Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified service provider on an ad-hoc basis to conduct independent forensic investigations into suspected misconduct, bribery, fraud, corruption, or whistleblower complaints. The appointment will operate under a written agreement for an initial period of 36 months, with an option to renew for a further 24 months, ensuring timely, compliant, and legally defensible investigative outcomes for the client.

Scope of Work

• Apply established investigative strategies and methodologies aligned with professional standards and applicable legislation.
• Determine whether irregularities occurred, identify responsible parties and beneficiaries, quantify financial losses, and trace fund utilization.
• Identify internal control weaknesses and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Utilize specialized technology for digital evidence imaging, system interrogation, data extraction, analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare and present comprehensive investigation reports to governance structures.
• Assist with disciplinary hearings, law enforcement liaison, transactional data analytics, and the completion of charge sheets and supporting evidence.
• Investigate any additional matters deemed necessary by the client.

Technical Requirements

• Valid professional registration or membership with recognized bodies such as the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP SA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), CHFI/GCFA, IDEA, SAICA, ACCA, IIA, IRBA, or SAIPA.
• Lead Partner or Director must provide documented proof of at least five years' experience in public sector forensic investigations, forensic auditing/accounting, computer forensics/cybercrime investigations, and forensic data imaging.
• Submission of a detailed, customized investigation methodology outlining planning, evidence collection, execution, quality assurance, and deadline adherence.
• Provision of a complete investigation team organogram, certified academic and professional qualifications (not older than six months), and evidence of collective team experience ranging from three to over ten years.
• Client reference letters confirming successful past forensic engagements where facts were uncovered, evidence was preserved, and actionable decisions were implemented.
• Compliance with administrative mandates including SBD forms, valid B-BBEE certificates, tax compliance PINs, signed Non-Disclosure Agreement, and proof of public liability insurance.
• Pricing must be submitted using the prescribed hourly rate schedule, inclusive of VAT.

Skills Requirements

• Specialized expertise across four core domains: public sector forensic investigations, forensic auditing and accounting, computer forensics and cybercrime investigations, and forensic data imaging.
• Proficiency in applying international best practices (e.g., ACFE/ICFP standards) and executing complex digital forensics workflows.
• Strong analytical capabilities to interpret financial anomalies, reconstruct transaction trails, and identify systemic control failures.
• Expertise in drafting legally defensible reports, preparing disciplinary documentation, and presenting findings to executive governance bodies.
• Ability to coordinate with law enforcement agencies and serve effectively in disciplinary or quasi-judicial proceedings.

Key Terms & Service Explanations

• Ad Hoc Engagement: Services are requested on an as-needed basis rather than through a fixed schedule, with compensation structured around agreed hourly rates.
• Forensic Data Imaging: The creation of exact, bit-for-bit duplicates of digital storage media to preserve evidentiary integrity without altering original files, a critical requirement for legal admissibility.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African procurement model allocating 80% of evaluation weight to price and 20% to socio-economic goals, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status, black female ownership, and small enterprise designation.
• Mandatory & Functional Thresholds: The evaluation uses a strict pass/fail pre-qualification stage followed by a scored technical assessment. Bidders must achieve a minimum functional score of 80 out of 115 points to advance, alongside meeting all individual sub-criteria minimums.
• Standardized Annexures: Pre-defined templates (Annexures C and D) mandate uniform disclosure of past investigation portfolios and team member credentials to ensure consistent, auditable scoring during evaluation.