The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), under the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA), is seeking to procure ProSystem FX Engagement Software licenses and support to enhance its auditing capabilities for employee benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This software is essential for legally assessing the quality of audits performed by CPA firms on ERISA-covered plans. The OCA requires 17 licenses for the ProSystem FX Engagement Add Trial Balance/Workpaper and 17 licenses for Knowledge Coach Users. These enhancements will allow the OCA to efficiently review comprehensive “binder packages” submitted by these firms, enabling effective enforcement of compliance regulations. The contract will cover a period of one year, starting from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. This RFP emphasizes the government's commitment to maintaining standards in fiscal accountability and oversight of employee benefit packages, as well as the necessity for specialized software to facilitate this process.
The document outlines a justification for seeking a sole-source procurement under FAR 13.106-1(b) for ProSystem software licenses from CCH Incorporated, emphasizing its necessity for the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). This software is critical for evaluating independent audits of ERISA-covered plans and conducting compliance reviews efficiently. The transition away from ProSystem and Caseware could lead to substantial costs and operational inefficiencies, as many auditing firms now provide electronic workpapers compatible with these applications. CCH Incorporated is confirmed as the only vendor meeting the specific requirements, with no alternative sources identified. A price analysis will ensure that costs remain fair and reasonable. Although there are barriers to competition related to brand name, EBSA commits to exploring other software options for future acquisitions. The certifications from responsible officials affirm the lack of conflict of interest and the accuracy of supporting data. This document highlights EBSA's commitment to fair competition while recognizing current resource dependencies.
The Department of Labor (DOL) intends to issue a sole source contract for a data analytics software package, specifically the ProSystem FX Engagement license from CCH Incorporated. This decision follows the authority of FAR 6.302-1(c)(1), citing no available alternatives for the required services. The contract supports the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) within the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), which enforces the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The software is crucial for reviewing audit work prepared by CPA firms, enabling efficient enforcement of employee benefits regulations.
The DOL has outlined that responses to the notice must show evidence that competition would be beneficial and not cost-prohibitive. The contract, a fixed-price agreement, is anticipated to commence around January 1, 2025. Interested parties can submit their capabilities by December 23, 2024. Inquiries should be directed to designated DOL officials. The document emphasizes the need for specialized software to fulfill critical statutory responsibilities efficiently while ensuring that the government maintains discretion over the contract process.