Development of an ai-enabled project management support framework for services seta

• Closing Date: 15 July 2026.
• Closing Time: 11:00 AM.
• Project Duration: 9 months (Months 1-2: Initiation & Diagnostics; Months 3-4: Framework Design; Month 5: Systems & Financial Models; Months 6-8: Structure, SOPs, Templates, Validation & Pilot; Month 9: Finalisation & Handover).

• Supply Chain Management/Bidding Procedure Enquiries: Conny Mathebula. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: (011) 276 9621.
• Technical Enquirries: Tsheola Matsebe. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: (011) 694 8634.
• Submission Address: Services SETA Head Office, 15 Sherborne Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193.

• Submit four (4) bid proposals: one (1) original, one (1) electronic version on USB, one (1) copy, and email a zipped file (max 100MB) to [email protected].
• Use official bid forms (do not re-type).
• Documents must be properly bound, punched, numbered, and separated per the checklist schedule.
• Submit to the bid box at Services SETA Head Office, 15 Sherborne Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193 during office hours (Mon-Thu 8am-4pm, Fri 8am-3pm).
• Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Mandatory returnables: CSD registration, completed SBD forms (1, 3.3, 4, 6.1, 7.2), company registration certificate, proof of registration with a recognised Project Management Professional Body, B-BBEE status proof, tax compliance proof, capability references, company experience, methodology, qualifications, identity documents, bank details, and pricing schedule.

VERY IMPORTANT: THE CONTENTS OF THE BID/ TENDER DOCUMENT MUST BE AS checklist schedule below. : YES or NO Schedule 1 The potential bidder must be registered with National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) Schedule 2 Bid document must be signed and duly completed, together with all declaration of interest/standard bidding documents (SBD’s 1, 3.3, 4, 6.1 and 7.2) Schedule 3 Provide and attach a copy of Company Registration Certificate Schedule 4 Provide and attach entity’s proof of registration with a recognised Project Management

• Evaluation follows the 80/20 preference point system (bid value estimated between R1M and R50M).
• Criterion 1: Qualification/Gatekeeper Requirements – Mandatory. Failure to meet all disqualifies the bidder.
• Criterion 2: Functionality – 100 points. Minimum threshold: 80 points. Bidders scoring below 80 are disqualified.
• Criterion 3: Presentation – 20 points. Minimum threshold: 16 points. Bidders scoring below 16 are disqualified.
• Criterion 4: Price (80 points) and Specific Goals (20 points). Highest combined score wins.
• Specific Goals (B-BBEE): Black People Ownership (8), Woman Ownership (6), Youth Ownership (5), Disability Ownership (1).
• Disqualification risks: Late submission, incomplete/unsigned documents, functionality or presentation below thresholds, non-compliance with PRECCA, tax, or B-BBEE, false declarations, or collusive bidding.

• Objective: Develop a fit-for-purpose, AI-enabled Project Management Support Framework to transform Services SETA’s project management function into a strategic, digitally enabled delivery engine.
• Strategic Objectives: Achieve PM maturity level 3 by end FY2027, level 4 in FY2028, and level 5 in FY2029; enable data-driven decision-making; embed governance and accountability.
• Operational Objectives: Standardise end-to-end digital project lifecycle management; improve turnaround times; enhance monitoring & evaluation.
• Financial Objectives: Develop financial modelling for project pipelines; strengthen commitments register; improve budget forecasting.
• Scope: Seven phases – 1) Initiation & Planning, 2) Diagnostic & Situational Analysis, 3) Framework & Delivery Model Design (governance, financial, PM, customer care, M&E), 4) Standardised Tools (SOPs, templates, system specs), 5) Organisational Design Validation, 6) Change Management & Capability Building, 7) Implementation Roadmap.
• Key Deliverables: Inception Report, Diagnostic Report, Draft Framework, Financial Modelling Toolkit, System Requirements Specification, Organisational Structure & Profiles, SOPs & Templates, Implementation Roadmap, Final Integrated Report.
• Alignment: NDP, Skills Development Act, PFMA, King IV/V, Batho Pele, SETA Strategic Plan.
• Innovation: Encouraged to propose AI-enabled tracking, predictive analytics, automation, and digital twin models.
• Skills Transfer: Structured knowledge transfer, training materials, internal capability building, and long-term sustainability required.

• Bid proposal must detail the methodology and project approach, covering all seven phases.
• Innovation encouraged: Propose AI-enabled project tracking, predictive analytics, automation of reporting processes, and digital twin models for simulation.

• Bidder must ensure skills transfer and sustainability through structured knowledge transfer, training materials, internal capability building, and enabling long-term sustainability.

• Use the provided pricing schedule (SBD 3.3) with percentage allocations for deliverables: Initiation & Diagnostics (20%), Framework Design (35%), Optimum Structure & Tools (20%), System & Financial Models (20%), Finalisation & Handover (5%).
• Clearly state total bid price inclusive of all taxes and levies (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, skills development levies).
• Indicate if rates are firm for the full contract period; if not, provide adjustment basis (e.g., CPI).
• Bidders may compile their own pricing schedule but must align with the terms of reference.

• Use the provided pricing schedule (SBD 3.3) with percentage allocations: Initiation & Diagnostics (20%), Framework Design (35%), Optimum Structure & Tools (20%), System & Financial Models (20%), Finalisation & Handover (5%). VAT is 15%.
• Bid offer must be valid for 120 working days from the closing date.
• Provide total bid price inclusive of all applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, income tax, UIF, skills development levies).
• Indicate if rates are firm for the full contract period; if not, detail adjustment basis (e.g., CPI).
• Clearly state contract renewal and termination steps.
• Bidders may compile their own pricing schedule but must cover all costs per the terms of reference.
• Payment terms: Purchaser undertakes to pay within 30 days after receipt of an invoice.

• Mandatory: Registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) with active status.
• Mandatory: Tax compliance on CSD prior to award; submit SARS PIN or TCS certificate/CSD number.
• Mandatory: Valid B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate. Non-compliance results in zero points for Specific Goals but not disqualification.
• Mandatory: Certified copy of Company Registration Certificate.
• Mandatory: Proof of registration with a recognised Project Management Professional Body.
• Mandatory: Complete and sign all required SBD forms (1, 3.3, 4, 6.1, 7.2).
• Disclose any state employment, conflicts of interest, and comply with PRECCA (Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act).
• Foreign suppliers: Must answer questionnaire on residency, branch, permanent establishment, income source, and tax liability in RSA.
• No bids accepted from persons in the service of the state or companies with directors/members in state service.
• Contract forms (SBD 7.2) must be completed in duplicate by both service provider and purchaser.
• Fraudulent claims for preference points may lead to disqualification, cost recovery, contract cancellation, restriction from state business, and criminal prosecution.

• Submit proof of B-BBEE Status Level of Contributor.
• Non-compliant contributors score zero points for Specific Goals but are not disqualified.
• Preference points under the 80/20 system: Black People Ownership (8), Woman Ownership (6), Youth Ownership (5), Disability Ownership (1).

• Contract form (SBD 7.2) must be completed in duplicate by both service provider and purchaser.
• Successful bidder must sign a written contract.
• Contract includes: bidding documents, tax compliance proof, pricing schedule, proposal, preference claim form, disclosure form, special conditions, and General Conditions of Contract.
• Payment terms: Purchaser undertakes to pay within 30 days after receipt of an invoice.
• PRECCA compliance: Bidder must declare no endorsement under Section 28. If endorsed, SETA may cancel the contract and claim damages.
• Fraudulent preference point claims may result in disqualification, cost recovery, contract cancellation, restriction from state business (up to 10 years), and criminal prosecution.

• Foreign suppliers must complete a questionnaire on residency, branch, permanent establishment, income source, and tax liability in RSA.
• Bidders must ensure tax compliance and submit SARS PIN or TCS certificate.
• No bids accepted from persons in the service of the state or companies with directors/members in state service.
• All SBD forms (1, 3.3, 4, 6.1, 7.2) must be completed and signed.