What the buyer needs
AI summaryThe Nisqually Tribe seeks proposals from qualified onshore third-party election auditors to serve as its Election Auditor for the 2027 Tribal Council election cycle. The selected auditor will collaborate with the Election Committee to administer and oversee nomination procedures, balloting, voting, vote counting, and election certification under Nisqually Tribal Code Title 13. Eligible proposers must demonstrate experience auditing tribal, municipal, or state elections, hold relevant professional credentials or equivalent experience, and prove the ability to meet Title 13 code requirements. Applicants must submit their proposals as a single PDF of no more than 25 pages, including a detailed budget breakdown by phase and deliverables, to [email protected] by November 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST. Questions are due by November 25, 2026. The Tribe will evaluate proposals on demonstrated election audit experience (25%), understanding of Title 13 compliance (25%), cost effectiveness and transparency (15%), and references and past performance (5%).
Scope of work
- Review and validation of election notices and candidate materials
- Providing voter service via an 800 number and email address on business days
- Maintaining and securing the Official Election Ballot Box at the Tribal Center
- Monitoring of nomination procedures, signature or petition verification
- Oversight of ballot printing, secure handling, and distribution
- Supervising poll activity, verifying voter eligibility, and resolving disputes
- Independent vote tabulation and certifying Primary and General Election results
- Preparation of interim and final audit reports, and support for dispute resolutions or recounts
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Demonstrated election audit experience | 25% |
| Understanding of Title 13 compliance requirements | 25% |
| Quality of the work plan and project management approach | 25% |
| Cost effectiveness and transparency | 15% |
| References and past performance | 5% |
| Cultural competency and community engagement approach | 5% |
Minimum qualifications
- Experience auditing or overseeing tribal, municipal, or state elections or other governance activities
- Deep understanding of election law, chain-of-custody protocols, ballot security, and auditing standards
- Familiarity with Indigenous governance structures and culturally appropriate practices
- Independence with no current or prior relationship, financial interest, or conflict of interest with Nisqually officials
- Professional credentials such as CERA, CFE, CISSP or equivalent relevant experience
- Ability to meet Title 13 code requirements
Documents to include with your response
- Cover Letter confirming independence, availability, and acceptance of selection
- Firm Profile including background, staff qualifications, and organizational structure
- Relevant Experience with case studies, client references, and outcomes
- Staffing Plan listing assigned personnel, roles, bios, and hourly/daily rates
- Budget with detailed cost breakdown by phase and deliverables including travel and expenses
- Proof of auditor qualifications
- Proof of malpractice insurance and error & omissions coverage
- Work Plan aligned to the January–May 2027 election timeline
- Written disclosure of any actual or potential conflict of interest
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via email
- Instructions
- Submit electronically as a single PDF document to the Committee Coordinator, not exceeding twenty-five (25) pages excluding resumes and other attachments.