Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to establish a framework for the City of Cape Town (CCT) to procure professional services for conducting urban development research over a three-year period. The research aims to support evidence-based decision-making, policy formulation, strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation, and sector-specific analysis to foster a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable city.

Scope

The scope encompasses a transversal, multi-category research mandate that allows various City Directorates to commission urban development-related research as needed. The research categories include:

• Part A: General Research Services
• Part B: Monitoring and Evaluation
• Part C: Economic Appraisal
• Part D: Scenario Planning and Modelling
• Part E: Surveys

Research activities may involve primary and secondary data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy and spatial analysis, modelling, and surveys within the Cape Town municipal area or broader city-region. The services support strategic planning, performance monitoring, policy evaluation, scenario development, and data-driven insights across urban issues.

Technical Requirements

• Provision of comprehensive research methodology proposals, including scope, approach, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and analysis plans.
• Design and development of research instruments such as questionnaires, interview guides, focus group protocols, and observational tools.
• Delivery of research reports, presentations, and communication tools with clear findings, recommendations, and stakeholder feedback.
• Application of diverse research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, document analysis, modelling, GIS spatial analysis, and scenario development.
• Use of advanced data analysis tools and software such as R, Python, Stata, Excel, GIS, and machine learning techniques.
• Adherence to data governance standards, POPIA compliance, and ensuring all raw and processed data become property of the City.
• Provision of capacity for stakeholder engagement, fieldwork management, GPS verification, and quality assurance.
• Development of models and simulations compatible with existing CCT systems and databases, with transparent documentation.

Skills Requirements

• Strong expertise in urban development issues, policy analysis, spatial planning, environmental sustainability, and governance.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing mixed-method research, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and secondary data analysis.
• Advanced skills in statistical and data analysis software (e.g., R, Stata, Excel, GIS, Python, Super Cross).
• Competence in modelling techniques such as system dynamics, agent-based modelling, geospatial analysis, and scenario planning.
• Ability to develop and manage large datasets, ensure data quality, and implement data security protocols.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Capacity to manage multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and fieldwork operations effectively.
• Knowledge of POPIA and data governance standards relevant to municipal research projects.