Who sets/approves audit bids and pricing?

The audit program manager (APM) manages the audit bidding process. The APM solicits bids from the audit firms that includes pricing and man days on-site. Based on the review of the bid and taking into account pricing, auditor availability, auditor quality, timing, and regional considerations, the APM chooses the audit firm. Auditees do not select the audit firm, however auditee feedback from prior audits is taken into consideration.