Accredited service provider for anonymous tip-off services — etdp seta

Procurement: Tip-Off Anonymous whistleblowing hotline service for ETDP SETA

Purpose: enable anonymous reporting of fraud, corruption, unethical conduct, irregularities by internal and external stakeholders; protect whistleblower identity; ensure thorough investigation and accurate reporting to Audit Committee Chairperson

Entity: ETDP SETA (public entity under Skills Development Act, mandate to advance skills in ETD sector)

Service scope: 24/7/365 live answering, all SA languages, toll-free/email/fax channels, biweekly reports, system reporting, ethics/fraud prevention support

Contract: SLA for 3 years 3 months

Accreditation requirements: ISO certified, Ethics Institute SA accredited

Evaluation: administrative → mandatory (Ethics SA) → functionality (min 80/100, with site inspection) → price & specific goals (80/20)

Submission: electronic, three folders, before 16 Nov 2026 11:00

Bid documents available from: 30 October 2026 at 12:00 (ETDP SETA website and National Treasury e-portal)

Closing date and time: 16 November 2026 at 11:00

Submissions must be received before closing time — no late submissions accepted

Site inspection: date not specified in document; conducted by SETA officials per Annexure A after document review (bidders scoring ≥40/65 in document review qualify)

No compulsory briefing session indicated

Enquiries (written only):

• Role: Supply Chain Manager
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: not provided

Submission email: [email protected]

General ETDP SETA contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.etdpseta.org.za
• Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 204 937
• Sms: 49017

No physical delivery address specified for submissions (electronic only)

Submission method: electronic via email to [email protected]

Closing: 16 November 2026 at 11:00

Structure: three folders — Folder A (Stage 1 Administrative), Folder B (Stage 2 Phase A Mandatory and Phase B Functionality), Folder C (Stage 3 Price & Specific Goals)

All documents must be fully completed, signed with witness signatures where required, and all applicable boxes ticked

ETDP SETA accepts no responsibility for missing information in the submission

Returnable forms (all mandatory):

• SBD 1 Invitation to Bid: signed offer cover page with bidder details
• SBD 4 Declaration of Interest: discloses state employment or connections of directors/shareholders
• SBD 6.1 Specific Goals: claims B-BBEE preference points under 80/20 system
• General Conditions of Contract (GCC): completed in full
• SARS Unique Security PIN: for tax compliance verification prior to award
• Costing Model: final priced, VAT-inclusive, signed
• B-BBEE evidence: valid SANAS certificate, CIPC certificate, or sworn affidavit
• Proof of Ethics SA accreditation: letter or certificate
• Company experience and reference letters (signed, on referee letterhead, with project name, duration, recommendation)
• Project Manager and Account Manager CVs with experience details
• CSD registration proof

Disqualification risks: late, incomplete, or unsigned submissions; missing any mandatory form or document; failure to meet minimum functionality score of 80/100; failure to score 40/50 in site inspection; blacklisted or deregistered entities

Three-stage evaluation:

Stage 1 Administrative Compliance (Folder A): pass/fail on submission of SBD 1, SBD 4, SBD 6.1, GCC, SARS PIN, CSD registration — failure disqualifies

Stage 2 Phase A Mandatory Requirements (Folder B): proof of Ethics SA accreditation — failure disqualifies

Stage 2 Phase B Functionality (Folder B): minimum qualifying score 80/100, comprising:

• Company experience (30 pts): 5+ years fraud hotline = 15; 3-4 years = 10; 1-2 years = 5
• Contactable references (15 pts): 3+ letters = 15; 2 = 5; 1 = 3 (must be on letterhead, signed, dated, with project name, duration, recommendation)
• Project Manager experience (10 pts): 5+ years = 10; 3-4 = 5; 1-2 = 3
• Account Manager experience (10 pts): 5+ years = 10; 3-4 = 5; 1-2 = 3
• Document review subtotal (65 pts): minimum 40 pts required to qualify for site inspection
• Site inspection per Annexure A (50 pts): minimum 40 pts required to proceed to pricing

Stage 3 Price & Specific Goals (Folder C): 80/20 preference point system — Price 80, Specific Goals 20

Bids must be valid for 90 days

No subcontracting permitted

Joint ventures require consolidated B-BBEE certificate prepared for this bid only from SANAS agency, and each JV partner must hold Ethics SA accreditation

Scope: Tip-Off Anonymous whistleblowing hotline service for ETDP SETA

Key service features:

• ISO certified (certificates from Business Ethics SA and ISO required)
• Accredited by Ethics Institute of South Africa (mandatory)
• 24/7/365 live call answering
• Support for all 11 South African official languages
• One unique toll-free number, unique email address, free fax line
• Biweekly reporting
• System-based report extraction capability
• Support for broader ethics programme and fraud prevention plans
• Guaranteed anonymity and security of whistleblower information
• Ability to handle cases of any nature
• Investigations reported to Audit Committee Chairperson
• Project Manager allocated as single point of contact

Contract duration: 3 years and 3 months from date of last signatory to Service Level Agreement

Service delivery: national (ETDP SETA stakeholders internal and external)

Site inspection per Annexure A (criteria not detailed in document)

Company experience: fraud hotline services

• 5+ years = 15 pts; 3-4 years = 10 pts; 1-2 years = 5 pts

References: minimum 3 contactable reference letters on referee letterhead (signed, dated, with project name, duration, recommendation)

• 3+ letters = 15 pts; 2 = 5 pts; 1 = 3 pts

Key personnel (CVs required):

• Project Manager: 5+ years = 10 pts; 3-4 = 5 pts; 1-2 = 3 pts
• Account Manager: 5+ years = 10 pts; 3-4 = 5 pts; 1-2 = 3 pts

Minimum 40/65 in document review to qualify for site inspection

Ethics SA accreditation mandatory for all bidders (including JV partners)

Quality measured through:

• Site inspection per Annexure A (50 points, minimum 40 to proceed)
• Document review of experience and references (minimum 40/65 to qualify for site inspection)
• ISO certification and Ethics SA accreditation as quality proxies
• 24/7/365 service availability requirement
• Biweekly reporting and system-based report extraction
• Support for all official languages
• Anonymity and security guarantees

No explicit QA/QC standards, certifications beyond ISO/Ethics SA, or quality management system requirements stated

Pricing schedule: fixed costing model (must not be modified)

Line items:

1. Year 1 whistle blowing hot line service
2. Year 2 whistle blowing hot line service
3. Year 3 whistle blowing hot line service
4. Additional 3 months ending 30 March 2026 (likely contract months 37-39)

Sub-total, VAT @ 15%, Total Cost

All costs VAT-inclusive if VAT-registered

Currency: ZAR

Must be final, signed, and submitted in Folder C

80/20 evaluation: Price 80 points, Specific Goals 20 points

Pricing format: fixed costing model for whistle blowing hot line service — must not be modified

Cost components (all VAT-inclusive at 15% if VAT-registered):

• Year 1 costing
• Year 2 costing
• Year 3 costing
• Additional 3 months ending 30 March 2026 (note: likely typo; contract is 3 years 3 months from award)
• Sub-total, VAT @ 15%, Total Cost

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

Price must be final, include VAT, and signed

Bid validity: 90 days

80/20 preference points: Price 80, Specific Goals 20

No bid security, bond, guarantee, or retention amounts specified

No turnover or financial capacity thresholds stated

Penalty fee may be applied if service not completed per SLA (clause 5 of Bid Conditions)

Mandatory eligibility:

• Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration — no award without it
• Valid SARS tax compliance (Unique Security PIN submitted for verification)
• B-BBEE evidence: valid SANAS-accredited certificate, CIPC certificate, or sworn affidavit (required to claim specific goals points; non-submission = zero points)
• Ethics Institute of South Africa accreditation (letter or certificate) — mandatory, failure disqualifies
• ISO certification (Business Ethics SA and ISO certificates)
• No blacklisting on National Treasury database
• Not deregistered or in process of deregistration at CIPC
• Directors/owners not linked to blacklisted entities
• No subcontracting allowed
• Joint ventures: consolidated B-BBEE certificate for this bid only from SANAS agency; each partner must hold Ethics SA accreditation

Returnable forms (all fully completed, signed, witnessed where applicable):

• SBD 1 Invitation to Bid
• SBD 4 Declaration of Interest
• SBD 6.1 Specific Goals
• General Conditions of Contract (GCC)

Company experience: fraud hotline services, with signed reference letters on referee letterhead (project name, duration, recommendation)

Key personnel: Project Manager and Account Manager with relevant experience (CVs attached)

Minimum functionality score: 80/100 overall; 40/65 in document review; 40/50 in site inspection

Intellectual property: all content/material remains ETDP SETA property; handover required on completion

POPIA/PAIA compliance acknowledged on submission

No specific occupational health and safety requirements stated in the document

Whistleblower safety and anonymity are paramount service requirements

No HSE compliance, safety plans, or OHS certifications mentioned

Contract form: Service Level Agreement (SLA) for 3 years 3 months from last signatory

ETDP SETA reserves right to: not appoint highest scorer; negotiate price; cancel bid and not award; include penalty fees for non-completion per SLA

Bid validity: 90 days

No subcontracting permitted

Joint venture requirements: consolidated B-BBEE certificate for this bid only (SANAS); each partner must hold Ethics SA accreditation

Intellectual property: ETDP SETA sole owner of all content/material; no sharing during or after contract; handover mandatory on completion

Referral permission: service provider must seek permission to use ETDP SETA as reference

Verification: ETDP SETA may visit shortlisted providers to verify premises, resources, equipment

Blacklisted/deregistered entities excluded; due diligence on successful bidders

POPIA/PAIA: submission grants consent for personal information processing per ETDP SETA policies

Detailed in evaluationCriteria section above — no additional criteria beyond the three-stage process described

Returnable forms

• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form in terms of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022): must be completed and submitted with the bid to claim preference points for specific goals.
• Supporting proof for each claimed specific goal must be submitted with the tender; failure to submit proof means specific goal points are not claimed.

Scoring split

• Price: 80 points
• Specific goals: 20 points
• Total: 100 points

Preference point system

• The tender uses an 80/20 preference point system (80 points for price, 20 points for specific goals).

Claiming specific goal points

• Proof or documentation for each claimed specific goal must be submitted with the tender; otherwise specific goal points are not claimed.
• The organ of state may require a tenderer to substantiate any preference claim before or after adjudication.

Consequences of fraudulent or unfulfilled claims

• Disqualification from the tendering process.
• Recovery of costs, losses or damages incurred by the organ of state.
• Cancellation of the contract and damages for less favourable replacement arrangements.
• Restriction from doing business with any organ of state for up to 10 years, after a hearing.
• Possible referral for criminal prosecution.

Documentary evidence for specific goals claims

• B-BBEE Certificate issued by a SANAS accredited verification agency, or a sworn affidavit, or a CIPC B-BBEE Certificate: required for ownership claims (100% black owned, at least 51% black owned, 100% black women-owned, at least 51% black women-owned, at least 51% youth owned).
• ID copy of the director or owner: required for ownership claims.
• Medical report or certificate: required where at least 51% of the business is owned by disabled persons.
• B-BBEE Certificate, sworn affidavit or CIPC B-BBEE Certificate: required for SMME/QSE/EME status.
• Company registration documents: required for SMME/QSE/EME status.
• Cooperatives, NPCs, NPOs or CBOs registration documents issued by CIPC or the Department of Social Development: required for those entity types.
• Proof of municipal account: required to claim points for a business located in the province where goods and services are required, or located in South Africa.

Consequences of fraudulent specific goal claims

• The tenderer may be disqualified from the tendering process.
• The organ of state may recover costs, losses or damages it has incurred or suffered.
• The contract may be cancelled and the organ of state may claim damages for having to make less favourable arrangements.
• The tenderer or contractor, its shareholders and directors (or only those who acted fraudulently), may be recommended for restriction from obtaining business from any organ of state for a period not exceeding 10 years, after the audi alteram partem rule has been applied.
• The matter may be forwarded for criminal prosecution if deemed necessary.

Bidders claiming exempted micro enterprise (EME) status must submit a commissioner-signed sworn affidavit

The affidavit must declare enterprise details and type of entity; black ownership percentage using the flow-through principle; black female ownership percentage; black designated group ownership percentage and breakdown; and annual total revenue of R10,000,000.00 or less based on the latest financial year-end

B-BBEE level contributors are: Level One (100% black owned), Level Two (at least 51% black owned), or Level Four (less than 51% black owned)

B-BBEE requirements: Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) status applicable

Required evidence: commissioner-signed sworn affidavit declaring enterprise details, type of entity, black ownership percentage (flow-through principle), black female ownership percentage, black designated group ownership percentage and breakdown, and annual total revenue of R10,000,000.00 or less from the latest financial year-end

B-BBEE level options: Level One (100% black owned), Level Two (at least 51% black owned), Level Four (less than 51% black owned)

The ETDP SETA requires an accredited service provider to operate a tip-off anonymous (whistleblower hotline) service. The service must handle confidential reports of fraud, corruption, and unethical practices. Bidders are evaluated on multilingual capability, call centre staffing, business continuity, and reporting technology via a site inspection worth 50 points (minimum 40 to proceed to price evaluation).

Enquiries

• Email: [email protected]
• Email: [email protected]
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.etdpseta.org.za
• Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 204 937
• Sms: 49017

No named SCM or technical contact provided in this annexure.

Two-stage evaluation:

1. Site inspection / functionality (50 points) — minimum 40 points required to qualify for price evaluation.

• Communication in SA official languages (Capability): 20 points max

• 11 official languages = 20 points

• 7 official languages = 15 points

• 5 official languages = 10 points

• Call centre assessment – minimum 2 agents on site (Capacity): 10 points max

• Minimum two agents = 10 points

• One agent = 2 points

• Business continuity plan specific to project: 15 points max

• Hybrid working system (laptop, connectivity, ability to respond during loadshedding)

• Backup of data (online) = 5 points

• Access to information if building destroyed

• System generating report: 5 points

• Online system where manager can access/generate reports

2. Price and preference points (80/20 or 90/10 system not specified in this annexure).

Scope: Appointment of an accredited service provider to conduct tip-off anonymous (whistleblower) services for ETDP SETA.

Key requirements:

• Multilingual capability: ability to communicate in South African official languages (minimum 5, up to 11).
• Call centre capacity: minimum two agents on site.
• Business continuity plan specific to the project, including hybrid working system (laptop, connectivity, loadshedding resilience), online data backup, and access to information if building destroyed.
• Reporting system: online system allowing managers to access and generate reports.
• Site inspection will assess physical/virtual setup against above criteria.

Quality assessed through site inspection scoring 50 points. Bidders must achieve at least 40 points to proceed to price evaluation. Criteria cover language capability, staffing adequacy, business continuity resilience, and reporting system functionality.

Not specified in this annexure. Standard requirements for ETDP SETA tenders typically include:

• CSD registration
• Valid tax compliance status (SARS tax PIN)
• B-BBEE certificate (SANAS accredited) or sworn affidavit (EME ≤ R10m, QSE ≤ R50m)
• CIPC registration
• No CIDB grading required (non-construction service).

Not directly addressed. Business continuity plan requirement includes ability to operate during loadshedding and building destruction scenarios, implying operational resilience planning.

See evaluationCriteria section above.

Terms of reference for the appointment of an accredited service provider to conduct tip off anonymous services for the ETDP SETA.

Professional services for conducting tip off anonymous services.

Closing date: 16 November 2026 at 11h00.

No compulsory briefing or site visit mentioned in the document.

Technical enquiries: Mr Sibusiso Kutshwa.

Bidding procedure enquiries: Mrs Siphesihle Nzima.

Email: [email protected].

Telephone number not clearly stated in document.

Submission address: bid box situated at street address (address not fully specified in document).

Bids must be delivered by 11h00 on 16 November 2026 to the bid box situated at the street address.

Late bids will not be accepted for consideration.

All bids must be submitted on official forms provided and must not be re-typed.

The successful bidder will be required to sign SBD 7 (Contract Form).

Returnable forms include SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid) and a B-BBEE status verification certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) to qualify for preference points.

Bids may be couriered and deposited in the bid box or sent via email to [email protected].

CSD registration or TCS PIN from SARS Revenue Service is required.

Bidders must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) or hold a valid TCS PIN from SARS.

Foreign-based suppliers seeking B-BBEE preference are not eligible.

Bidders must not be in the service of the state, and no director or shareholder may be a person in the service of the state.

The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 and Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2017 apply.

B-BBEE preference points will be claimed under the 80/20 or 90/10 preference point system.

Bidders must complete and answer the questionnaire truthfully regarding RSA residency, permanent establishment, income source, and tax liability.

Terms of reference for the appointment of an accredited service provider to conduct tip off anonymous services for the ETDP SETA.

Professional services for conducting tip off anonymous services.

VAT registration number required.

Supplier tax compliance system central compliance PIN from SARS Revenue Service required.

No specific bid security, guarantees, or retention amounts stated in the document.

CSD registration on the Central Supplier Database is required.

Valid TCS PIN from SARS Revenue Service required, or CSD number if TCS PIN unavailable.

B-BBEE status verification certificate or sworn affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) must be submitted to qualify for preference points.

Bidders must not be in the service of the state, and no director or shareholder may be a person in the service of the state.

Bidders must declare RSA residency, permanent establishment status, and income source in RSA.

Tax compliance requirements must be met.

Evaluation criteria

• Bidder must be an accredited service provider for tip-off anonymous services.
• Valid SARS tax clearance certificate (or tax compliance status PIN) required.
• Compliance with National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) local-content obligations.
• Ability to furnish performance security (bank guarantee, irrevocable letter of credit, or certified cheque) and insurance as specified in the Special Conditions of Contract.
• No record of corrupt or fraudulent practices per GCC definitions.
• Additional eligibility conditions per the Special Conditions of Contract.