Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure auditing services to oversee and certify the SA Tech Challenge competition for the CSIR on an “as and when” required basis over a period of three years. The auditing aims to ensure the fairness, transparency, and integrity of the application and judging processes throughout the competition, including data verification, scoring consistency, and adjudication fairness.

Scope

The scope of services includes:

• Review and evaluate the application system, including data dictionary and scoring algorithms.
• Audit the judging process across three rounds:
  • Round 1: Selection from top 90 to top 60
  • Round 2: Selection from top 60 to top 30
  • Round 3: Selection from top 30 to final top 6
• Attend, observe, and oversee all adjudication activities in each judging round to verify adherence to evaluation criteria, fairness, and absence of conflicts of interest.
• Conduct formal announcements and outline the audit oversight process during the competition’s main event on 21-22 October 2026.
• Compile and deliver comprehensive audit reports, including findings and recommendations, with the final report due by December 2026.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Expertise in auditing, compliance verification, and adjudication processes for competitions.
• Experience in evaluating data systems, scoring algorithms, and access controls.
• Ability to attend and oversee all adjudication rounds and ensure adherence to rules and fairness.
• Provision of detailed audit reports, including an announcement outlining the audit process at the main event.
• Capacity to conduct fieldwork within specified timelines, including data review, scoring assessment, and final reporting.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in auditing or compliance verification for competitions or similar adjudication processes.
• Qualified personnel with relevant certifications (e.g., membership in recognized auditing bodies such as IRBA, IIA SA, SAIGA).
• Skilled project team including at least two auditors and one project supervisor with relevant experience.
• Ability to provide detailed proposals outlining methodology, processes, and management approach.
• Capability to produce and present comprehensive audit reports and participate in stakeholder briefings.
• Strong understanding of data security, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws (e.g., POPI Act).