Request for information: paper-based enterprise and supplier development programmes for higher education institutions

The Competition Commission of South Africa (CCSA) is developing a structured Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme to support sustainable enterprise participation through education, capability building, mentorship, market readiness and reliable evidence management. The proposed model distinguishes ED beneficiaries (not current suppliers) from SD beneficiaries (existing or strategically linked suppliers). This RFI seeks market information from public and private higher education institutions, business schools, universities of technology, TVET colleges, public training institutions and education-led partnerships to understand market capability, available programmes, delivery models, costs and outcomes before deciding on an implementation and sourcing approach.

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{"name":"Name: ____________________________________","email":"[email protected]","phone":null,"department":"Supply Chain Management","address":"interested in participating must register their interest by providing company name, contact"}

Returnable documents:

• Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) report.
• Completed pricing schedule (Annexure B).
• Completed information required from respondents (Section A).
• Any other documents as specified in the RFI.

Respondents must be public or private higher education institutions, business schools, universities of technology, TVET colleges, public training institutions, or education-led consortia. A consortium response must identify the lead institution, partner roles, governance arrangements, accountability, intellectual-property treatment and allocation of work. Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) is listed as a mandatory document. There is no stated requirement for tax clearance, B-BBEE level, CIDB grading, or a compulsory briefing. No pricing or evaluation methodology is specified as this is an RFI for market analysis.

1.1. The Competition Commission (Commission) is a statutory body constituted in terms of the

Competition Act, No. (the Act). It is one of three, independent competition regulatory

authorities established in terms of the Act, with the other two being the Competition Tribunal and

the Competition Appeal Court. The Commission is empowered by the Competition Act to

investigate, control and evaluate restrictive business practices, abuse of dominant positions,

mergers, undertake market inquiries and advocacy in order to achieve equity and efficiency in the

South African economy.

1.2. The Commission is developing a structured Enterprise and Supplier Development programme to

support sustainable enterprise participation through education, capability building, mentorship,

market readiness and reliable evidence management. The proposed model distinguishes ED

beneficiaries that are not current suppliers from SD beneficiaries that are existing or strategically

linked suppliers.

1.3. The Commission wishes to understand market capability, available programmes, delivery models,

costs and outcomes before deciding on an implementation and sourcing approach.

2. Purpose and objectives

2.1. The Commission invites market information from public and private higher education institutions,

business schools, universities of technology, TVET colleges, public training institutions and

suitable education-led partnerships. The RFI seeks to:

2.1.1. Identify credible ED and SD programmes lasting between 3 and 6 months.

2.1.2. Benchmark programme design, cohort size, geographic reach, accreditation and

certification options.

2.1.3. Obtain total cohort costs and comparable estimated costs per ED and SD beneficiary.

2.1.4. Assess delivery, beneficiary diagnostics, coaching, practical application and post-

programme support.

2.1.5. Understand monitoring, performance management, corrective action and impact

measurement.

2.1.6. Obtain proposed monthly management and quarterly EXCO reporting arrangements.

2.1.7. Explore co-funding, sponsorship, in-kind support and partnership models that improve

value for money.

T: +27(0) 12 394 3200 / 3320

F: +27(0) 12 394 0166

E: [email protected]

W: www.compcom.co.za

DTI Campus, Mulayo (Block C)

77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Private Bag X23, Lynnwood Ridge

0040, South Africa

3. Target respondents

3.1 Universities, universities of technology and recognised business schools.

3.2 Public and private higher education institutions and TVET colleges with enterprise-development

capability.

3.3 Public-sector academies or training institutions able to deliver business, governance,

procurement or supplier-development programmes.

3.4 Education-led consortia involving incubators, accelerators, professional bodies, DFIs, technology

partners or sector specialists.

3.5 A consortium response must identify the lead institution, partner roles, governance arrangements,

accountability, intellectual-property treatment and allocation of work.

4. Indicative programme scope

4.1. Respondents may propose separate ED and SD programmes, an integrated ESD programme,

or modular offerings. Each proposal must state the recommended duration within the 3 to 6

month range.

Programme indicative focus practical beneficiary

Area outputs

Business Registration, tax, CSD, policies, Compliance action plan,

formalisation and ethics, governance and records. governance pack and controlled

governance business records.

Tender and Bid interpretation, costing, Bid-readiness assessment,

procurement responsiveness, functionality and sample bid pack, costing model

readiness ethical bidding. and bid/no-bid tool.

Financial capability Bookkeeping, cash flow, pricing, Cash-flow forecast, pricing

invoicing, working capital and model, financial controls and

funding readiness. funding pack.

Digital enablement Productivity tools, secure Digital assessment, adoption

records, digital presence, e- plan, security checklist and

commerce and cyber awareness. usage evidence.

Operational Process, quality, risk, continuity, Process map, operational KPIs,

excellence service standards and resource quality plan and risk register.

planning.

Market access and Value proposition, customer Capability statement, opportunity

growth diversification, sales pipeline and map, growth plan and lead

lawful opportunity readiness. tracker.

Supplier For SD: delivery, SLA/KPI Supplier diagnostic, development

performance performance, contract plan, performance dashboard

administration and resilience. and corrective actions.

Leadership and Strategy, governance, leadership, Strategy-on-a-page, leadership

people negotiation and team capability. development plan and

accountability structure.

T: +27(0) 12 394 3200 / 3320

F: +27(0) 12 394 0166

E: [email protected]

W: www.compcom.co.za

DTI Campus, Mulayo (Block C)

77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Private Bag X23, Lynnwood Ridge

0040, South Africa

Sector-specific Technical learning aligned to Technical pathway, certification

capability priority sectors or spend plan and sector market-access

categories. plan.

5. Minimum programme design requirements

5.1 Eligibility screening and a documented baseline diagnostic for each beneficiary.

5.2 Separate ED and SD cohort objectives and intended outcomes.

5.3 An individual development plan with measurable milestones for each beneficiary.

5.4 A structured curriculum combining theory, practical application and enterprise outputs.

5.5 Individual coaching, mentoring or advisory clinics.

5.6 Entry, formative and exit assessment of learning and capability.

5.7 Attendance, participation, completion and at-risk beneficiary controls.

5.8 Quality assurance, facilitator standards and moderation where applicable.

5.9 Secure, audit-ready evidence files and clear record-retention arrangements.

5.10 Post-programme tracking and a sustainability measurement proposal.

6. Delivery model

Component required response

Mobilisation Governance, work plan, beneficiary onboarding, communication, consent

and readiness.

Diagnostics Tools, scoring, validation and translation into cohort and individual plans.

Learning delivery Hours, frequency, class size, modality, locations, platform, accessibility and

facilitator profile.

Applied learning Assignments, simulations, clinics, workplace projects and practical outputs.

Coaching and Ratio, frequency, matching, session records, quality review and escalation.

mentoring

Market and funding Networks, incubators, DFIs and opportunities without guaranteeing

linkages contracts or finance.

Performance Early-warning triggers, recovery plans, non-participation and exit rules.

intervention

Close-out Exit assessment, certification, evidence handover, beneficiary feedback

and lessons learned.

Aftercare Separately costed post-programme coaching, alumni support and outcome

tracking.

T: +27(0) 12 394 3200 / 3320

F: +27(0) 12 394 0166

E: [email protected]

W: www.compcom.co.za

DTI Campus, Mulayo (Block C)

77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Private Bag X23, Lynnwood Ridge

0040, South Africa

8. Monitoring, evaluation and performance management

8.1 Respondents must propose indicators with definitions, baselines, targets, frequency, data

source, responsibility and evidence. At minimum, the framework must address:

Dimension minimum measures evidence

Participation Enrolment, attendance, engagement, Registers, platform logs, session

coaching uptake, submissions and and assignment records.

completion.

Learning Pre/post assessments, module Assessment, moderation and

completion and certification. certification records.

Capability Diagnostic improvement and individual- Baseline/exit diagnostic and

plan milestones. milestone tracker.

Business Adoption of governance, financial, Approved outputs, usage evidence

systems operational, digital and compliance and beneficiary acknowledgement.

tools.

Financial Pricing, cash flow, records and funding Tools, records and

resilience readiness. applications/referrals.

Market access Opportunities pursued, proposals, Pipeline, opportunity map, referral

customer diversification and and progress records.

partnerships.

Growth and Revenue trajectory and jobs Beneficiary declarations and

employment supported/created where available and supporting records.

consented.

Supplier For SD: delivery, quality, SLA/KPI Supplier scorecard and

performance performance and resilience. development plan.

Value for Cost per enrolled/completed Financial report and outcome

money beneficiary, cost per outcome and register.

budget variance.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: The provider must actively manage delivery through leading

indicators, early warnings, corrective actions, milestone recovery and documented decisions on

beneficiary suspension, replacement or exit.

T: +27(0) 12 394 3200 / 3320

F: +27(0) 12 394 0166

E: [email protected]

W: www.compcom.co.za

DTI Campus, Mulayo (Block C)

77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Private Bag X23, Lynnwood Ridge

0040, South Africa

9. Governance and reporting

Report / frequency minimum content audience

Forum

Inception Once Work plan, governance, cohort, SCM / Steering

report diagnostics, risk, data, curriculum, report Committee

calendar and evidence index.

Operational Monthly Delivery, attendance, milestones, Programme

progress coaching, issues, actions, budget, Manager / SCM

report evidence status and next plan.

Management Monthly RAG status, KPI trend, beneficiary CFO /

dashboard status, financials, risks, decisions and Management

action log.

EXCO report Quarterly Outcomes, cost per beneficiary, value EXCO

for money, risks, assurance, inclusion,

case studies, forecast and decisions.

Exception As required Critical non-performance, ethical SCM / CFO

report concern, data incident, material delay,

cost risk or evidence gap.

Final close-out At completion Achievement against baseline, Management /

report outcomes, completion, costs, evidence, EXCO

lessons and sustainability.

Post- Proposed by Sustained business, market, funding and SCM /

programme respondent supplier outcomes. Management

report

10. Information required from respondents

Section required information

A. Executive Solution, differentiators, duration, cohort size, footprint and estimated

summary ED/SD unit cost.

B. Institutional Legal standing, recognition/registration, governance, campuses, relevant

profile unit and contact details.

C. Experience Comparable ESD, entrepreneurship, incubation or supplier programmes

completed in the last five years and references.

D. Programme Curriculum, outcomes, entry requirements, duration, accreditation, cohort

proposal and customisation.

E. Delivery Mobilisation, diagnostics, learning, coaching, accessibility, quality and

methodology aftercare.

F. Performance KPIs, data, beneficiary/provider performance, corrective action and

framework impact evaluation.

T: +27(0) 12 394 3200 / 3320

F: +27(0) 12 394 0166

E: [email protected]

W: www.compcom.co.za

DTI Campus, Mulayo (Block C)

77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Private Bag X23, Lynnwood Ridge

0040, South Africa

G. Governance Roles, forums, escalation, management/EXCO reports and evidence

and reporting assurance.

H. 3-, 4-, 5- and/or 6-month options, milestones, dependencies and

Implementation Commission inputs.

plan

I. Pricing Annexure B, total and unit costs, VAT, assumptions, optional items and

sensitivities.

J. Team Programme manager, facilitators, coaches, experts, M&E and quality

personnel.

K. Partnerships Partners, roles, networks, co-funding and commitment status.

L. Risk and data Risk, POPIA, security, consent, continuity, IP, retention and evidence.

M. Market Recommended contracting model, lots, cohort, lead time, evaluation and

recommendation payment milestones.

11. Pricing requirements

11.1. Pricing is for market analysis only. Provide South African Rand amounts and state whether VAT

is included or excluded. Disclose all assumptions, exclusions, fixed, variable, pass-through and

optional costs.

Cost element required disclosure

Programme design Customisation, curriculum, diagnostics and mobilisation.

Cohort delivery Facilitation, academic oversight, materials, platform, venues, travel

and administration.

Beneficiary support Diagnostic, development plan, coaching, advisory and beneficiary-

specific tools.

Monitoring and Data, dashboard, monthly management, quarterly EXCO and final

reporting impact reporting.

Assessment and Assessment, moderation, credits and certificates.

certification

Optional aftercare 3-, 6- and 12-month tracking or support, separately costed.

Value added Discounts, sponsorship, in-kind support, facilities, tools or funded

places.

Unit cost Cost per enrolled and completed ED beneficiary and SD beneficiary.

Sensitivity At least three cohort sizes and 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-month duration

options, where feasible.

Validity and Price validity, escalation, exchange exposure and cancellation

escalation conditions.

T: +27(0) 12 394 3200 / 3320

F: +27(0) 12 394 0166

E: [email protected]

W: www.compcom.co.za

DTI Campus, Mulayo (Block C)

77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Private Bag X23, Lynnwood Ridge

0040, South Africa

12. Confidentiality, popia and intellectual property

12.1. Respondents must protect non-public Commission information and describe

arrangements for beneficiary consent, collection, access, storage, transfer, retention and

destruction of personal information.

12.2. Respondents must identify pre-existing intellectual property, licensed content and

proprietary tools, and propose appropriate rights for the Commission and beneficiaries in

materials, dashboards, reports and beneficiary outputs.

13. Annexure b: pricing schedule

Cost item unit / qty unit cost total VAT total

Basis excl. VAT excl. VAT incl. VAT

Programme design

and customisation

Diagnostics and

development plans

Learning delivery

Coaching and

mentoring

Applied learning and

clinics

Digital platform and

materials

Assessment and

certification

Venue, travel and

catering

Beneficiary tools

Monitoring and

Indicative programme scope: Respondents may propose separate ED and SD programmes, an integrated ESD programme, or modular offerings, with recommended duration within the 3 to 6 month range. Programme areas include: business formalisation and governance, tender and procurement readiness, financial capability, digital enablement, operational excellence, market access and growth, supplier performance (for SD), leadership and people, and sector-specific capability. Minimum programme design requirements: eligibility screening and baseline diagnostic, separate ED and SD cohort objectives, individual development plans with measurable milestones, structured curriculum combining theory and practical application, coaching/mentoring, entry/formative/exit assessments, attendance and at-risk controls, quality assurance and moderation, secure audit-ready evidence files, and post-programme tracking. Delivery model components: mobilisation, diagnostics, learning delivery, applied learning, coaching and mentoring, market and funding linkages, performance intervention, close-out, and separately costed aftercare.

Monitoring, evaluation and performance management: Respondents must propose indicators with definitions, baselines, targets, frequency, data source, responsibility and evidence. Minimum dimensions: participation (enrolment, attendance, engagement, coaching uptake, submissions, completion), learning (pre/post assessments, module completion, certification), capability (diagnostic improvement, individual plan milestones), business systems (adoption of governance, financial, operational, digital and compliance tools), financial resilience (pricing, cash flow, records, funding readiness), market access (opportunities pursued, proposals, customer diversification, partnerships), growth and employment (revenue trajectory, jobs supported/created where available and consented), supplier performance for SD (delivery, quality, SLA/KPI performance, resilience), and value for money (cost per enrolled/completed beneficiary, cost per outcome, budget variance). The provider must actively manage delivery through leading indicators, early warnings, corrective actions, milestone recovery and documented decisions on beneficiary suspension, replacement or exit.

Pricing requirements: Provide South African Rand amounts and state whether VAT is included or excluded. Disclose all assumptions, exclusions, fixed, variable, pass-through and optional costs. Cost elements: programme design (customisation, curriculum, diagnostics, mobilisation), cohort delivery (facilitation, academic oversight, materials, platform, venues, travel, administration), beneficiary support (diagnostic, development plan, coaching, advisory, tools), monitoring and reporting (data, dashboard, monthly management, quarterly EXCO, final impact reporting), assessment and certification, optional aftercare (3-, 6-, 12-month tracking, separately costed), value added (discounts, sponsorship, in-kind support, funded places), unit cost (cost per enrolled and completed ED and SD beneficiary), sensitivity (at least three cohort sizes and 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-month duration options), and validity (price validity, escalation, exchange exposure, cancellation conditions). Annexure B pricing schedule includes cost items such as programme design, diagnostics, learning delivery, coaching, applied learning, digital platform, assessment, venue/travel, beneficiary tools, M&E, monthly management reporting, quarterly EXCO reporting, final impact report, optional aftercare, pass-through costs, and discounts/sponsorship. Cost-per-beneficiary sensitivity table covers durations of 3, 4, 5, and 6 months with cohort sizes of 10, 15, and 25.

CSD report (Central Supplier Database)

Central Supplier Database)

Business Registration, tax, CSD, policies, Compliance action plan,

Confidentiality: All information related to this RFI must be treated with strict confidence. Respondents must maintain confidential information confidential, not disclose or use it without authorisation, use it only for considering and responding to this RFI, and not reproduce it except as required. Access must be limited to those partners, officers, employees and advisers who need it for the RFI response. The bid remains the property of the CCSA. Respondents must protect non-public Commission information and describe arrangements for beneficiary consent, collection, access, storage, transfer, retention and destruction of personal information (POPIA). Respondents must identify pre-existing intellectual property, licensed content and proprietary tools, and propose appropriate rights for the Commission and beneficiaries in materials, dashboards, reports and beneficiary outputs.

Enquiries in respect of this RFI should be addressed to CCSA Supply Chain Management, E-mail: [email protected]. All queries must be e-mailed. Interested participants must register their interest by providing company name, contact person, telephone, cell number and email address, indicating the RFI number on the subject line.