Strategy advisory partner for IDC digital transformation & AI strategy

Closing date: 25 May 2026 at 11:00 AM. Enquiries deadline: 15 May 2026 at 16:00 (responses posted within 2 days on www.idc.co.za). Bid validity period: 120 days from closing date. Project completion: 6 months from award date.

Enquiries contact: Joseph Phi, Email: [email protected], Phone: 011 269 3810. Submission portal: https://idcza-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/moitlisim_idc_co_za/IgD3Ca5d2hnLRKn7shwnFnOaASOVwy1MTRSU_8AsA4Av9gw.

Submit bids electronically ONLY via: https://idcza-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/moitlisim_idc_co_za/IgD3Ca5d2hnLRKn7shwnFnOaASOVwy1MTRSU_8AsA4Av9gw. Deadline: 25 May 2026, 11:00 AM (no late bids accepted). File formats: Microsoft Office or PDF (max 50MB). Submit at least 30 minutes early to avoid technical issues. Amended bids allowed if marked 'Amendment to bid' and received before deadline. Required returnable schedules: Cover Page, Schedule 1 (Executive Summary + Annexure 2), Schedule 2 (Board Resolution, ID copy, Annexures 2-8, B-BBEE certificate/affidavit, financial statements, JV/Consortium agreements if applicable), Schedule 23 (Section 2 response + Annexure 2), Schedule 4 (Price Proposal - separate file). Incomplete or late submissions will be disqualified. Bids sent to incorrect platforms or in inaccessible formats will be disqualified.

Evaluation occurs in 4 phases: 1) Initial Screening: Compliance with RFP requirements (CSD checks, tax compliance, B-BBEE status, mandatory documents, prime contractor percentage). Non-compliance may lead to disqualification. 2) Technical/Functionality Evaluation: Mandatory Functional Requirements (disqualification if not met) + Other Functional Requirements (weighted: Bidder’s Relevant Experience 15%, Proposed Methodology 20%, Team Skills/Qualifications 20%, Capacity Building/Knowledge Transfer 15%, Presentation 30%). Minimum 70% score required to proceed. 3) Preference Point System: Price (80 points) + Specific Goals (20 points: Black ownership, Black women ownership, Black Designated Groups, SMME promotion). 4) Objective Criteria: Risk assessment (reputational, concentration, financial capability, past performance). Highest-scoring bidder wins unless objective criteria justify otherwise.

Deliverables (MS Word/PowerPoint/Excel): Inception Report (methodology, work plan, stakeholder engagement, governance rhythm), Diagnostic/Current State Report (maturity assessment across process, technology, people, data, culture, governance), Integrated DX & AI Strategy Blueprint (vision, principles, outcomes, value measures, target operating model, roadmap, timelines, milestones, information governance), Consolidated Business Case & Investment Plan (narrative + Excel financial model), Implementation Roadmap (phased plan with dependencies, milestones, decision gates, KPAs/KPIs, resources), Procurement & Vendor Frameworks (principles, criteria, templates, shortlists), Contracting Principles Pack (IP, privacy, SLAs, ethical AI, performance-based contracting, risk mitigation), Governance & Monitoring Framework (structure options, reporting cadence, risk oversight, benefits tracking), Final Strategy Pack for EXCO/Board, Knowledge Transfer & Capability Building Pack (training, artefact handover, upskilling plan). Team requirements: Partner/Director-level strategy lead (8+ years), Strategy integration/operating model specialists (5+ years), Enterprise/digital transformation architect (5+ years), Data/analytics/AI specialist (5+ years), Financial modelling expert (5+ years), Change management lead (5+ years), Development finance/impact measurement specialist (5+ years).

Pricing: VAT-inclusive (ZAR). Rates must be firm for the contract period or specify adjustment basis (e.g., CPI). All costs must be included in Total Bid Price. Payments linked to approved deliverables, within 30 days of invoice. Costing model required: Detailed breakdown per activity/deliverable (DX & AI Strategy Blueprint, Business Case, Vendor Frameworks, Contracting Principles, Execution Roadmap, Governance & Change Readiness, Disbursements). Disbursements (e.g., travel, printing) must be clearly defined with assumptions. If no disbursements, state 'No Charge/Free of Charge'. Price Declaration Form required, confirming total price covers all activities. Bid validity: 120 days from submission.

Mandatory: Tax compliance (SARS TCS or PIN; CSD registration acceptable if no TCS). B-BBEE: Verification certificate required (EMEs/QSEs may submit sworn affidavit for revenue <R10M or R10M-R50M). CSD registration: Supplier number and unique reference required. Prime Contractor must hold highest percentage of contract value if subcontractors are involved. POPIA compliance required. Disclosure Statement (Annexure 7) for conflicts of interest or state employment. Board Resolution (certified) for companies. ID copy for Company Representative. Annexures 2-8 must be completed and signed. Joint Ventures/Consortia: Submit documents for each member.