Response to Request for Proposal
The State of Vermont
Public Service Board
October 24, 2005
PRESENTED BY:
BATCHELDER ASSOCIATES, PC
1 CONTI CIRCLE
BARRE, VERMONT 05641
(802)476-9490
bbatch@charter.net
www.batcheldercpa.com
October 18, 2005
Cynthia Muir, Business Manager
Vermont Public Service Board
112 State Street, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-2701
Dear Cynthia,
Please consider this Batchelder Associates, P.C.'s proposal to provide the
Vermont Public Service Board with services in the capacity of Fiscal Agent for
the funds collected from the Energy Efficiency Charge, created by the Board,
pursuant to 30 V.S.A. 209(d)(3). This proposal is presented by Bonnie K.
Batchelder, CPA of Batchelder Associates, P.C., a Certified Public Accounting
firm in Barre, Vermont.
Batchelder Associates, P.C. is wholly owned by Bonnie K. Batchelder, CPA and
is legally certified in the State of Vermont and Massachusetts. Batchelder
Associates, P.C. has been qualified as a Women Owned Business (DBE) by the
Vermont Agency of Transportation.
We have extensive experience in
government, non-profit and municipality accounting and provide fiscal agent
services to more than forty-five clients.
Based on the information and reporting provided in the Request for Proposal, we
propose an annual bid fee of $15,000 or a combined contract fee of $45,000
through December 31, 2008. With this bid we commit to an average of eight
hours of priority time per month to the Vermont Public Service Board. Should the
contract change or additional requirements arise, we have attached a rate
schedule of which time will be charged. We realize there will be setup costs
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associated with this contract of which we will bill at an hourly rate based on our
rate schedule not to exceed $2,750. This will be in addition to the above
proposed fee. We also understand that Batchelder Associates, PC will hire and
host an annual audit, however, the cost of the audit will be passed on to the
Vermont Public Service Board and is not part of our proposed fee.
Questions regarding this proposal can be directed to:
Bonnie K. Batchelder, CPA
(802) 476-9490 (802)476-7018 (Fax)
1 Conti Circle, Barre, Vermont 05641
bbatch@charter.net
Sincerely,
Bonnie K. Batchelder, CPA
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Project Approach
Batchelder Associates provides fiscal agent services to more than forty-five
companies and has established a sound system of internal control procedures to
accurately and efficiently manage our client’s accounts and funds. Our approach
to the Vermont Public Service Board will be with the same professional, efficient
and accurate manner.
Batchelder Associates will establish the appropriate fund accounting system to
accommodate the collection of funds from the Vermont Electric Utilities, manage
the funds and disburse the necessary funds based on approved invoices, due
dates and cash flow.
A specific approach and plan for implementation is as follows:
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Identify the twenty-one Vermont Electric Utilities and establish the
appropriate balances, delinquency and status, if any.
Establish a fund chart of accounts and reporting system which will meet
the needs and requirements of the Vermont Public Service Board.
Load all applicable balances at the time of transition from the prior
contract.
Establish bank accounts at a reputable banking institution for all
transactions. During this initial process, we will establish a vehicle for
investment of short-term funds which meet the criteria of security, liquidity
and yield.
Fiscal approach following initial set-up:
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Obtain funds from the Vermont Electric Utilities
Senior Staff will review and prepare for data entry
Data entry will be completed in our established accounting system
Funds will be managed between checking and short term investments
dependent on current payable and funds status
After approval from Contract Administrator and Board, monthly payables
will be disbursed.
Monthly bank reconciliations will be completed of bank accounts.
Monthly report to the Vermont Public Service Board will be completed
Monthly review of customer accounts including all status and delinquency
issues will be completed and acted upon where necessary
Quarterly reports will be completed
Annual reconciliations and audit hosting will be completed
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Equipment, Software and Backup:
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We have a full functioning network of which we currently have a daily
backup which is taken offsite on a daily basis. The system has a
redundant server in the event of hardware failure.
We have complete accounting packages currently running which would be
suitable to maintain and report the requirements documented above.
Each client’s fiscal needs are different and each approach of internal control is
tailored to the needs of the client. The system established once we being the
process may be slightly different from the above outline, however, the basic
concept will be the same. If the above approach changes, it will only enhance
the product we are able to provide.
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Related Experience
As mentioned earlier, Batchelder Associates currently services more than fortyfive clients as their fiscal agent. We have established a very strong and secure
internal control structure through our staff to provide each client with their unique
needs.
We have handled multi-million dollar non-profit organizations, handling federal
and state funding, and providing grant reports to funding sources and to our
clients. We have also handled smaller clients with less funding, however, with no
less importance. We pride ourselves in our availability and response to our
clients at all times. We have hosted annual audits of each of these clients to end
the year with a clean opinion in each and every case. We also are required to
under go our own peer review, of which we have received consistent unqualified
opinions.
As our services related to the multi-million dollar clients, the funds were created
through federal, state and private funding. This reporting required a strong
background of municipal, fund and government accounting. We provided these
services without delay and were able to accommodate each of the entities with
their requirements.
Specific references for the above would be as follows:
The Vermont Institute – (Dana Paull – 828-0067)
-Fiscal Agent 1997-2004
-Consultant 2004-Current
Vermont Survey and Engineering, Inc. (DBE) – Agency of Transportation
Contracts – (Gary Klinefelter – 229-9138)
-Client since 1994
-Fiscal agent through current
-Annual Audits – For Profit (AOT Overhead)
-Accounting Services
Lake Champlain Housing – (Margaret Strait- 863-5248)
-Client since 1999
-Fiscal Agent – Non-profit
-Auditing Services (A-133)-Current
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QUALIFICATION OF STAFF
Bonnie K. Batchelder, CPA - Bonnie is a licensed Certified Public Accountant
in the State of Vermont and Massachusetts. Bonnie is the sole owner of
Batchelder Associates, PC which is also registered and licensed in the State of
Vermont. The firm is registered with the State of Vermont as a DBE and
maintains this certification annually. Batchelder Associates, PC and Bonnie are
qualified to conduct all audits in accordance with Government Auditing
Standards. All continuing professional education requirements have been met
and continue to be updated on a regular basis. Bonnie has extensive experience
with the state and federal funding and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Prior to starting Batchelder Associates, PC, Bonnie worked for a CPA firm in
Massachusetts with extensive experience with Federal government and the
DCAA. While owning Batchelder Associates, PC she has had several clients
funded via federal and state funds required to follow the CFR and State
regulations.
Michelle Grubb, CPA –Michelle is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the
State of Vermont. Michelle has extensive experience with non-profit and
governmental audits in accordance with Governmental Auditing Standards.
Michelle has extensive experience with the Vermont Department Tax Department
and has assisted Batchelder Associates, PC with several non-profit and
governmental audits. Michelle maintains and continues to update the required
continuing professional education credits.
Staff Accountants and Administrative Staff – In addition to the above
members of the auditing team, Batchelder Associates, PC has a strong
administrative and accounting staff who will be involved as needed.
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BONNIE K. BATCHELDER, CPA
CERTIFIED DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
1 Conti Circle
Barre, Vermont
EDUCATION:
The University of Vermont, Bachelor of Science Degree in Business
AdministrationAccounting, May 1985
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified Public Accountant Massachusetts (1988), Vermont (1991)
Certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, 100% Women Owned
Business
Authorized RealWorld Dealer and Consultant (1987)
Preferred Dealer – Advanced Data Systems (Source code dealer of RealWorld)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Member American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants
Registered DBE with State of Vermont
Member National Contract Management Association
President Barre Rotary Club – 1996-1997
WORK EXPEREINCE:
8/91 to Present Batchelder Associates, Certified Public Accountant (Barre,
Vermont) – Owner
Experience as a Government Contract Auditor working with the Federal and
State Governments. Extensive knowledge of VTrans and CFR Part 26.
Experience with various size businesses in areas of fiscal management, auditing,
financial planning, tax planning, DBE certification, job costing, bidding, computer
implementation and training. Extensive work with Federal and State regulations
as they relate to the DCAA, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, Federal
cognizant agencies and non-profit organizations. Extensive work with contractors
using overhead fee schedules prescribed by Federal and State agencies.
7/85 TO 7/91 Hersh, Klingsberg and Diamond, Certified Public Accountants
(Milton, Massachusetts) – Senior Accountant and Manager of Computer
Department.
Responsible for all aspects of RealWorld Installations, Training, and Support.
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Responsible for client audits, reviews and compilations, tax research and
preparation and training of new staff. Responsible for converting firm from
manual financial preparation to a computerized system.
Specific industries which I presently service include:
*State and Federal Contractors
*Condominium Associations
*Government Funded Facilities and Defense Contractors
*Manufacturing
*Construction
*Retail
*Service
*Non-Profits
The services which are offered and maintained require a strong understanding of
tax laws, auditing standards, current technology in the areas of computer
software and hardware and client issues and needs.
REFERENCES:
Vermont Department of Corrections (Andy Pallito – 241-4220)
Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation – State and Federally
Funded
(223-4654)
Vermont Survey and Engineering, Inc. (DBE) - Agency of Transportation
Contracts
(Gary Klinefelter - 229-9138)
Beltrami Enterprises, Inc. (Chris Beltrami – 476-4762)
The Vermont Institute (Dana Paull – 828-0067)
ACCAG (Cathy Eddy – 388-3608)
Vermont Federation (Kathleen Holsopple - 223-4917)
Cisneros Interiors Services, LTD (DBE) - (Leo Cisneros – 249-8289)
Chittenden Bank (Marsha Wimble)
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MICHELLE GRUBB, CPA
EDUCATION:
B.S. Marketing/Management, Bentley College, Waltham, MA 1986
Additional Accounting Courses completed to qualify for the CPA exam at
Community College of Vermont, Montpelier.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified Public Accountant Vermont (2000)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Member American Institute Certificate Public Accountants
Member Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants
WORK EXPERIENCE:
10/16/04 – present BATCHELDER ASSOCIATES PC
Certified Public Accountant
Responsible for working with the audit team to plan, perform, and oversee
auditing procedures. Specialize in non-profit and governmental organizations,
including single audits and agreed upon procedures.
Provide research, analysis, tax preparation, and planning for a wide range of
clients. Review income tax, payroll tax, and monthly financial statement
preparation of our accounting staff. Utilize Real World software, Prosystems trial
balance and tax preparation software, Quickbooks, and various Microsoft Office
software.
1/2/97-10/16/04 ANGELA NORDER & CO., INC.
Certified Public Accountant
Manage a diverse client base of approximately 200 individual tax payers,
partnerships, corporations and non-profits by providing tax planning/preparation,
monthly write-up work, payroll assistance, software set-up/maintenance, and
business accounting consultation.
Plan, supervise, and edit audits, reviews and compilations for predominantly nonprofit organizations, homeowner associations, and small private corporations.
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Responsible for training new accounting staff in all aspects of accounting and the
use of our office software including Ultra-tax, Quickbooks, Lotus, and RIA.
1986-1990 DATA GENERAL CORPORATION
Buyer/Planner
Responsible for all phases of purchasing/planning in a large manufacturing
facility of printed circuit boards. This included negotiating contracts for plant
services, and overseeing the capital expenditures of property, equipment, and
inventory. Contributions in this area resulted in a cost savings of over $300,000
in 1990.
Managed over $3 million in chemical inventory. Reduced safety stock from 3
weeks to 1 week. Procured and monitored the progress of installment contracts
for customized capital equipment and construction on the existing facility.
Contract Service Representative
Interfaced with Field Engineers and Accounts Receivable to ensure an accurate
and complete inventory of equipment at the customer site. Functioned as a
trouble shooter in resolving billing discrepancies and communicating contract
policy to a large customer base.
Operations Analyst
Evaluated the flow of information through the Field Engineering reporting system,
identified inefficiencies, and recommended solutions. Honored as Field
Engineering "Employee of the Quarter".
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References
Vermont Department of Corrections (Andy Pallito – 241-4220)
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September 2004 - Current
Forensic, Agreed Upon Procedures for Various Contracts
Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation – (Richard Agney 2234654)
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Since 1994
Annual Audits – Non-profit
Vermont Survey and Engineering, Inc. (DBE) – Agency of Transportation
Contracts (Gary Klinefelter – 229-9138)
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Since 1994
Annual Audits – For Profit (AOT Overhead)
Accounting Services
Lake Champlain Housing – (Margaret Strait- 863-5248)
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Since 1999
Fiscal Agent – Non-profit
Auditing Services (A-133)
The Vermont Institute – (Dana Paull – 828-0067)
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Since 1997
Fiscal Agent
Consultant
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BATCHELDER ASSOCIATES
COMPANY PROFILE
Introduction
Batchelder Associates is a full service, skilled resource for your
Accounting, Tax and Management Advisory Business needs. Batchelder
Associates goal is to provide you with services which will aid your
company in attaining maximum efficiency during a period of changing
economic times.
Technical Capabilities
Batchelder Associates is able to provide:
Accounting Services
- Audited, reviewed and compiled financial statements
- Internal control analysis
- Fiscal management
- Bookkeeping services
- Financial projections
- Personal financial statements
- Forensic Accounting
Tax Services
- Corporate, Partnership, Trust and Individual tax preparation
- Tax planning
- Payroll taxes
Accounting and Business Software
- Analysis of existing accounting system and recommendations
- Installation and Training
- Continued Support of Accounting and Business Software
Principal
Bonnie K. Batchelder, CPA is a degreed Accountant with twenty years
experience in the Accounting, Tax and Accounting Software fields. She is
a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants,
Vermont Society of Public Accountants and is also a licensed Certified
Public Accountant in the State of Massachusetts.
Bonnie has
concentrations in the areas of Construction, Government Contracting,
Non-profit, Municipalities, Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail
Businesses.
The above understanding of the scope of services will provide for the following
costs:
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COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
Based on the information and reporting provided in the Request for Proposal, we
propose an annual bid fee of $15,000 or a combined contract fee of $45,000
through December 31, 2008. With this bid we commit to an average of eight
hours of priority time per month to the Vermont Public Service Board. Should the
contract change or additional requirements arise, we have attached a rate
schedule of which time will be charged. We realize there will be setup costs
associated with this contract of which we will bill at an hourly rate based on our
rate schedule not to exceed $2,750. This will be in addition to the above
proposed fee. We also understand that Batchelder Associates, PC will hire and
host an annual audit, however, the cost of the audit will be passed on to the
Vermont Public Service Board and is not part of our proposed fee.
BREAKDOWN
Bonnie K. Batchelder, CPA
Michelle Grubb, CPA
Staff Accountant
Administrative Staff
Hourly Rate
$125.00
$75.00
$55.00
$35.00
Payment Terms:
Invoices will be submitted to the Vermont Public Service Board.
This proposal is being submitted without collusion with any other party.
Batchelder Associates, P.C. is wholly owned by Bonnie K. Batchelder, CPA and
is legally certified in the State of Vermont and Massachusetts. Batchelder
Associates, P.C. has been qualified as a Women Owned Business (DBE) by the
Vermont Agency of Transportation.
We have extensive experience in
government, fiscal management, non-profit and municipality accounting. Thank
you for your consideration of our proposal.
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