Forensic investigation services for nongoma municipality project

• Nongoma Municipality seeks to appoint a suitably qualified company to conduct a forensic investigation into one of its projects.
• The investigation must be guided by relevant legislation and proper forensic procedures.
• Specific objectives include verifying deliverables against BoQ, identifying deviations, assessing value for money, checking for UIFW, evaluating oversight, identifying fraud/corruption, and formulating recommendations.
• Duration: 90 days from appointment.

• Closing date: 6 August 2026 at 12:00 PM.
• No tender briefing session.
• Bid documents available for download from 23 July 2026 on www.etenders.gov.za.
• Tender validity period: 90 days from closing date.
• Appeals/objections must be lodged within 14 days of the intention to award advertisement.

• There shall be no tender briefing session.

• Bidding procedure enquiries: Mr. M. Zondi, SCM Manager, Tel: 035 813 7500/7555, Email: [email protected].
• Technical enquiries: Miss Z. Khuzwayo, Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Tel: 035 813 7500, Email: [email protected].
• Technical enquiries also: Acting Municipal Manager Mr. MB. Mnguni, Tel: 035 831 7500, Email: [email protected].
• Submission address: Lot 103, Main Street, Nongoma (Tender Box at reception).
• Appeals/objections to: [email protected].

• Submit bid in a sealed envelope addressed to the Municipal Manager, Nongoma Local Municipality, clearly marked with tender number and description.
• Deposit the bid into the Tender Box at the reception of Nongoma Local Municipality’s main offices (Lot 103, Main Street, Nongoma, 3950) before 12:00 PM on 6 August 2026.
• Late, faxed, or emailed bids will not be considered.
• Use the official bid document (do not retype).
• Complete and sign all required MBD forms (MBD 1, MBD 3.3, MBD 4, MBD 6.1, MBD 8, MBD 9). Failure to do so may invalidate your bid.
• Initial every page of the bid document.
• No alterations using correcting fluid; any changes must be initialled.
• Include all compulsory returnable documents listed in the responsiveness criteria.
• Tenders must be valid for 90 days from the closing date.

T2 returnable documents

• Evaluation follows three stages: Responsiveness, Functionality, and then 80/20 PPPFA (with 2022 Regulations) for price and specific goals.
• Responsiveness: Bid must be fully completed in black ink, all MBDs signed, CSD number provided, valid tax clearance, ID copies of directors, CIPC registration, key personnel qualifications, bank confirmation letter, proof of address (utility bill or alternative), and no record on tender defaulters list.
• Functionality: Minimum qualifying score of 70 out of 100 points. Bids below 70% are disqualified.
• Criterion A (20 points): Previous company experience in municipal government sphere – submit signed appointment and reference letters not older than 5 years. 5+ letters = 20 pts, 2-4 letters = 10 pts, 1 letter = 0 pts.
• Criterion B (50 points): Key Personnel – Registered Attorney with recognized professional body and experience in forensic/UIFW investigation (30 pts for 5+ yrs, 20 pts for 3-4 yrs, 10 pts for 1-2 yrs). Admitted Attorney with LPC (20 pts for 5+ yrs, 10 pts for 3-4 yrs, 5 pts for 1-2 yrs). Submit brief CV, certified qualifications, and proof of registration.
• Criterion C (20 points): Methodology – 3 to 5 pages describing approach and steps. Satisfactory = 20 pts, Fair = 10 pts, Unsatisfactory = 5 pts.
• Criterion D (10 points): Support Staff – Two support staff with CV and qualifications in Criminology & Forensic Studies/Law = 10 pts, One = 5 pts.
• After functionality, price (80 points) and specific goals (20 points) are scored using the 80/20 system. Highest total points wins.
• Tie-breaker: highest specific goals points, then highest functionality score, then drawing of lots.

• Scope: Conduct a forensic investigation into one of Nongoma Municipality’s projects.
• Specific objectives:
• Verify deliverables against the Bill of Quantities (BoQ).
• Identify who commissioned any deviations.
• Assess the role of the user department throughout the project.
• Determine value for money.
• Check if deviations were approved by the designated authority.
• Establish if there was any unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful (UIFW) expenditure.
• Evaluate oversight and risk mitigation during the project.
• Identify potential fraud and corruption.
• Assess the role of the Professional Engineer.
• Verify if the Project Management Unit (PMU) performed due diligence before recommending payments.
• Interview all stakeholders, including the Steering Committee.
• Ensure alignment with relevant legislation and guidelines.
• Formulate recommendations to improve internal controls and prevent recurrence.
• Support the Acting Municipal Manager with recommendations and consequence management.
• Duration: Investigation must be completed within 90 days from appointment.
• The municipality reserves the right to reject substandard work not in line with applicable forensic investigation guidelines.

• Submit a methodology (3 to 5 pages) demonstrating knowledge of the work and how it will be undertaken, step by step.
• Methodology will be scored as Satisfactory (20 points), Fair (10 points), or Unsatisfactory (5 points).

• Company experience: Submit signed appointment and reference letters for successfully completed projects in the municipal government sphere, not older than 5 years. 5+ letters = 20 pts, 2-4 letters = 10 pts, 1 letter = 0 pts.
• Key Personnel: A Registered Attorney with a recognized professional body, with experience in forensic/UIFW investigation. Submit brief CV, certified qualifications, and proof of registration.
• 5+ years forensic experience = 30 pts, 3-4 years = 20 pts, 1-2 years = 10 pts.
• Admitted Attorney with LPC: 5+ years = 20 pts, 3-4 years = 10 pts, 1-2 years = 5 pts.
• Support Staff: Submit brief CVs and certified qualifications in Criminology & Forensic Studies and/or Law. Two support staff = 10 pts, one = 5 pts.

• The municipality reserves the right to reject work that is substandard or not in line with applicable guidelines for forensic investigation.
• The investigation must be guided by relevant legislation and proper forensic procedures.

• Use MBD 3.3 Pricing Schedule (Professional Services).
• Provide a lump sum price for the forensic investigation service, including VAT (15%).
• Indicate a ceiling price covering all phases and expenses, inclusive of taxes.
• List personnel with hourly and daily rates.
• State commencement period (days) and estimated man-days.
• Confirm if rates are firm for the contract period; if not, specify adjustment basis (e.g., CPI).
• Offer valid for 90 days from closing date.

• Pricing must be submitted on the official MBD 3.3 Pricing Schedule (Professional Services).
• Provide a ceiling price covering all phases and expenses, inclusive of all applicable taxes.
• List all personnel involved with their hourly and daily rates.
• Indicate the period required to commence work after acceptance (in days).
• State estimated man-days for completion.
• Confirm whether rates are firm for the full contract period; if not, specify adjustment basis (e.g., CPI).
• Offer must be valid for 90 days from closing date.
• Payment terms: No payment without an official purchase order. Payments will be settled within 30 days from receipt of a proper invoice, provided services are delivered to the municipality’s satisfaction.
• The successful bidder must sign a written contract (MBD 7) and a service level agreement before commencing work.

• Registration on National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) is compulsory. Submit a CSD number or report.
• Valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) certificate or SARS PIN required. For consortia/joint ventures, each party must submit separately.
• Foreign suppliers must complete the pre-award questionnaire (Part B:3).
• Submit CIPC company registration documents (except sole traders).
• Provide ID copies of all directors, members, or shareholders.
• Certificate of Authority for the signatory.
• Company account confirmation letter from the bank.
• Proof of address: Company municipal utility bill (rates) matching CSD address, not older than 2 months, with no arrears exceeding 3 months. If not applicable, provide alternative proof (Ward Councillor/Inkosi letter or lease agreement with landlord’s utility bill).
• Directors’ proof of residence (same conditions as above).
• Qualification of key personnel in Criminology and Forensic Studies.
• Bidders must not be listed on the Register of Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers list.
• No bids from persons in the service of the state.
• B-BBEE: Preference points (20) are awarded for specific goals: HDI Women (max 5 pts), HDI Youth (max 5 pts), and RDP (max 10 pts for enterprises in KZN or South Africa). Verification via CSD report and proof of address.
• A successful bidder must sign a skills transfer agreement with the municipality.

• Preference points (20) are awarded for specific goals under the 80/20 system.
• Goals: HDI Women (max 5 pts: 100% women-owned = 5 pts, ≥51% = 3 pts), HDI Youth (max 5 pts: 100% youth-owned = 5 pts, ≥51% = 3 pts), RDP (max 10 pts: enterprise in KZN = 10 pts, in South Africa = 5 pts).
• Verification: Full CSD report not older than 2 months, and proof of business operating address matching CSD.

• The bid is subject to the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) and any special conditions.
• The successful bidder must sign a written contract (MBD 7) and a service level agreement before providing services.
• The contract will be aligned with the Government Procurement General Conditions of Contract (2010).
• The bidder indemnifies the municipality against costs or damages arising from breach of bid conditions.
• The municipality may disqualify bidders engaged in collusive tendering, anti-competitive conduct, corruption, or fraud.
• No tender shall be awarded to bidders on the Register of Tender Defaulters or Restricted Suppliers list.
• The municipality may withdraw an award or cancel a contract if a bidder is later found to be blacklisted.
• The bid document prevails over any oral or written information from briefing sessions unless expressly amended.
• The municipality is not liable for costs incurred in preparing or delivering tenders.
• The municipality reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any bid, and may appoint more than one bidder.

• The tender and its acceptance are subject to the terms and conditions described in the document.
• The municipality is not liable for any costs incurred in preparing or delivering tenders.
• The bidder must not be in the service of the state.
• The municipality may verify any information submitted; incorrect information may lead to disqualification.

• Complete and sign MBD 1, MBD 3.3, MBD 4, MBD 6.1, MBD 8, and MBD 9. Failure to do so may invalidate your bid.
• Submit all compulsory returnable documents as listed in the responsiveness criteria.
• The successful bidder must sign a skills transfer agreement.

• Functionality evaluation with minimum qualifying score of 70% (70/100 points).
• Criteria: Company experience (20 pts), Key Personnel (50 pts), Methodology (20 pts), Support Staff (10 pts).
• Only bids achieving 70% proceed to price and specific goals evaluation under the 80/20 PPPFA system.