RFI: hybrid litigation model for road accident fund (raf) legal panel

• Closing date: 14 August 2026.
• Closing time: 11:00.
• No compulsory briefing session. Clarifications must be sought via email.

• For bid enquiries: Demand Management.
• Email: [email protected].
• All enquiries must be submitted in writing via email before the submission date.

• Submit your response via email to [email protected].
• The closing date is 14 August 2026 at 11:00.
• No compulsory briefing session is scheduled. Use the provided email for clarification.
• Required returnable documents include:

• Proof of a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate for the firm.
• A detailed proposal addressing the RAF's requirements, including your firm's ability, experience, organogram, conflict of interest disclosure, and prior findings.
• Your pricing schedule.
• Any other relevant information.

• The RAF reserves the right to use your proposal in other procurement processes, which may lead to an award.
• Ensure all enquiries are submitted in writing before the submission deadline and reference specific paragraph numbers where applicable.

• Indicate bidding structure (individual, joint venture, consortium, using subcontractors, other).
• Provide details for each member or subcontractor as required.
• Mark required documents as submitted (Yes/No).

Applicants must be: (1) Eligible, registered Service Providers in terms of applicable laws of the Country; (2) Included on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD); (3) NOT listed on the National Treasury register for Restricted Suppliers and/or Tender Defaulters (automatic disqualification applies); (4) Possess a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate for the firm; (5) Law firms with proven experience in handling RAF matters; (6) All proposed attorneys must be admitted by the High Court and enrolled on the practicing roll with the Legal Practice Council (LPC).

• The RAF seeks information on a Hybrid Litigation Model to address escalating litigation, mounting default judgments, and under-resourced internal capacity.
• The model involves a dual-representation system: State Attorneys handle core litigation, supported by a panel of private attorneys for overflow, regional demand, urgent applications, and specialised matters.
• Centralised governance by a strengthened Legal Administration Department will oversee all litigated matters.
• Expected outcomes include:

• Reduction in default judgments.
• Improved compliance with court directives and the 2025 Mandatory Mediation Directive.
• Better trial readiness and mediation outcomes.
• Lower overall legal costs.
• A centralised governance structure.
• Strengthened institutional reputation.

• Scope of work for bidders includes processing all notices, pleadings, discovery, RAF4 processes, mediation, expert coordination, settlement negotiations, pre-trial conferences, trial attendances, and routine disbursements.
• Bidders must propose a fixed fee per file for a 3-year contract period, covering the above scope but excluding advocate/counsel fees, expert witness fees, appeals beyond the High Court, and separately mandated post-judgment work.

• The RAF reserves the right to use bidder proposals in other procurement methods, potentially leading to an award.
• The Hybrid Litigation Model is a structured approach to improve defence of matters, file preparation, court rule compliance, and cost control through centralised oversight, early file preparation, integrated technology, and clear allocation frameworks.

• Bidders must demonstrate:

• Ability to undertake the scope of work and provide recommendations on the hybrid model.
• Years of experience in RAF matters, supported by CVs and case histories.
• An organogram showing resources proposed, with all attorneys admitted by the High Court and enrolled with the Legal Practice Council.
• Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest affecting RAF matter handling.
• Disclosure of prior findings by courts or organs of state related to RAF matters.

• Provide fixed costs per matter for Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3.

• Bidders must propose a fixed fee per file for a 3-year contract period.
• The pricing schedule must include separate fixed costs per matter including VAT for Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3.
• The fixed fee must cover all notices, pleadings, discovery, RAF4 processes, mediation, expert coordination, settlement negotiations, pre-trial conferences, trial attendances, and routine disbursements.
• Excluded from the fixed fee are advocate/counsel fees (requiring authorisation), expert witness fees, appeal processes beyond the High Court, and separately mandated post-judgment work.

• The service provider must be an eligible, registered entity under South African law and listed on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database.
• Companies or directors listed on the National Treasury register for Restricted Suppliers or Tender Defaulters will be automatically disqualified.
• Registered law firms must provide proof of a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate.

• The RAF is a Schedule 3A public entity established under the Road Accident Fund Act, 1996.
• Its mandate is to provide compulsory social insurance cover, rehabilitate and compensate road accident victims, and promote road safety.

• The RAF reserves the right to use bidder proposals in other procurement methods, which may result in an award.

• Service providers must be registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database.
• Entities listed as Restricted Suppliers or Tender Defaulters will be disqualified.

• Contact: Demand Management.
• Email: [email protected].