Crowe LLP
Independent Member Crowe Global
650 Town Center Drive, Suite 740,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7192
Tel 714-668-1234
Fax 714-668-1235
www.crowe.com
June 7, 2022
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter confirms the arrangements for Crowe LLP (“Crowe” or “us” or “we” or “our”) to provide the professional services discussed in this letter to City of Cupertino (“you”, “your” or “Client”). The attached Crowe Engagement Terms, and any other attachments thereto, are integral parts of this letter, and such terms are incorporated herein.
AUDIT SERVICES
Our Responsibilities
We will audit and report on the financial statements of the Client for the year ending June 30, 2022.
We will audit and report on the financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information, including the individual fund financial statements of the TDA which collectively comprise the basic financial statements of the Client for the year ending June 30, 2022.
In addition to our report on the financial statements, we plan to evaluate the presentation of the following supplementary information in relation to the financial statements as a whole, and to report on whether this supplementary information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
• Combining and Individual Fund Financial Statements and Schedules • Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards
In addition to our report on the financial statements, we also plan to perform specified procedures in order to describe in our report whether the following required supplementary information is presented in accordance with applicable guidelines. However, we will not express an opinion or provide any assurance on this information due to our limited procedures.
• Management’s Discussion and Analysis
• Schedule of Changes in Net Pension Liability and Related Ratios • Schedule of Contributions – Miscellaneous Plan
• Schedule of Changes in Net OPEB Liability and Related Ratios • Schedule of Contributions – OPEB
City of Cupertino 2 June 7, 2022
The document will also include the following additional information that will not be subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the financial statements, and for which our auditor’s report will disclaim an opinion:
• Introductory Section of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report • Statistical Section of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report • Community Profile
The objective of the audit is the expression of an opinion on the financial statements. We will plan and perform the audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the standards for financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the audit requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Those standards require that we obtain reasonable, rather than absolute, assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether caused by error or fraud, and that we report on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (as noted above), and on your compliance with laws and regulations and on its internal controls as required for a Single Audit. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Noncompliance with the compliance requirements is considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, it would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user of the report on compliance about the entity's compliance with the requirements of the federal programs as a whole. Because of inherent limitations of an audit, together with the inherent limitations of internal control, an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements may not be detected exists, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with applicable standards. An audit is not designed to detect error or fraud that is immaterial to the financial statements.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment including the assessment of the risks that the financial statements could be misstated by an amount that we believe would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user of these financial statements. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. As required by the standards, we will maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
In making our risk assessments, we obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Client’s internal control. However, we will communicate in writing to those charged with governance and management concerning any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control relevant to the audit of the financial statements that we have identified during the audit. We will communicate to management other deficiencies in internal control identified during the audit that have not been communicated to management by other parties and that, in our professional judgment, are of sufficient importance to merit management’s attention. We will also communicate certain matters related to the conduct of the audit to those charged with governance, including (1) fraud involving senior management, and fraud (whether caused by senior management or other employees) that causes a material misstatement of the financial statements, (2) illegal acts that come to our attention (unless they are clearly inconsequential) (3) disagreements with management and other significant difficulties encountered in performing the audit and (4) various matters related to the Client‘s accounting policies and financial statements. Our engagement is not designed to address legal or regulatory matters, which matters should be discussed by you with your legal counsel.
City of Cupertino 3 June 7, 2022
As part of our audit, we will conclude, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Client's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We expect to issue a written report upon completion of our audit of the Client’s financial statements. Our report will be addressed to those charged with governance of the Client. Circumstances may arise in which it is necessary for us to modify our opinion, add an emphasis of matter or other matter paragraph, or withdraw from the engagement.
In addition to our report on the financial statements and supplemental information, we plan to issue the following reports:
• Independent Auditor’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards — The purpose of this report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on internal control over financial reporting or on compliance.
This report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the Client’s internal control and compliance. Accordingly, this communication is not suitable for any other purpose.
• Independent Auditor’s Report on Compliance for Each Major Federal Program and Report on Internal Control Over Compliance -- The purpose of this report on internal control over compliance is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over compliance and the results of that testing based on the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Accordingly, this report is not suitable for any other purpose.
We will also perform tests of controls including testing underlying transactions, as required by the Uniform Guidance, to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of controls that we consider relevant to preventing or detecting material noncompliance with compliance requirements applicable to each of your major federal awards programs. We will determine major programs in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Our tests will be less in scope than would be necessary to render an opinion on these controls and, accordingly, no opinion will be expressed. We will inform you of any non-reportable conditions or other matters involving internal control, if any, as required by the Uniform Guidance.
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, we will also perform tests of your compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contracts and grants. However, because of the concept of reasonable assurance and because we will not perform a detailed examination of all transactions, there is a risk that material errors, irregularities, or illegal acts, including fraud or defalcations, may exist and not be detected by us. However, the objective of our audit of compliance relative to the financial statements will not be to provide an opinion on overall compliance with such provisions, and we will not express such an opinion. We will advise you, however, of any matters of that nature that come to our attention, unless they are clearly inconsequential.
The Uniform Guidance requires that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether you have complied with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts and grants. Our procedures will consist of the applicable procedures described in the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Compliance Supplement for the types of compliance requirements that could have a direct and material effect on each of your major programs. The purpose of our audit will be to express an opinion on your compliance with requirements applicable to major Federal award programs. Because an audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance, but not absolute assurance, the audit is not designed to detect immaterial violations or instances of noncompliance.
Our audit and work product are intended for the benefit and use of the Client only. The audit will not be planned or conducted in contemplation of reliance by any other party or with respect to any specific City of Cupertino 4 June 7, 2022
transaction and is not intended to benefit or influence any other party. Therefore, items of possible interest to a third party may not be specifically addressed or matters may exist that could be assessed differently by a third party.
The working papers for this engagement are the property of Crowe and constitute confidential information.
However, we may be requested to make certain working papers available to your oversight agency or grantors pursuant to authority given to them by law, regulation, or contract. If requested, access to such working papers will be provided under the supervision of our personnel. Furthermore, upon request, we may provide photocopies of selected working papers to your oversight agency or grantors. The working papers for this engagement will be retained for a minimum of three years after the date our report is issued or for any additional period requested by the oversight agency or pass-through entity. If we are aware that a federal awarding agency, pass-through entity, or auditee is contesting an audit finding, we will contact the party contesting the audit finding for guidance prior to destroying the working papers.
Government Auditing Standards require that we provide you with a copy of our most recent peer review report, which accompanies this letter along with the related letter of comment and response thereto.
The Client’s Responsibilities
The Client’s management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Management is also responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
The Client’s management is also responsible for complying with applicable laws, regulations, contracts and grants and such responsibility extends to identifying the requirements and designing internal control policies and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that compliance is achieved. Management has the responsibility to make Crowe aware of significant contractor relationships in which the contractor is responsible for program compliance. Client's management is responsible for taking timely and appropriate steps to remedy fraud and noncompliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements that the auditor reports. Additionally, it is management’s responsibility to follow up and take corrective action on reported audit findings, to establish and maintain a process for tracking the status of findings and recommendations, and to prepare a summary schedule of prior audit findings, which should be available for our review, and a corrective action plan.
Management has the responsibility to adopt sound accounting policies, maintain an adequate and efficient accounting system, to safeguard assets, and to design and implement programs and controls to prevent and detect fraud. Management’s judgments are typically based on its knowledge and experience about past and current events and its expected courses of action. Management’s responsibility for financial reporting includes establishing a process to prepare the accounting estimates included in the financial statements and to devise policies to ensure that the Client complies with applicable laws and regulations.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Client's ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date the Financial Statements are available to be issued.
Management is responsible for providing to us, on a timely basis, all information of which management is aware that is relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements, such as records, documentation, and other matters. Management is also responsible for providing such other additional information we may request for the purpose of the audit, and unrestricted access to persons within the Client from whom we determine it necessary to obtain audit evidence. Additionally, those City of Cupertino 5 June 7, 2022
charged with governance are responsible for informing us of their views about the risks of fraud within the Client, and their knowledge of any fraud or suspected fraud affecting the Client.
Management is responsible for adjusting the financial statements to correct material misstatements related to accounts or disclosures. As part of our audit process, we will request from management written confirmation concerning representations made to us in connection with the audit, including that the effects of any uncorrected misstatements aggregated by us during the audit are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate, to the financial statements, and to the Client’s compliance with the requirements of its Federal programs. Management acknowledges the importance of management’s representations and responses to our inquiries, and that they will be utilized as part of the evidential matter we will rely on in forming our opinion. Because of the importance of such information to our engagement, you agree to waive any claim against Crowe and its personnel for any liability and costs relating to or arising from any inaccuracy or incompleteness of information provided to us for purposes of this engagement.
Management is responsible for the preparation of the supplementary information identified above in accordance with the applicable criteria. As part of our audit process, we will request from management certain written representations regarding management’s responsibilities in relation to the supplementary information presented, including but not limited to its fair presentation in accordance with the applicable criteria, the method of measurement and presentation and any significant assumptions or interpretations underlying the supplementary information. In addition, it is management’s responsibility to include the auditor’s report on supplementary information in any document that contains the supplementary information and that indicates that we have reported on such supplementary information. It is also management’s responsibility to present the supplementary information with the audited financial statements or, if the supplementary information will not be presented with the audited financial statements, to make the audited financial statements readily available to the intended users of the supplementary information no later than the date of issuance by Client of the supplementary information and the auditor’s report thereon.
Management is responsible for the preparation of the required supplementary information identified above in accordance with the applicable guidelines. We will request from management certain written representations regarding management’s responsibilities in relation to the required supplementary information presented, including but not limited to whether it has been measured and presented in accordance with prescribed guidelines, the method of measurement and presentation and any significant assumptions or interpretations underlying the supplementary information.
At the conclusion of the engagement, it is management’s responsibility to submit the reporting package (including financial statements, schedule of expenditures of federal awards, summary schedule of prior audit findings, auditor’s reports, and corrective action plan) along with the Data Collection Form to the designated federal clearinghouse and, if appropriate, to pass-through entities. The Data Collection Form and the reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of thirty days after receipt of the auditor’s reports or nine months after the end of the audit period.
Management is responsible for report distribution responsibilities, including determining which officials or organizations will receive the report and making the report available to the public as applicable when the audit organization is responsible for report distribution.
OTHER SERVICES
Preparation of the following additional reports on behalf of the Client:
1. State of California Annual State Controller’s Report
Financial Statement Preparation
City of Cupertino 6 June 7, 2022
The Client will provide us with the necessary information to assist in the preparation of the draft financial statements including the notes thereto. We are relying on the Client to provide us with the detailed trial balance, note disclosure information and any other relevant report information in a timely fashion and ensure the data is complete and accurate. Management is solely responsible for the presentation of the financial statements.
Preparation of the Schedule of Expenditure of Federal Awards
The Client will provide us with the necessary information to prepare the draft schedule of expenditure of federal awards including the notes thereto. We are relying on the Client to provide us with all information required by the Uniform Guidance for the schedule, notes and other relevant reporting information in a timely fashion and ensure the data is complete and accurate. Management is solely responsible for the presentation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.
Data Collection Form input services
We will provide assistance in completing sections of the Data Collection Form (DCF) relative to its federal award programs pursuant to the requirements of Section §200.512 of the Uniform Guidance that are promulgated to be completed by the Client. While we may provide this data entry service and assist you in satisfying your electronic data communication requirements to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, the completeness and accuracy of this information remains the responsibility of your management.
With respect to the above other services, we will perform the services in accordance with applicable professional standards. We, in our sole professional judgment, reserve the right to refuse to do any procedure or take any action that could be construed as making management decisions or assuming management responsibilities. In connection with performing the above other services, you agree to:
assume all management responsibilities including making all management decisions; oversee the service by designating an individual, preferably within senior management, who possesses suitable skill, knowledge, and/or experience; evaluate the adequacy and results of the services performed; and accept responsibility for the results of the services.
BOND OFFERINGS
With respect to any official statements issued by the Client with which Crowe is not involved, the official statement should indicate that the auditor is not involved with the contents of such official statement. The disclosure should read as:
“Crowe, our independent auditor, has not been engaged to perform and has not performed, since the date of its report included herein, any procedures on the financial statements addressed in that report.
Crowe also has not performed any procedures relating to this official statement.”
FEES
Our fees, including out-of-pocket expenses and certain internal charges, are outlined below. Certain internal technology charges will be billed per hour of professional time or a flat fee. Internal technology charges reflect our estimate of the costs for technology and related support on this engagement. Our invoices are due and payable upon receipt. Invoices that are not paid within 30 days of receipt are subject to a monthly interest charge of one percent per month or the highest interest rate allowed by law, whichever is less, which we may elect to waive at our sole discretion, plus costs of collection including reasonable attorneys’ fees. If any amounts invoiced remain unpaid 30 days after the invoice date, you agree that Crowe may, in its sole discretion, cease work until all such amounts are paid or terminate this engagement. In addition, our fee assumes one Single Audit major program. If, at fiscal year-end, additional major programs are calculated on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards prepared by the City, the additional fee associated with the testing of each major program will be $7,500 per program. We will present you with that calculation prior to beginning our year-end audit procedures.
City of Cupertino 7 June 7, 2022
Description of Services Fee Amount
Audit of City of Cupertino, California financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2022 (includes ACFR, TDA, City Investment Policy AUP, Proposition 111 AUP, Storm Drain AUP, City State Controller Report and Report of Internal Controls) $141,100
Single Audit of City of Cupertino, California with one major program $7,500
We will invoice you as our services are rendered.
The fees outlined above are based on certain assumptions. Those assumptions may be incorrect due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided, or circumstances may arise under which we must perform additional work, which in either case will require additional billings for our services. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to:
• Changing service requirements, such as additional major programs for the Single Audit o We will bill the City $7,500 for each additional major program based on our Major Program Determination
• New professional standards or regulatory requirements • New financial statement disclosures
• Work caused due to the identification of, and management’s correction of, inappropriate application of accounting pronouncements
• Erroneous or incomplete accounting records
• Evidence of material weakness or significant deficiencies in internal controls • Substantial increases in the number of significant deficiencies in internal controls • Regulatory examination matters
• Change in your organizational structure or size due to merger and acquisition activity or other events
• Change in your controls
• New or unusual transactions
• Agreed-upon level of preparation and assistance from your personnel not provided • Numerous revisions to your information
• Lack of availability of appropriate Client personnel during fieldwork • Additional audit procedures relating to the impact of COVID-19 on Client or additional regulatory requirements relating thereto
Additionally, to accommodate requests to reschedule fieldwork without reasonable notice, additional billings for our services could be required, and our assigned staffing and ability to meet agreed upon deadlines could be impacted.
We also assume the Client will prepare confirmation letters, the Introductory Section, the MD&A Section, the Statistical Section and the Community Profile Section of the report.
Due to such potential changes in circumstance, we reserve the right to revise our fees. However, if such a change in circumstances arises or if some other significant change occurs that causes our fees to exceed our estimate, we will advise management.
Our fees are exclusive of taxes or similar charges, as well as customs, duties or tariffs, imposed in respect of the Services, any work product or any license, all of which Client agrees to pay if applicable or if they become applicable (other than taxes imposed on Crowe’s income generally), without deduction from any fees or expenses invoiced to Client by Crowe.
The Client and Crowe agree that the Client may periodically request Crowe to provide additional services for accounting and reporting advice regarding completed transactions and potential or proposed transactions. The fees for such additional services will be based on Crowe’s hourly billing rates plus expenses or as mutually agreed upon between the Client and Crowe.
City of Cupertino 8 June 7, 2022
To facilitate Crowe’s presence at Client’s premises, Client will provide Crowe with internet access while on Client’s premises. Crowe will access the internet using a secure virtual private network. Crowe will be responsible for all internet activity performed by its personnel while on Client’s premises. In the event Client does not provide Crowe with internet access while on Client’s premises, Client will reimburse Crowe for the cost of internet access through other means while on Client’s site.
MISCELLANEOUS
In delivering services to Client, Crowe may use subsidiaries owned and controlled by Crowe within and outside the United States. Crowe subsidiaries are subject to the same information security policies and requirements as Crowe LLP and will meet the requirements set forth in the confidentiality and data protection provisions of this Agreement. For purposes of this Miscellaneous section, the Acceptance section below, and all of the Crowe Engagement Terms, “Client” will mean the entity(ies) defined in the first paragraph of this letter and will also include all related parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates of Client who may receive or claim reliance upon any Crowe deliverable.
Crowe will provide the services to Client under this Agreement as an independent contractor and not as Client’s partner, agent, employee, or joint venturer under this Agreement. Neither Crowe nor Client will have any right, power or authority to bind the other party.
This engagement letter agreement (the “Agreement”) reflects the entire agreement between the parties relating to the services (or any reports, deliverables or other work product) covered by this Agreement.
The engagement letter and any attachments (including without limitation the attached Crowe Engagement Terms) are to be construed as a single document, with the provisions of each section applicable throughout. This Agreement may not be amended or varied except by a written document signed by each party. No provision of this Agreement will be deemed waived, unless such waiver will be in writing and signed by the party against which the waiver is sought to be enforced. It replaces and supersedes any other proposals, correspondence, agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the services covered by this letter, and each party agrees that in entering this Agreement, it has not relied on any oral or written representations, statements or other information not contained in or incorporated into this Agreement. Any non-disclosure or other confidentiality agreement is replaced and superseded by this Agreement. Each party shall remain obligated to the other party under all provisions of this Agreement that expressly or by their nature extend beyond and survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement. If any provision (in whole or in part) of this Agreement is found unenforceable or invalid, this will not affect the remainder of the provision or any other provisions in this Agreement, all of which will continue in effect as if the stricken portion had not been included. This Agreement may be executed in two or more actual, scanned, emailed, or electronically copied counterparts, each and all of which together are one and the same instrument. Accurate transmitted copies (transmitted copies are reproduced documents that are sent via mail, delivery, scanning, email, photocopy, facsimile or other process) of the executed Agreement or signature pages only (whether handwritten or electronic signature), will be considered and accepted by each party as documents equivalent to original documents and will be deemed valid, binding and enforceable by and against all parties. This Agreement, including any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement and the parties’ relationship generally, will be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois applicable to agreements made and wholly performed in that state, without giving effect to its conflict of laws rules to the extent those rules would require applying another jurisdiction’s laws.
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We are pleased to have this opportunity to serve you, and we look forward to a continuing relationship. If the terms of this Agreement and the attached Crowe Engagement Terms are acceptable to you, please sign below and return one copy of this letter at your earliest convenience. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
(Signature Page Follows)
City of Cupertino 9 June 7, 2022
ACCEPTANCE
I have reviewed the arrangements outlined above and in the attached “Crowe Engagement Terms,” and I accept on behalf of the Client the terms and conditions as stated. By signing below, I represent and warrant that I am authorized by Client to accept the terms and conditions as stated.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Client and Crowe have duly executed this Agreement effective the date first written above.
Crowe LLP and the Engagement Authorized Signer below are licensed or otherwise authorized by the California Board of Accountancy.
City of Cupertino
Crowe LLP
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Katherine Lai
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Partner
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CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL:
The City Council have reviewed the services and Crowe Engagement Terms described in this letter and evaluated the services pursuant to the Client’s policies. After considering all relevant factors, the City Council hereby approve hiring Crowe to provide the services described above.
Authorized Representative of the City Council:
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City of Cupertino 10 June 7, 2022
Crowe Engagement Terms
Crowe wants Client to understand the terms under which Crowe provides its services to Client and the basis under which Crowe determines its fees. These terms are part of the Agreement and apply to all services described in the Agreement as well as all other services provided to Client (collectively, the “Services”), unless and until a separate written agreement is executed by the parties for separate services. Any advice provided by Crowe is not intended to be, and is not, investment advice.
CLIENT’S ASSISTANCE – For Crowe to provide Services effectively and efficiently, Client agrees to provide Crowe timely with information requested and to make available to Crowe any personnel, systems, premises, records, or other information as reasonably requested by Crowe to perform the Services.
Access to such personnel and information are key elements for Crowe’s successful completion of Services and determination of fees. If for any reason this does not occur, a revised fee to reflect additional time or resources required by Crowe will be mutually agreed. Client agrees Crowe will have no responsibility for any delays related to a delay in providing such information to Crowe. Such information will be accurate and complete, and Client will inform Crowe of all significant tax, accounting and financial reporting matters of which Client is aware.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS – As a regulated professional services firm, Crowe must follow professional standards when applicable, including the Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”). Thus, if circumstances arise that, in Crowe’s professional judgment, prevent it from completing the engagement, Crowe retains the right to take any course of action permitted by professional standards, including declining to express an opinion or issue other work product or terminating the engagement.
REPORTS – Any information, advice, recommendations or other content of any memoranda, reports, deliverables, work product, presentations, or other communications Crowe provides under this Agreement (“Reports”), other than Client’s original information, are for Client’s internal use only, consistent with the purpose of the Services. Client will not rely on any draft Report. Unless required by an audit or other attestation professional standard, Crowe will not be required to update any final Report for circumstances of which we become aware or events occurring after delivery.
CONFIDENTIALITY – Except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement or as agreed in writing, neither Crowe nor Client may disclose to third parties the contents of this Agreement or any information provided by or on behalf of the other that ought reasonably to be treated as confidential and/or proprietary. Client use of any Crowe work product will be limited to its stated purpose and to Client business use only.
However, Client and Crowe each agree that either party may disclose such information to the extent that it: (i) is or becomes public other than through a breach of this Agreement, (ii) is subsequently received by the recipient from a third party who, to the recipient's knowledge, owes no obligation of confidentiality to the disclosing party with respect to that information, (iii) was known to the recipient at the time of disclosure or is thereafter created independently, (iv) is disclosed as necessary to enforce the recipient's rights under this Agreement, or (v) must be disclosed under applicable law, regulations, legal process or professional standards.
USE OF SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SERVICE DELIVERY – Crowe may engage third-party subcontractors in delivering Services to Client. Third-party subcontractors are not owned or controlled by Crowe (including without limitation Crowe Global member firms). If Crowe engages such a subcontractor to deliver Services to Client, Crowe will execute an agreement for the protection of Client’s confidential information consistent with the provisions of this Agreement. Crowe will be solely responsible for the provision of Services (including those provided by subcontractors) and for the protection of Client’s confidential information. The limitations in this Agreement on Client’s remedies will also apply to any subcontractors.
USE OF THIRD-PARTIES IN CROWE OPERATIONS – Crowe uses third-party providers in the ordinary course of Crowe business operations. Third-party providers used in the ordinary course of Crowe City of Cupertino 11 June 7, 2022
business operations include without limitation email providers, cyber-security providers, and data hosting centers. Crowe also uses its subsidiaries (owned and controlled by Crowe) within and outside the United States for various administrative and support roles. Crowe subsidiaries and any third-party providers used in the ordinary course of Crowe business operations will meet the confidentiality and data protection requirements in this Agreement. The limitations in this Agreement on Client’s remedies will also apply to any such third-party providers and Crowe subsidiaries.
CLIENT-REQUIRED CLOUD USAGE – If Client requests that Crowe access files, documents or other information in a cloud-based or web-accessed hosting service or other third-party system accessed via the internet, including, without limitation iCloud, Dropbox, Google Docs, Google Drive, a data room hosted by a third party, or a similar service or website (collectively, “Cloud Storage”), Client will confirm with any third parties assisting with or hosting the Cloud Storage that either such third party or Client (and not Crowe) is responsible for complying with all applicable laws relating to the Cloud Storage and any information contained in the Cloud Storage, providing Crowe acce ss to the information in the Cloud Storage, and protecting the information in the Cloud Storage from any unauthorized access, including without limitation unauthorized access to the information when in transit to or from the Cloud Storage. Client represents that it has authority to provide Crowe access to information in the Cloud Storage and that providing Crowe with such access complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and duties owed to third parties.
DATA PROTECTION – If Crowe holds or uses Client information that can be linked to specific individuals who are Client’s customers ("Personal Data"), Crowe will treat it as confidential as described above and comply with applicable US state and federal law and professional regulations (including, for financial institution clients, the objectives of the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards) in disclosing or using such information to carry out the Services. The parties acknowledge and understand that while Crowe is a service provider as defined by the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 and processes information on behalf of Client and pursuant to this Agreement, Crowe retains its independence as required by applicable law and professional standards for purposes of providing attest services and other related professional services. Crowe will not (1) sell Personal Data to a third party, or (2) retain, use or disclose Personal Data for any purpose other than for (a) performing the Services and its obligations on this Agreement, (b) as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, (c) to detect security incidents and protect against fraud or illegal activity, (d) to enhance and develop our products and services, including through machine learning and other similar methods and (e) as necessary to comply with applicable law or professional standards. Crowe has implemented and will maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to (i) protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of the Personal Data, (ii) prevent unauthorized access to or use of the Personal Data, and (iii) provide proper disposal of the Personal Data (collectively, the “Safeguards”). Client warrants (i) that it has the authority to provide the Personal Data to Crowe in connection with the Services, (ii) that Client has processed and provided the Personal Data to Crowe in accordance with applicable law, and (iii) will limit the Personal Data provided to Crowe to Personal Data necessary to perform the Services. To provide the Services, Client may also need to provide Crowe with access to Personal Data consisting of protected health information, financial account numbers, Social Security or other government-issued identification numbers, or other data that, if disclosed without authorization, would trigger notification requirements under applicable law ("Restricted Personal Data"). In the event Client provides Crowe access to Restricted Personal Data, Client will consult with Crowe on appropriate measures (consistent with legal requirements and professional standards applicable to Crowe) to protect the Restricted Personal Data, such as: deleting or masking unnecessary information before making it available to Crowe, using encryption when transferring it to Crowe, or providing it to Crowe only during on-site review on Client’s site. Client will provide Crowe with Restricted Personal Data only in accordance with mutually agreed protective measures. Crowe and Client will each allow opportunistic TLS encryption to provide for secure email communication, and each party will notify the other in writing if it deactivates opportunistic TLS encryption. If Client fails to allow opportunistic TLS encryption, Client agrees that each party may use unencrypted electronic media to correspond or transmit information, and Client further agrees that such use of unencrypted media will not in itself constitute a breach of any confidentiality or other obligation relating to this Agreement. Otherwise, Client and Crowe agree each may use unencrypted electronic media to correspond or transmit information and such use will not in itself constitute a breach of any confidentiality obligations under this Agreement. Crowe will reasonably cooperate with Client in City of Cupertino 12 June 7, 2022
responding to or addressing any request from a consumer or data subject, a data privacy authority with jurisdiction, or the Client, as necessary to enable Client to comply with its obligations under applicable data protection laws and to the extent related to Personal Data processed by Crowe. Client will promptly reimburse Crowe for any out-of-pocket expenses and professional time (at Crowe’s then-current hourly rates) incurred in connection with providing such cooperation. Client will provide prompt written notice to Crowe (with sufficient detailed instructions) of any request or other act that is required to be performed by Crowe. As appropriate, Crowe shall promptly delete or procure the deletion of the Personal Data, after the cessation of any Services involving the processing of Client’s Personal Data, or otherwise aggregate or de-identify the Personal Data in such a way as to reasonably prevent reidentification. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Crowe may retain a copy of the Personal Data as permitted by applicable law or professional standards, provided that such Personal Data remain subject to the terms of this Agreement. If Crowe uses a third-party provider, Crowe will include terms substantially similar to those set forth in this Data Protection Paragraph into an agreement with the provider.
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION COMPLIANCE – If and to the extent that Client provides personal data to Crowe subject to the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), then in addition to the requirements of the above Data Protection section, this section will apply to such personal data (“EU Personal Data”). The parties agree that for purposes of processing the EU Personal Data, (a) Client will be the “Data Controller” as defined by the GDPR, meaning the organization that determines the purposes and means of processing the EU Personal Data; (b) Crowe will be the “Data Processor” as defined by GDPR, meaning the organization that processes the EU Personal Data on behalf of and under the instructions of the Data Controller; or (c) the parties will be classified as otherwise designated by a supervisory authority with jurisdiction. Client and Crowe each agree to comply with the GDPR requirements applicable to its respective role. Crowe has implemented and will maintain technical and organizational security safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of the EU Personal Data. Client represents it has secured all required rights and authority, including consents and notices, to provide such EU Personal Data to Crowe, including without limitation authority to transfer such EU Personal Data to the U.S. or other applicable Country or otherwise make the EU Personal Data available to Crowe, for the duration of and purpose of Crowe providing the Services.
The types of EU Personal Data to be processed include name, contact information, title, and other EU Personal Data that is transferred to Crowe in connection with the Services. The EU Personal Data relates to the data subject categories of individuals connected to Client, Client customers, Client vendors, and Client affiliates or subsidiaries (“Data Subjects”). Crowe will process the EU Personal Data for the following purpose: (x) to provide the Services in accordance with this Agreement, (y) to comply with other documented reasonable instructions provided by Client, and (z) to comply with applicable law. In the event of a Crowe breach incident in connection with EU Personal Data in the custody or control of Crowe, Crowe will promptly notify Client upon knowledge that a breach incident has occurred. Client has instructed Crowe not to contact any Data Subjects directly, unless required by applicable law. In the event that a supervisory authority with jurisdiction makes the determination that Crowe is a data controller, Client will reasonably cooperate with Crowe to enable Crowe to comply with its obligations under GDPR.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - Any Deliverables, works, inventions, working papers, or other work product conceived, made or created by Crowe in rendering the Services under this Agreement (“Work Product”), and all intellectual property rights in such Work Product will be owned exclusively by Crowe.
Further, Crowe will retain exclusive ownership or control of all intellectual property rights in any ideas, concepts, methodologies, data, software, designs, utilities, tools, models, techniques, systems, Reports, or other know-how that it develops, owns or licenses in connection with this Agreement ("Materials"). The foregoing ownership will be without any duty of accounting.
DATA USAGE AND AGGREGATIONS - Client hereby acknowledges and agrees that Crowe may, in its discretion, use any Client information or data provided to Crowe to improve Crowe services and Materials, including without limitation developing new Crowe services and software or other products. Client also agrees that Crowe may, in its discretion, aggregate Client content and data with content and data from other clients, other sources, or third parties (“Data Aggregations”) for purposes including, without limitation, product and service development, commercialization, industry benchmarking, or quality improvement initiatives. Prior to, and as a precondition for, disclosing Data Aggregations to other Crowe City of Cupertino 13 June 7, 2022
customers or prospects, Crowe will anonymize any Client data or information in a manner sufficient to prevent such other customer or prospect from identifying Client or individuals who are Client customers. All Data Aggregations will be the sole and exclusive property of Crowe.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY CHANGE – Crowe may periodically communicate to Client changes in laws, rules or regulations. However, Client has not engaged Crowe, and Crowe does not undertake an obligation, to advise Client of changes in (a) laws, rules, regulations, industry or market conditions, or (b) Client’s own business practices or other circumstances (except to the extent required by professional standards). The scope of Services and the fees for Services are based on current laws and regulations. If changes in laws or regulations change Client’s requirements or the scope of the Services, Crowe’s fees will be modified to a mutually agreed amount to reflect the changed level of Crowe’s effort.
PUBLICATION – Client agrees to obtain Crowe’s specific permission before using any Report or Crowe work product or Crowe’s firm’s name in a published document, and Client agrees to submit to Crowe copies of such documents to obtain Crowe’s permission before they are filed or published.
CLIENT REFERENCE – From time to time Crowe is requested by prospective clients to provide references for Crowe service offerings. Client agrees that Crowe may use Client’s name and generally describe the nature of Crowe’s engagement(s) with Client in marketing to prospects, and Crowe may also provide prospects with contact information for Client personnel familiar with Crowe’s Services.
NO PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES – Any liability of Crowe will not include any consequential, special, incidental, indirect, punitive, or exemplary damages or loss, nor any lost profits, goodwill, savings, or business opportunity, even if Crowe had reason to know of the possibility of such damages.
INDEMNIFICATION BY CROWE –
(a) To the fullest extent allowed by law, and except for losses caused by the sole and active negligence or willful misconduct of City personnel, Crowe shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its City Council, boards and commissions, officers, officials, employees, agents, servants, and volunteers (“Indemnitees”), from and against any and all liability, damages, claims, actions, causes of action, demands, charges, losses, costs, and expenses (including attorney fees, legal costs, and expenses related to litigation and dispute resolution proceedings) in connection with a third-party claim, arising from the injury or death of a natural person or damage to personal tangible property to the extent Caused by Crowe.
(b) Crowe hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Client harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), and actual damages (collectively "Liabilities") asserted by a third party against Client to the extent such Liabilities result from the infringement by the Deliverables (excluding any third party software) of such third party's U.S. patents issued as of the date of the Agreement, trademarks or copyrights. The preceding indemnification shall not apply to any infringement to the extent arising out of (a) use of the Deliverables other than in accordance with applicable documentation or instructions supplied by Crowe or other than for Client's internal business purposes; (b) any alteration, modification or revision of the Deliverables not expressly agreed to in writing by Crowe; (c) any aspect performed according to Client’s specifications or incorporating Client’s Intellectual Property in the creation of the Deliverable; or (d) the combination of the Deliverables with materials not supplied or approved by Crowe. In case any of the Deliverables or any portion thereof is held, or in Crowe's reasonable opinion is likely to be held, to constitute infringement, Crowe may, within a reasonable time, at its option either: (i) secure for Client the right to continue the use of such infringing item; or (ii) replace, at Crowe's sole expense, such item with a substantially equivalent non-infringing item or modify such item so that it becomes non-infringing. In the event Crowe is, in its reasonable discretion, unable to perform either of the options described in clauses (i) or (ii) above, Client shall return the allegedly infringing item to Crowe, and Crowe's sole liability shall be to refund to Client the amount paid to Crowe for such item; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to limit Crowe's indemnification obligation set forth above. The provisions of this paragraph state Crowe's entire liability and Client's sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any infringement or claim of infringement.
City of Cupertino 14 June 7, 2022
Crowe agrees to obtain executed indemnity agreements with provisions identical to those set forth here in this section from each and every subcontractor, or any other person or entity involved by, for, with, or on behalf of Crowe in the performance of this Agreement. Failure of City to monitor compliance with these requirements imposes no additional obligations on City and will in no way act as a waiver of any rights hereunder.
This Section shall survive termination of the Agreement.
LIMIT OF LIABILITY – Except where it is judicially determined that Crowe performed its Services with recklessness or willful misconduct, Crowe’s liability will not exceed three (3x) times fees paid by Client to Crowe for the portion of the work giving rise to liability. A claim for a return of three (3X) times fees paid is the exclusive remedy for any damages. This limit of liability will apply to the full extent allowed by law, regardless of the grounds or nature of any claim asserted, including, without limitation, to claims based on principles of contract, negligence or other tort, fiduciary duty, warranty, indemnity, statute or common law.
This limit of liability will also apply after this Agreement.
NO TRANSFER OR ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS – No claim against Crowe, or any recovery from or against Crowe, may be sold, assigned or otherwise transferred, in whole or in part.
TIME LIMIT ON CLAIMS – In no event will any action against Crowe, arising from or relating to this Agreement or the Services provided by Crowe relating to this engagement, be brought after the earlier of 1) one (1) year after the date on which occurred the act or omission alleged to have been the cause of the injury alleged; or 2) the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or repose.
RESPONSE TO LEGAL PROCESS – If Crowe is requested by subpoena, request for information, or through some other legal process to produce documents or testimony pertaining to Client or Crowe’s Services, and Crowe is not named as a party in the applicable proceeding, then Client will reimburse Crowe for its professional time, plus out-of-pocket expenses, as well as reasonable attorney fees, Crowe incurs in responding to such request.
MEDIATION – If a dispute arises, in whole or in part, out of or related to this engagement, or after the date of this agreement, between Client or any of Client’s affiliates or principals and Crowe, and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, Client and Crowe agree first to try, in good faith, to settle the dispute by mediation administered by the American Arbitration Association, under its mediation rules for professional accounting and related services disputes, before resorting to litigation or any other dispute-resolution procedure. The results of mediation will be binding only upon agreement of each party to be bound. Costs of any mediation will be shared equally by both parties. Any mediation will be held in Cupertino, California.
JURY TRIAL WAIVER – FOR ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO OR ARISING BETWEEN THE PARTIES,
THE PARTIES AGREE TO WAIVE A TRIAL BY JURY TO FACILITATE JUDICIAL RESOLUTION AND TO SAVE TIME AND EXPENSE. EACH PARTY AGREES IT HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE ITS LEGAL COUNSEL REVIEW THIS WAIVER. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MAY NOT BE
MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND APPLIES TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS WRITTEN CONSENT TO A BENCH TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY.
HOWEVER, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, IF ANY COURT RULES OR FINDS THIS
JURY TRIAL WAIVER TO BE UNENFORCEABLE AND INEFFECTIVE IN WAIVING A JURY, THEN ANY DISPUTE RELATING TO OR ARISING FROM THIS ENGAGEMENT OR THE PARTIES’
RELATIONSHIP GENERALLY WILL BE RESOLVED BY ARBITRATION AS SET FORTH IN THE PARAGRAPH BELOW REGARDING “ARBITRATION.”
ARBITRATION – If any court rules or finds that the JURY TRIAL WAIVER section is not enforceable, then any dispute between the parties relating to or arising from this Agreement or the parties’ relationship City of Cupertino 15 June 7, 2022
generally will be settled by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois (or a location agreed in writing by the parties). Any issues concerning the extent to which any dispute is subject to arbitration, or concerning the applicability, interpretation, or enforceability of any of this Section, will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act and resolved by the arbitrator(s). The arbitration will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act and resolved by the arbitrator(s). Regardless of the amount in controversy, the arbitration will be administered by JAMS, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Streamlined Arbitration Rules & Procedures or such other rules or procedures as the parties may agree in writing. In the event of a conflict between those rules and this Agreement, this Agreement will control. The parties may alter each of these rules by written agreement. If a party has a basis for injunctive relief, this paragraph will not preclude a party seeking and obtaining injunctive relief in a court of proper jurisdiction. The parties will agree within a reasonable period of time after notice is made of initiating the arbitration process whether to use one or three arbitrators, and if the parties cannot agree within fifteen (15) business days, the parties will use a single arbitrator. In any event the arbitrator(s) must be retired federal judges or attorneys with at least 15 years commercial law experience and no arbitrator may be appointed unless he or she has agreed to these procedures. If the parties cannot agree upon arbitrator(s) within an additional fifteen (15) business days, the arbitrator(s) will be selected by JAMS. Discovery will be permitted only as authorized by the arbitrator(s), and as a rule, the arbitrator(s) will not permit discovery except upon a showing of substantial need by a party. To the extent the arbitrator(s) permit discovery as to liability, the arbitrator(s) will also permit discovery as to causation, reliance, and damages. The arbitrator(s) will not permit a party to take more than six depositions, and no depositions may exceed five hours. The arbitrator(s) will have no power to make an award inconsistent with this Agreement. The arbitrator(s) will rule on a summary basis where possible, including without limitation on a motion to dismiss basis or on a summary judgment basis. The arbitrator(s) may enter such prehearing orders as may be appropriate to ensure a fair hearing. The hearing will be held within one year of the initiation of arbitration, or less, and the hearing must be held on continuous business days until concluded. The hearing must be concluded within ten (10) business days absent written agreement by the parties to the contrary. The time limits in this section are not jurisdictional. The arbitrator(s) will apply substantive law and may award injunctive relief or any other remedy available from a judge. The arbitrator(s) may award attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party, and in the event of a split or partial award, the arbitrator(s) may award costs or attorney fees in an equitable manner. Any award by the arbitrator(s) will be accompanied by a reasoned opinion describing the basis of the award. Any prior agreement regarding arbitration entered by the parties is replaced and superseded by this agreement. The arbitration will be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. All aspects of the arbitration will be treated by the parties and the arbitrator(s) as confidential.
NOTIFICATION OF NON-LICENSEE OWNERSHIP (For California Engagements) – Crowe (“the Firm”) and certain owners of the Firm are licensed by the California State Board of Accountancy. However, the Firm has owners not licensed by the California State Board of Accountancy who may provide Services under this agreement. If Client has any questions regarding licensure of the personnel performing Services under this engagement, please do not hesitate to contact Crowe.
NON‑SOLICITATION – Each party acknowledges that it has invested substantially in recruiting, training and developing the personnel who render services with respect to the material aspects of the engagement (“Key Personnel”). The parties acknowledge that Key Personnel have knowledge of trade secrets or confidential information of their employers that may be of substantial benefit to the other party.
The parties acknowledge that each business would be materially harmed if the other party was able to directly employ Key Personnel. Therefore, the parties agree that during the period of this Agreement and for one (1) year after its expiration or termination, neither party will solicit Key Personnel of the other party for employment or hire the Key Personnel of the other party without that party’s written consent unless the hiring or engaging party pays to the other party a fee equal to the hired or engaged Key Personnel’s compensation for the prior twelve-month period with the other party.
CROWE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – Crowe abides by the principles of equal employment opportunity, including without limitation the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).
These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected City of Cupertino 16 June 7, 2022
veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. Crowe also abides by 29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A. The parties agree that the notice in this paragraph does not create any enforceable rights for any firm, organization, or individual.
CROWE GLOBAL NETWORK – Crowe LLP and its subsidiaries are independent members of Crowe Global, a Swiss organization. “Crowe” is the brand used by the Crowe Global network and its member firms, but it is not a worldwide partnership. Crowe Global and each of its members are separate and independent legal entities and do not obligate each other. Crowe LLP and its subsidiaries are not responsible or liable for any acts or omissions of Crowe Global or any other Crowe Global members, and Crowe LLP and its subsidiaries specifically disclaim any and all responsibility or liability for acts or omissions of Crowe Global or any other Crowe Global member. Crowe Global does not render any professional services and does not have an ownership or partnership interest in Crowe LLP or any other member. Crowe Global and its other members are not responsible or liable for any acts or omissions of Crowe LLP and its subsidiaries and specifically disclaim any and all responsibility or liability for acts or omissions of Crowe LLP and its subsidiaries. Visit www.crowe.com/disclosure for more information about Crowe LLP, its subsidiaries, and Crowe Global.
City of Cupertino 17 June 7, 2022
Report on the Firm’s System of Quality Control
December 5, 2019
To the Partners of Crowe LLP
and the National Peer Review Committee
We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of Crowe LLP (the firm) applicable to engagements not subject to PCAOB permanent inspection in effect for the year ended March 31, 2019. Our peer review was conducted in accordance with the Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews established by the Peer Review Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Standards).
A summary of the nature, objectives, scope, limitations of, and the procedures performed in a System Review as described in the Standards may be found at www.aicpa.org/prsummary. The summary also includes an explanation of how engagements identified as not performed or reported in conformity with applicable professional standards, if any, are evaluated by a peer reviewer to determine a peer review rating.
Firm’s Responsibility
The firm is responsible for designing a system of quality control and complying with it to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects. The firm is also responsible for evaluating actions to promptly remediate engagements deemed as not performed or reported in conformity with professional standards, when appropriate, and for remediating weaknesses in its system of quality control, if any.
Peer Reviewer’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design of the system of quality control and the firm’s compliance therewith based on our review.
Required Selections and Considerations
Engagements selected for review included engagements performed under Government Auditing Standards, including compliance audits under the Single Audit Act; audits of employee benefit plans; audits performed under FDICIA; audits of broker-dealers; and examinations of service organizations [SOC 2 engagements].
As a part of our peer review, we considered reviews by regulatory entities as communicated by the firm, if applicable, in determining the nature and extent of our procedures.
Opinion
In our opinion, the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of Crowe LLP applicable to engagements not subject to PCAOB permanent inspection in effect for the year ended March 31, 2019, has been suitably designed and complied with to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects. Firms can receive a rating of pass, pass with deficiency(ies) or fail. Crowe LLP has received a peer review rating of pass.
Cherry Bekaert LLP
200 South 10th Street, Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219 | P 804.673.5700 | cbh.com
City of Cupertino 18 June 7, 2022
December 12, 2019
James Powers
Crowe, LLP
225 W Wacker DR Ste 2600
Chicago, IL 60606-1228
Dear James Powers:
It is my pleasure to notify you that on December 12, 2019, the National Peer Review Committee accepted the report on the most recent System Review of your firm. The due date for your next review is September 30, 2022. This is the date by which all review documents should be completed and submitted to the administering entity.
As you know, the report had a peer review rating of pass. The Committee asked me to convey its congratulations to the firm.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Michael Fawley Chair, National PRC [email protected]
+1.919.402.4502
National Peer Review Committee cc: Samuel Johnson, Scot Ivey Firm Number: 900010014904 Review Number: 564789