows.
Questions should be submitted by email to smoss@osa.sc.gov.
Title Page
Show the RFP subject, firm name, contact information and date.
Table of Contents
Include a clear identification of material presented by section and page number.
Letter of Transmittal (limit to 3 pages)
Provide an understanding of the work to be done and a commitment to the timeline outlined in
this RFP. In addition:
1. Provide the name and contact information of the individual who will be authorized to
make representations on behalf of the proposer.
2. State the person signing the letter is authorized to bind the proposer.
Profile of the Proposer
1. Briefly describe the proposer, including size and identification of office locations.
2. Identify the office location which will have primary responsibility for the work to be done.
3. Describe material litigation to which the firm is currently a party as well as litigation
brought against the firm in the last five years.
Summary of Proposer’s Qualifications
1. State the identity of senior members of the proposed engagement team and include
resumes detailing relevant experience for each.
2. Affirm that the proposer has no conflict of interest with SCDOT.
3. Describe recent engagements similar in scope to the services requested, with an emphasis
on engagements performed by the office/team that is proposed for the work to be done
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for SCDOT.
4. Provide a minimum of three references for similar work performed in the last five years.
5. Identify public agency clients that have terminated the proposer’s services in the last five
years and include the reasons for termination.
Detailed Work Plan
Include a work plan describing in detail the methodology to be employed by the proposer in
performing the fiduciary audit. The work plan should include a projected timeline reflecting major
milestones and dates to comply with the delivery date for a preliminary draft and a final report.
Compensation
Provide an all-inclusive maximum fee, including out-of-pocket costs, for which the requested
work will be done.
Mandatory Criteria
Affirm the following:
1. Proposer does not discriminate in the employment of persons upon the basis of race,
color, creed, national origin, sex, age or physical handicap.
2. Proposer will provide a drug-free workplace during the term of this contract in accordance
with Section 44-107-10 through 44-107-90 of the 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws, as
amended.
3. Proposer has and will comply with, and has not, and will not induce a person to violate
Title 8, Chapter 13 of the 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended (Ethics Act).
4. Proposer is in compliance with Sections 11-57-300 through 11-57-330 of the 1976 South
Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, with respect to investment activities in Iran.
8. Proposal Evaluation
Proposals should demonstrate the technical qualifications, competence and capacity of the firm
seeking to undertake the services required in this RFP. Evaluators will determine the winning
proposal based on the qualification, approach and cost as well as commitment to delivery of final
reports by the due date specified in this RFP.
Proposals which do not include the minimum requested information, including affirmation of
mandatory criteria, will be rejected as not being responsive. OSA reserves the right to request
additional information or clarifications from the proposing firms during the evaluation process
where it serves OSA’s best interest. Technical corrections or omissions may be allowed at the
discretion of OSA.
OSA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted.
OSA reserves the right to negotiate with the highest-rated proposer on final contract terms.
The following evaluation factors will be considered:
Technical Factors
1. Responsiveness of the proposal in clearly stating the firm’s understanding of the work to
be performed, including:
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• Appropriateness and adequacy of the detailed work plan
• Timeliness of milestones in complying with the final report delivery date
2. Technical experience of the firm
3. Qualification of staff
4. Size of the firm
Cost Factor
Proposed fees are a consideration but are not the dominant factor. Cost will be given more
importance when all other evaluation criteria are equal. Proposals believed to be unreasonably
low will be rejected.
Proposers may be asked to make a presentation prior to awarding the contract. Dates for the
presentation will be determined by OSA.
9. Other
Billings and Payment
OSA will issue an award letter to the successful proposer stating the maximum fee to be paid for
the engagement. While OSA is the client, SCDOT is responsible for payment of engagement fees.
All invoices are to be submitted to OSA for approval. OSA will submit approved invoices to SCDOT
for payment. Services which may increase the fee above the maximum must have prior written
approval of OSA.
Progress billings based on the percent of engagement completion will be accepted. Final
payment will not be made until contractual obligations have been met, including delivery of final
reports. OSA reserves the right to hold progress billings should issues arise in the delivery of
services or if there is a reason to believe billings have been submitted in advance of work being
completed. A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) must be provided with each invoice.
Choice of Law, Jurisdiction and Venue
Any contract resulting from this RFP is governed by and in accordance with the laws of South
Carolina. Jurisdiction and venue for resolution of any dispute shall be in the courts of South
Carolina.
Entrance Conference
Within 30 days of being awarded the engagement, the provider will contact OSA to arrange a
date and time for a meeting to discuss in detail documentation requests, specific tasks to be
performed and timing. Key SCDOT staff will be included in this meeting.
Electronic File Sharing
SCDOT can securely share documents requested.
Progress Reports
Provider will provide periodic progress reports during the audit process. Progress reports are
expected to be more frequent during the weeks prior to report issuance.
Exit Conference
Near the conclusion of the engagement, an on-site exit conference will be held at a time
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agreeable to the provider, SCDOT and OSA.
Report Distribution Requirements
The provider will deliver to OSA twenty-five bound copies and an electronic version (PDF) of the
final report. The electronic copy must meet the requirements of Section 508 of the Work Force
Investment Act of 1998 regarding accessibility by individuals with disabilities.
Board Presentation
Provider will attend a meeting with OSA, SCDOT, and the Office of the Governor to present and
discuss findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from the engagement at a date to
be determined later.
- Cat Review
- At
- Oct 23, 2026
- Method
- openrouter
- Taxonomy
- construction
- Pdf Text Len
- 14718
- Categorized By
- llm
- Detail Fetched
- Yes
AuditorIssuing agency·South Carolina·via a public procurement portal