Forensic investigation tender: transfer agreement implementation review for vaal central water

• Tender documents available from 12 December 2025.
• Mandatory briefing: 13 January 2026, 11:00, 2 Mzuzu Street, Pellissier, Bloemfontein.
• Closing date and time: 23 January 2026, 12:00 (noon).
• Submission address: Tender Box, Vaal Central Water Reception Area, 2 Mzuzu Street, Pellissier, Bloemfontein, 9322.
• Feedback (if any) expected within 60 days after submission; lack of response implies unsuccessful bid.

Technical queries: Ms Noxolo Silevu, Company Secretary, Tel 051‑403 0800, Fax 051‑422 5333, Email [email protected].

Administrative queries: Supply Chain Management, Tel 051‑403 0800, Fax 051‑422 5333, Email [email protected].

Submission address: Supply Chain Management Department, Vaal Central Water, 2 Mzuzu Street, Pellissier, Bloemfontein, 9322.

• Submit one sealed envelope clearly marked with the tender title and bidder’s name and address.
• Deliver the envelope to the Tender Box at Vaal Central Water Reception Area, 2 Mzuzu Street, Pellissier, Bloemfontein, 9322, before 12:00 on 23 January 2026.
• All required Standard Bidding Documents (SBD Form 1, 3.3 Pre‑Qualifier, 4, 6.1, Joint Venture/Association Agreement if applicable, municipal rates clearance or lease not older than 3 months, completed Price Proposal) must be fully completed, signed and included.
• Proposals must be on the official forms provided; re‑typed forms are not accepted.
• Late, telegraphic, fax, email or incomplete submissions will be rejected.
• Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and submit a full CSD report.
• Provide Tax Compliance Status (PIN) letter from SARS for each consortium member.
• Submit B‑BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Disqualification risks: missing pre‑qualifier documents, failure to meet response times for clarifications, non‑registration on CSD, tax non‑compliance, being listed on the Register of Tender Defaulters, or providing incomplete/incorrect forms.

• Functionality (technical) score – total 100 points; minimum threshold 70 points.
• Methodology: 40 points – detailed approach covering all nine investigative topics, timelines, Gantt chart, and deliverables.
• Experience: 30 points – reference letters (5+ for full score, 2‑4 for partial, 1 for minimal).
• Team qualifications & skills: 20 points – CVs showing Certified Fraud Examiner, Chartered Accountant, CIA, etc.; required skill mix and percentage of staff with forensic expertise.
• Locality: 10 points – office presence in Free State/Northern Cape (10) or elsewhere in South Africa (5).
• Scores are allocated per criteria; bids below 70 are technically unacceptable.
• Preference points may be awarded under PPPFA (80/20 or 90/10) for B‑BBEE compliance, but the highest scoring bidder is not guaranteed award.

Scope: Conduct a forensic investigation into the implementation of the Transfer Agreement, including:

1. Test AGSA Material Irregularity findings against the Public Audit Act.

2. Determine legality of Executive Committee’s approval of VSP extension.

3. Establish facts surrounding VSP extension decision.

4. Assess operational requirements and affordability assessments.

5. Identify responsible persons and their liability levels.

6. Quantify any financial loss.

7. Provide recovery, disciplinary and preventative recommendations, including risk assessment.

8. Assess compliance with PFMA and other legislation.

9. Prepare and present draft and final forensic reports to the Board.

Deliverables: electronic copy of full engagement file, draft and final reports (intro, objectives, executive summary, detailed findings, recommendations, management action plan), quality assurance review, progress monitoring reports, and presentations.

Requirements: firm must have forensic audit skills, relevant legislative knowledge, public‑sector experience, and professional memberships (CIA, CFE, CA(SA) etc.). Senior staff must hold appropriate qualifications.

• Fees quoted inclusive of VAT and all costs.
• Pricing based on hourly rates for each staff level (Engagement Partner/Director, Associate Director, Senior Manager, Manager, Assistant Manager, Supervisor, Senior Auditor, Trainee Auditor, Specialists). Provide rates and percentage allocation of total hours (estimated 600 hrs/yr).
• Indicate any proposed fee increases as a percentage.
• Submit a price proposal table with total inclusive price and a ceiling price.
• Provide breakdown of travel, accommodation and other reimbursable expenses (actual costs with supporting invoices).
• State whether rates are firm for the contract period; if not, describe adjustment mechanism (e.g., CPI).
• Include professional indemnity and fidelity guarantee insurance details (underwriter, limits, deductibles, coverage period).

• Register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) and submit full CSD report.
• Provide valid Tax Compliance Status (PIN) letter from SARS for each consortium member.
• Submit B‑BBEE compliance certificate or sworn affidavit (minimum Level 1 preferred for preference points).
• No directors/shareholders listed on the Register of Tender Defaulters.
• No prior breach of the employer’s Supply Chain Management system.
• Provide audited financial statements (most recent).
• Professional memberships required for senior staff (CIA, CFE, CA(SA), etc.).
• Compliance with PFMA and other applicable legislation as part of the investigation scope.