Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to establish a panel of qualified internal audit service providers specializing in forensic investigations. The panel aims to enhance South African Tourism's internal audit capabilities by sourcing expert external providers for reactive and proactive forensic investigations, fraud assessments, and related advisory services. The overarching goal is to support the organization's internal audit strategy, improve assurance quality, and ensure timely, scalable, and technical audit services aligned with governance and compliance standards.

Scope

The scope encompasses the provision of forensic investigation services as part of South African Tourism’s internal audit framework. Specifically, the scope includes:

• Reactive forensic investigations and related services.
• Proactive investigations and fraud/ethics surveys or assessments.
• Engagement planning, scope definition, methodology, and resource allocation.
• Communication of findings, drafting and finalizing reports, and providing supporting documentation.
• Participation in the delivery of the internal audit strategic and coverage plan.

The services are expected to be delivered through a flexible, scalable panel, with assignments structured as work packages, each with clear scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables. The panel will support the internal audit function over a period of 36 months, with potential for rotation and specific work assignments based on organizational needs.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for bidders include:

• Experience & Qualifications:
  • Minimum of three (3) years’ proven experience in forensic audits.
  • At least three (3) reference letters relevant to forensic investigations.
  • Qualified personnel with qualifications such as CIA/CA (SA) or CFE certificates.
  • Key personnel must demonstrate relevant experience (minimum 3-5 years) and professional memberships.
• Capability & Capacity:
  • Ability to deliver both reactive and proactive forensic investigations.
  • Provision of a comprehensive project approach, including detailed project plans, timelines, and methodologies.
  • Competence in conducting fraud and ethics surveys, assessments, and delivering actionable reports.
  • Experience in managing engagement scope, resources, and budgets in line with internal audit standards.
• Compliance & Certification:
  • Registration on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD).
  • Tax compliance verified through SARS or CSD.
  • Provision of relevant industry certificates (e.g., CFE) and quality assurance reports.
• Pricing & Contractual:
  • Fixed rate card model aligned with DPSA rates, with no retainer fees.
  • Completion of a detailed pricing schedule as per Annexure H.
  • Adherence to contractual obligations, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights.
• Other Technical Aspects:
  • Demonstrated understanding of forensic investigation methodologies and compliance with relevant guidelines.
  • Provision of a draft Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlining service standards and punitive measures for non-compliance.
  • Capability to participate in evaluation, reporting, and communication processes as per tender requirements.

Overall, bidders must demonstrate technical proficiency, relevant experience, compliance with legal and procedural standards, and the ability to deliver high-quality forensic investigation services within the stipulated contractual framework.