Forensic investigation services for kwazulu-natal department of transport – material irregularities (12-Month contract)

{

"closingDate": "2026-07-08T11:00:00.000Z",

"briefingSession": null

}

{

"name": "Londiwe Zuma / Dikeledi Mnyandu",

"email": "[email protected] / [email protected]",

"phone": "033 355 0475 / 033 355 8600",

"department": "Department of Transport",

"address": "iNkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201"

}

Submission Guidance:

• Delivery: Bids must be delivered to the correct address by the stipulated closing time. Late bids will not be considered.
• Format: Use official provided forms; do not re-type or redraft documents. Photocopies are acceptable if they contain original signatures.
• Packaging: Bids must be in a separate sealed envelope clearly marked with the Bid number, closing date, and Respondent's name/address.
• Submission Method: No bids via post, courier, telefax, or telegraph will be accepted if received after the deadline. A specific bid box is provided at the Department of Transport Head Office.
• Validity: Any alterations must be initialled by the Respondent to avoid disqualification. Use of correcting fluid is prohibited.
• Public Opening: Bids will be opened in public shortly after the closing time.

Required Documentation:

• Signed Bid Form (SBD 7.2).
• Proof of Authority (e.g., Company Resolution).
• Tax Compliance Certificate/PIN.
• B-BBEE Certificate/Affidavit.
• Detailed CVs and Qualifications for proposed team members.
• Reference letters (3+ for forensic experience; 2+ for investigation experience).

Evaluation Framework:

• Functionality Assessment:
• Minimum Threshold: Bidders must score at least 80% in functionality to proceed. Failure to meet this threshold results in disqualification.
• Forensic Investigation Experience (20 points): 30 points for 3+ projects with valid client confirmation letters; 10 points for 2 projects; 0 points for no experience.
• Team Qualifications (30 points): 20 points if the team meets all requirements; 10 points if they have undertaken 2+ projects; 0 points if requirements are not met.
• Project Leader (20 points): 15 points for meeting all requirements and 10 years experience; 5 points for 5+ years experience; 0 points for no experience.
• Preference Points (80/20 System):
• Price: 80 points.
• Specific Goals: 20 points (e.g., promotion of KZN located enterprises).

Scope of Work:

• Objective: Conduct a comprehensive investigation into Material Irregularities (MI 01 and MI –26) identified by AGSA and the road P242.
• Key Tasks:
• Value for Money Assessment: Evaluate project execution against contractual/financial requirements and identify recoverable amounts.
• Wrongdoing Investigation: Identify misconduct, negligence, or breach of contract and recommend disciplinary/criminal actions.
• Project Accountability: Review decision-making, authority delegations, and systemic weaknesses.
• Technical Compliance: Evaluate engineering designs, supervision, and construction quality.
• Deliverables:
• Inception Report (within 10 working days).
• Bi-weekly Progress Reports.
• Draft Investigation Report (findings, financial impact, accountability).
• Final Investigation Report (suitable for AGSA, disciplinary, or criminal proceedings).
• Post-Investigation Support (testimony and evidence for hearings/audits).

Investigation Methodology:

• Required Approach:
• Review of contracts, correspondence, and payment records.
• Interviews with officials, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Financial, technical, and legal analysis.
• Evidence-based findings with verifiable documentation.
• Maintenance of a strict chain of custody for evidence.
• Deliverables include Inception, Progress, Draft, and Final Investigation Reports, plus post-investigation testimony/support.

Required Team Composition and Qualifications:

• Project Leader/Independent Investigator: Bachelor’s degree (Law, Forensic Auditing, Public/Business Admin, etc.) + 10 years experience + Registration (ACFE, IIA, or SAIGA).
• Registered Professional Engineer: Bachelor’s degree (Civil Engineering) + 10 years experience + ECSA (Pr Eng) registration.
• Project/Investigation Manager: Bachelor’s degree (Project/Engineering/Construction Management) + 8–10 years experience + Professional registration (PMSA, SACPCMP, etc.).
• Quantity Surveyor: Bachelor’s degree (Quantity Surveying) + 8 years experience + SACQSP registration.
• Financial/Forensic Accountant: Bachelor’s degree (Accounting, Finance, or Auditing) + 8 years experience (Postgrad in Forensic Accounting/Public Finance advantageous).

Quality and Inspection:

• Standards: All supplies must conform to specified standards.
• Inspection Rights: The purchaser reserves the right to inspect premises and records at all reasonable hours.
• Non-Compliance: If supplies/services fail inspection, the supplier is liable for costs and must replace/remedy the defect at their own expense.

Pricing Structure:

• Pricing must be firm and include all applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL).
• Deliverables to be priced: Investigation Planning/Methodology, Progress Reports, Inception Report, Inception Phase for Final Investigation, Post-Investigation Support/Testimony, and Contingencies Risk.

Financial Terms:

• Pricing: Only firm prices are accepted; non-firm prices (including exchange rate variations) will be rejected.
• Validity: Offers must be valid for 120 days from the closing date.
• Inclusions: All delivery costs and applicable taxes (VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL) must be included in the bid price.
• Payment Terms: Payments are made in Rand, typically within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice.

Compliance Requirements:

• Tax Compliance: Must provide a unique SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or a printed TCS certificate. Joint ventures must provide separate PINs/CSD numbers for all parties.
• B-BBEE: A valid B-BBEE Verification Certificate or Sworn Affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) must be submitted to qualify for preference points.
• CSD: Registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) is required.
• Professional Indemnity: Successful bidders must hold Professional Indemnity insurance with a minimum cover of R1,000,000.00.
• Conflict of Interest: Bidders must disclose if they or their directors are in the service of the state or have relationships with procuring officials.

B-BBEE compliance is required via a valid Verification Certificate or Sworn Affidavit (for EMEs & QSEs) to qualify for preference points.

Project Timeline:

• Investigation duration: 8–12 weeks from appointment.
• Compliance: Timelines must align with AGSA Material Irregularity remedial action requirements.
• Reporting: Any anticipated delays must be reported immediately with mitigation measures.

General Contractual Terms:

• Warranty: Goods/services must be new and free from defects. Warranty is valid for 12-18 months depending on delivery/shipment date.
• Performance Security: Successful bidders must furnish performance security within 30 days of award.
• Payment: Payments made within 30 days of invoice receipt.
• Variations: No modifications to the contract are permitted except via written amendment signed by both parties.
• Termination: The purchaser may terminate for default (failure to perform or breach of contract) or for insolvency. Termination may result in a restriction penalty of up to 10 years.
• Dispute Resolution: Parties must attempt amicable resolution via consultation; if unresolved after 30 days, mediation is required before litigation in a South African court.

General Conditions:

• Bids are subject to the PFMA, Treasury Regulations 16A, and KZN SCM Policy Framework.
• The Department reserves the right to negotiate with shortlisted respondents and to accept bids in whole or in part.

Mandatory Compliance:

• Tax Compliance: Valid SARS TCS PIN or CSD number required.
• Disclosure: Mandatory disclosure regarding employment by the state or relationships with procuring officials.
• Integrity: No participation in collusive bidding or restrictive practices.

Functionality Criteria:

• Minimum 80% score required to proceed.
• Forensic Investigation Experience (20 pts): 30 pts for 3+ projects; 10 pts for 2 projects; 0 pts for none.
• Team Qualifications (30 pts): 20 pts for meeting all requirements; 10 pts for 2+ projects; 0 pts if not met.
• Project Leader (20 pts): 15 pts for meeting all requirements and 10 years experience; 5 pts for 5+ years experience; 0 pts for none.
• Specific Goals: 20 points allocated for the promotion of KZN located enterprises.