Research study on barriers to wsp/atr employer participation in the mict sector

RFQ Issue Date: 13 October 2026

Compulsory Briefing Session: Not applicable (N/A)

Closing Date and Time: 23 October 2026 at 11:00 South African Time

Submissions must be received before the closing date and time

Enquiries:

• Contact: Supply Chain Management
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: +27 11 207 2600

Submission address: [email protected] (email)

Physical address (MICT SETA Head Office):

19 Richards Drive

Gallagher Convention Centre

Gallagher House, Level 3 West Wing

Delivery address for contract:

MICT SETA Head Office

Level 3 West Wing, Gallagher House

19 Richards Drive, Halfway House

Midrand

Submission method: Email to [email protected]

Format: 1 soft copy (electronic)

Closing date and time: 23 October 2026 at 11:00 South African Time

Late or incomplete submissions invalidate the quote

Returnable documents (all must be completed, signed and submitted):

• CSD Central Supplier Database Registration Report
• Pricing Schedule
• Valid Tax Clearance Certificate(s) and/or proof of application endorsed by SARS and/or SARS-issued verification PIN
• SBD 4 – Bidder's Disclosure (declares interest, state employment, relationships, independent bid determination)
• SBD 6.1 – Preferential Procurement Claim Form (claims specific goals points under 80/20 system)
• Certified copies of director(s) ID(s) not older than 6 months
• CIPC Document (company registration)
• Shareholding Certificate (indicating % shareholding per director)
• Form A – Bidder's Eligibility (declares no procurement prohibition, no bankruptcy/corruption/fraud, no impairing judgments/legal actions, commitment to ethical practices)

RFQ invitation document must be completed, signed and submitted as a whole by the authorised company representative

Supplier must be registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) prior to submission per National Treasury circular 4A of 2016/17

Two-stage evaluation:

Stage 1 – Functional/Technical evaluation (100 points maximum):

Minimum qualifying score: 70/100

Bidders scoring below 70 points are eliminated

Criteria and weights:

• Methodology (30 points): Detailed methodology covering 4 elements – understanding of project scope and proposed research methodology; approach to data collection (primary/secondary sources, stakeholder engagement); sampling approach with justification; project implementation plan (key activities, timelines, deliverables). Scoring: 4 elements = 30, 3 = 20, 2 = 10, 1 = 5, 0 = 0
• Portfolio of Evidence (15 points): 3+ completed research reports in past 5 years in relevant areas (skills development/SETA/PSET research; employer/stakeholder perception/satisfaction studies; policy implementation/programme evaluation studies; service delivery/UX assessments in PSET sector). Scoring: 3+ = 15, 2 = 10, 1 = 5, 0 = 0
• Reference Letters (10 points): 3+ contactable reference letters from different clients, fully signed on client letterhead, dated, with contact details and project description, linked to submitted reports, past 5 years. Scoring: 3 = 10, 2 = 8, 1 = 5, 0 = 0. Purchase orders and appointment letters not accepted. In sub-contracting, main bidder's references required.
• Quality Assurance Plan (10 points): Comprehensive plan covering quality assurance procedures (internal review, data quality management, validation) and risk identification/mitigation. Scoring: both elements = 10, one element = 5, none = 0
• Team Leader Experience & Qualifications (15 points): CV showing 5+ years leading comparable policy/programme evaluation/stakeholder/labour market research (5–8+ years all score 15; ≤4 years = 0). Certified copy of Master's degree or higher in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Research, Statistics or related field (not older than 6 months) = 5 points
• Researcher Experience & Qualifications (10 points): CV showing 3+ years conducting comparable research = 5 points, ≤2 years = 0. Certified copy of Bachelor's degree or higher in Economics, Labour Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics, Public Policy, Research Methodology or relevant field (not older than 6 months) = 5 points
• Data Analyst Experience & Qualifications (10 points): CV showing 3+ years as data analyst in comparable research = 5 points, ≤2 years = 0. Certified copy of Bachelor's degree or higher in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Social Sciences, Research Methodology or relevant field (not older than 6 months) = 5 points

Stage 2 – Price and Specific Goals (80/20 preference point system):

• Price: 80 points
• Specific Goals: 20 points
• Enterprise ≥51% owned by historically disadvantaged persons: 10 points
• Enterprise ≥51% owned by historically disadvantaged women: 5 points
• Enterprise ≥51% owned by historically disadvantaged youth: 5 points
• Enterprises not owned by historically disadvantaged persons: 0 points
• To claim specific goals points, must submit: CIPC documents, valid share certificate indicating % shareholding per director, certified ID copies of directors per CIPC (not older than 6 months)
• Failure to submit proof = points not claimed
• Contract awarded to bidder scoring highest total points

Procurement: Appointment of a service provider to conduct a study on barriers to employer participation in the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) submission process

Context: MICT sector has approximately 31,826 registered employers, of which 8,905 are levy-paying; only 1,976 submitted WSP/ATR data in the 2026/2027 reporting period

Purpose: Investigate challenges, perceptions and factors influencing employer participation; identify reasons for low submission rates; assess employer awareness and perceptions of value and benefits; evaluate factors including the role of MICT SETA and the Integrated Learner Management System (ILMS)

Study objectives (8):

1. Assess employers' awareness, understanding and experiences of the WSP/ATR process including MICT SETA communication, guidance and support
2. Evaluate employers' perceptions of value and benefits of participation including Mandatory Grants, sector skills planning, skills development and transformation objectives
3. Assess employers' experiences of administrative requirements including ILMS accessibility, functionality and usability
4. Identify and analyse key barriers and enabling factors influencing participation (non-submission, late submission, incomplete submissions, data quality)
5. Examine variations across MICT sub-sectors, employer categories and company sizes
6. Assess role of MICT SETA, Skills Development Facilitators (SDFs) and existing support mechanisms in facilitating participation and improving compliance
7. Benchmark WSP/ATR submission trends and participation patterns across SETAs over five years
8. Develop evidence-based recommendations to strengthen participation, improve data quality, optimise ILMS, streamline processes and enhance sector skills planning

Scope of work (12 work packages):

1. Comprehensive literature review (MICT SETA research, legislative/policy frameworks, WSP/ATR data)
2. Stakeholder identification in collaboration with MICT SETA (all registered employers, including non-submitters)
3. Develop fit-for-purpose research methodology and analytical framework (sampling strategy, stakeholder engagement, qualitative/quantitative instruments)
4. Develop research instruments (questionnaires/surveys, interview guides) tailored to stakeholder groups
5. Analyse WSP/ATR participation trends, employer experiences, perceptions, administrative challenges, barriers, variations
6. Identify and analyse behavioural, organisational, administrative, operational, regulatory and system-related barriers and enabling factors
7. Assess effectiveness of MICT SETA communication, support mechanisms, SDFs, ILMS (accessibility, functionality, user-friendliness, usability)
8. Benchmark WSP/ATR participation trends, employer support practices, submission processes across SETAs
9. Analyse policy, institutional and operational implications for improving participation, strengthening data quality, enhancing sector skills planning
10. Facilitate stakeholder engagement and validation processes
11. Develop practical evidence-based recommendations and implementation framework (priority actions, institutional responsibilities, monitoring)
12. Produce comprehensive research report and present draft/final findings to MICT SETA management, governance structures and stakeholders

Deliverables (11):

1. Inception report (refined research approach, project plan, timelines, stakeholder engagement, quality assurance)
2. Comprehensive literature review
3. Research instruments and data collection tools (subject to MICT SETA review/approval)
4. Draft report (research approach, findings, conclusions, preliminary recommendations)
5. Final research report (electronic and hard copy): executive summary (~5 pages), full report (max 60 pages excluding references/annexures)
6. Completed research instruments, engagement records, datasets, analytical outputs, editable versions of value chain maps, models, matrices and tools
7. PowerPoint presentations for key deliverables and presentation at MICT SETA Research Conferences
8. Graphical representations, data visualisations, infographics aligned with MICT SETA branding
9. Research Output Communication Strategy (dissemination plan)

Quality and reporting: Reports to Manager: Sector Skills Planning; Project Coordinator for day-to-day coordination, monitoring and quality assurance; Lead Researcher for methodological integrity and internal quality

Ownership: MICT SETA owns all data, datasets, reports, documents, research outputs, equipment/software procured; governed by formal written contract; all materials handed over before final payment; no sale/publication/use without prior written consent (IPR-PFRD Act Section 4)

Contract period: 6 months

Required methodology – fit-for-purpose research methodology and analytical framework including:

• Appropriate sampling strategy
• Stakeholder engagement approach
• Qualitative and quantitative research instruments

Research instruments: Questionnaires/surveys and interview guides tailored to stakeholder groups

Analysis components:

• WSP/ATR participation trends, employer experiences, perceptions, administrative challenges, barriers, variations across sub-sectors, employer categories, enterprise size
• Behavioural, organisational, administrative, operational, regulatory and system-related barriers and enabling factors (non-submission, late submission, incomplete submissions, poor-quality information)
• ILMS assessment: effectiveness of MICT SETA communication, support mechanisms, SDFs, ILMS (accessibility, functionality, user-friendliness, usability)
• Cross-SETA benchmarking: WSP/ATR participation trends, employer support practices, submission processes
• Policy, institutional and operational implications analysis
• Stakeholder engagement and validation processes
• Evidence-based recommendations and implementation framework (priority actions, institutional responsibilities, monitoring)

Methodology evaluation (30 points): Must demonstrate understanding of project scope and proposed research methodology; approach to data collection (primary/secondary sources, stakeholder engagement); sampling approach with justification; project implementation plan (key activities, timelines, deliverables)

Portfolio of Evidence: 3+ completed research reports for comparable studies within past 5 years demonstrating experience in:

• Skills development, SETA or PSET research
• Employer or stakeholder perception/satisfaction studies
• Policy implementation or programme evaluation studies
• Service delivery or user experience (UX) assessments in PSET sector

Reference Letters: 3+ contactable reference letters from different clients, fully signed on client letterhead, dated, with contactable details and project description, confirming successful completion of comparable studies, linked to submitted research reports, past 5 years

Team Leader:

• Experience: 5+ years leading comparable policy, programme evaluation, stakeholder or labour market research (5–8+ years all score 15 points; ≤4 years = 0 points)
• Qualification: Master's degree or higher in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Research, Statistics or related field (certified copy not older than 6 months)

Researcher:

• Experience: 3+ years conducting comparable policy, programme evaluation, stakeholder or labour market research
• Qualification: Bachelor's degree or higher in Economics, Labour Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics, Public Policy, Research Methodology or relevant field (certified copy not older than 6 months)

Data Analyst:

• Experience: 3+ years conducting comparable research as data analyst
• Qualification: Bachelor's degree or higher in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Social Sciences, Research Methodology or relevant field (certified copy not older than 6 months)

In event of sub-contracting, reference letters of main bidder must be furnished; MICT SETA reserves right to contact references; Purchase orders and appointment letters not accepted

Quality Assurance Plan and Risk Mitigation Plan required (10 points in functional evaluation):

• Quality assurance procedures: internal review processes, data quality management, validation of findings
• Risk identification and mitigation measures addressing potential risks to successful delivery

Scoring: comprehensive plan covering both elements = 10 points; one element = 5 points; none = 0 points

Lead Researcher responsible for methodological integrity and internal quality of research outputs

Project Coordinator (MICT SETA) responsible for day-to-day coordination, monitoring and quality assurance

All deliverables subject to review and approval by MICT SETA

Deliverables include quality-focused outputs:

• Inception report with quality assurance processes
• Research instruments subject to MICT SETA review and approval
• Draft and final reports incorporating feedback
• Completed research instruments, engagement records, datasets, analytical outputs, editable tools
• PowerPoint presentations for key deliverables
• Graphical representations, data visualisations, infographics aligned with MICT SETA branding
• Research Output Communication Strategy

Pricing schedule line items (quantity 1 each):

1. Inception Report
2. Literature Review
3. Data Collection Plan and Instruments
4. Final Report and Presentation

Price format: Unit price per item, sub-total excluding VAT, VAT at 15%, total price including VAT

Bidders to provide further cost breakdown where necessary under each line item

RFQ validity: 90 days from closing date

Delivery address: MICT SETA Head Office, Level 3 West Wing, Gallagher House, 19 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand

Bidders must indicate: delivery period after order receipt; whether delivery period fixed; whether price fixed; whether quote strictly to specification

Quotation conditions:

• Governed by Government Procurement General Conditions of Contract
• MICT SETA does not bind itself to accept lowest or any RFQ
• No RFQ deemed accepted until formal contract/letter of intent executed
• MICT SETA reserves rights: not evaluate non-compliant RFQs; negotiate with preferred bidders; clarify information without informing others; award to one or more bidders; withdraw RFQ; accept separate/partial RFQs; cancel RFQ per PPPFA; select on greatest benefit not lowest cost
• Cost of bidding borne by bidder; MICT SETA not liable for any preparation or submission costs

Pricing format: Schedule of rates with line items (quantity 1 each):

1. Inception Report
2. Literature Review
3. Data Collection Plan and Instruments
4. Final Report and Presentation

Price quoted excluding VAT; VAT at 15% added; total price including VAT required

Bidders to provide further cost breakdown where necessary under each line item

RFQ validity: 90 days from closing date

Delivery address: MICT SETA Head Office, Level 3 West Wing, Gallagher House, 19 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand

Bidders must indicate: delivery period after order receipt; whether delivery period fixed; whether price fixed; whether quote strictly to specification

No bid security, bonds, guarantees, retention or payment terms specified

No financial capacity or turnover thresholds specified

Cost of bidding borne by bidder; MICT SETA not liable for any preparation or submission costs

Mandatory registration on National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) prior to submission (National Treasury circular 4A of 2016/17)

Valid Tax Clearance Certificate(s) and/or proof of application endorsed by SARS and/or SARS-issued verification PIN

SBD 4 – Bidder's Disclosure (declaration of interest, state employment, relationships, independent bid determination)

SBD 6.1 – Preferential Procurement Claim Form (claims specific goals points under 80/20 system)

Certified copies of director(s) ID(s) not older than 6 months

CIPC Document (company registration)

Shareholding Certificate (indicating % shareholding per director)

Form A – Bidder's Eligibility (declares no procurement prohibition, no bankruptcy/corruption/fraud, no impairing judgments/legal actions, commitment to ethical practices)

Specific goals evidence: CIPC documents, valid share certificate, certified ID copies of directors (not older than 6 months) to claim ownership points

No explicit B-BBEE certificate or affidavit requirement stated; specific goals based on ownership demographics

No CIDB grading (non-construction)

No local content requirement mentioned

All returnable documents must be completed, signed and submitted by authorised company representative

Contract duration: 6 months

Governance: Formal written contract with appointed service provider

Ownership: MICT SETA owns all data, datasets, reports, documents, research outputs, equipment and software procured under the assignment

Handover: All documents, reports and information must be handed over to MICT SETA before final payment is made

IP restrictions: Service provider may not sell, publish, use or otherwise deal with the outputs without prior written consent of MICT SETA; contravention constitutes a breach of the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR-PFRD Act), Section 4

IP management: MICT SETA may secure consents and enter into formal IP transactions to license, assign or otherwise manage such IP in compliance with the Act

Reporting: Service provider reports to Manager: Sector Skills Planning (overall oversight); MICT SETA-nominated Project Coordinator for day-to-day coordination, monitoring and quality assurance; Service Provider's Lead Researcher for methodological integrity and internal quality of research outputs

All deliverables subject to review and approval by MICT SETA

Fraud/collusion penalties (per SBD 6.1 declarations): Disqualification, cost recovery, contract cancellation, restriction from obtaining business from any organ of state for up to 10 years, criminal prosecution

MICT SETA reserves rights: not accept lowest or any RFQ; not evaluate non-compliant RFQs; negotiate with preferred bidders; clarify information without informing others; award to one or more bidders; withdraw RFQ; accept separate or partial RFQs; cancel RFQ per PPPFA; select based on greatest benefit not lowest cost

Legal framework compliance: PFMA, Treasury Regulations 2005, PPPFA, Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022, MICT SETA SCM Policy

Functional evaluation threshold: 70/100 points

Only bidders meeting threshold proceed to price/specific goals evaluation

Award to highest total points

Sub-contracting: Main bidder's reference letters required; MICT SETA reserves right to contact references