Appointment of an independent external auditor for agrément south africa (3-year term)

Background: Agrément South Africa was established as a Schedule 3A entity on 1 April 2017 under the Agrément South Africa Act. The entity operates under delegation of authority from the Minister of Public Works. Its main objectives are to provide assurance of fitness-for-purpose of non-standard construction-related products and systems, support integrated socio-economic development, promote certified non-standardized products, support policymakers in risk minimization, and be an impartial internationally acknowledged centre for assessment.

{"closingDate":"28 September 2026","closingTime":"12:00 PM"}

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Returnable Documents: of fact may result in the disqualification of a tender, or cancellation of any subsequent contract.

Content of the proposal: The proposal must include company profile and relevant experience; full description of similar work including fees for projects in the past 5 years; client reference letters for similar public sector audit work; composition of the project team with specified qualifications and experience; abridged CVs of each team member; evidence of IRBA registration; latest satisfactory IRBA firm-level review results or engagement partner's review score; detailed statement on independence as per Annexure B; company registration documents and ID of directors; latest audited annual financial statements (2024/25). The financial proposal must indicate the proposed annual cost, overall fixed price for the three-year period inclusive of VAT and disbursements, and a breakdown of anticipated out-of-pocket expenses.

Bidders must be registered on the National Treasury's Central Supplier Database (CSD). Mandatory documents include completed and signed SBD 4 and SBD 6.1 forms, company registration documents, signed General Conditions of Contract, evidence of IRBA registration for at least two partners, detailed independence statement as per Annexure B, and the latest audited financial statements (2024/25 financial year). Additional requirements include a minimum of three contactable reference letters, the latest satisfactory IRBA firm-level or engagement partner review score, and a completed price schedule. Failure to meet any mandatory requirement leads to disqualification. A conflict of interest—such as any ASA board member, management, or staff being a partner or part-owner of the firm—disqualifies the bidder.

Request for proposals

Appointment of an independent external auditor for the provision of external

Audit services to agrément south africa for a period of 3 years

RFP Number ASA 02/2026

Date of Issue 04 September 2026

Closing date 28 September 2026 (12:00 PM)

Submissions [email protected]

Supply Chain Management and Technical enquiries may be directed to:

[email protected]

The Agrément South Africa Act was accented to by the Honourable President of the Republic of South

Africa as Act No from 1 April 2017. Agrément South Africa was established as a Schedule

3A entity on 1 April 2017. The entity operates under a delegation of authority from the Minister of

Public Works.

The main objectives are:

• To provide assurance of fitness-for-purpose of non-standard construction-related products

and systems to specifiers and users.

• To support and promote the process of integrated socio-economic development in the

Republic as it relates to the construction industry.

• To support and promote the introduction and use of certified non-standardized construction-

related products or systems in the local or international market.

• To support policymakers in minimizing the risk associated with the use of non-standard

construction-related products or systems; and

• To be an impartial and internationally acknowledged South African centre for assessment and

confirmation of fitness-for-purpose of non-standard construction-related products or systems

2. Objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to appoint a reputable independent external audit service provider

to provide an independent audit opinion of the accounts, financial statements, annual performance

report and annual financial reports of ASA for a period of 3 years.

The external auditor must adhere to and meet all statutory requirements of the Public Audit Act,2004

(Act No. ) the International Auditing Standards (ISA) and such requirements as may be set

by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).

3. Scope of work and project deliverables

The independent external auditor will be required to:

a. Perform an audit in accordance with the Public Audit Act of South Africa (Act No. 25

Auditing and the Public Finance Management Act and National Treasury Regulations,

including required interim work in order to limit the time required after year end.

b. In accordance with the Public Audit Act of South Africa and the General Notice issued in terms

thereof, report on the findings relevant to performance against predetermined objectives,

accounts, financial statements, financial management, general controls, information systems

audit, compliance with laws and regulations and other reports required by the Public Finance

Management Act and National Treasury Regulations.

c. Determine the scope, methodology and approach per AGSA guidelines and legislative

requirements (i.e. Public Audit Act) and prepare the Audit Strategy (Audit Planning

Memorandum) with a detailed budget for approval by the Board.

d. Communicate audit findings to management and ensure they are fully aware of the implications

to business operations.

e. Provide a final report with management responses on corrective actions and the presentation

thereof to the Audit & Risk Committee.

f. Review the financial information in the annual report prior to publishing.

g. Attend and provide input to the Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) meetings, per invitation.

h. Perform a review and express an opinion on the National Treasury financial statements template

based on the statutory work performed by 31 July each year.

All bidders must please note that ASA is classified as a small audit in terms of Auditor- General

classification.

4. Expertise and Capacity

The key criteria to be considered for the suitability of the independent external auditor include the

following:

a. Have knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the public sector; and an

understanding of ASA’s regulatory universe.

b. The independent external auditor must demonstrate that they:

i. Have sufficient in-house capacity to perform statutory audits for ASA.

ii. Will not be over-reliant on ASA audit fees (i.e. audit fees from ASA must not exceed

15% of its total revenue). In other words, the independent external auditor should

be a going concern without depending on ASA’s audit fees.

c. Have a minimum of two (2) partners, including the engagement partner

d. The bidder must provide evidence of satisfactory results (i.e., the latest Independent

Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) firm-level review results conducted in the past three

(3) years) of the partner(s) committed to the assignment.

e. Independence and Objectivity – No conflict of interest. A firm where any of the Board

members, management, or staff of ASA are partners or part-owners will not be eligible

for appointment.

f. The independent external auditor will not, and has no right to, assign the audit contract

to third parties.

g. The independent external auditor will be bound to the Code of Conduct and

confidentiality as per the International Auditing Standards in the course of their duties.

h. The independent external auditor must have a quality control system in place as required

by International Standard on Quality Control (ISQC 1).

5. Professional Membership and Registration.

It is mandatory that the audit engagement partner of the preferred independent external

auditor overseeing ASA’s account be a Registered Auditor (RA) with the Independent

Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA). Similarly, the preferred independent external auditor

(audit firm) must also be registered with the IRBA.

6. Project timeframe.

The term of the appointment is for a period of 3 years, subject to annual re-appointment in line with

the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. (as amended), Public Audit Act, 2004

(Act No. ) and the annual performance review by the Audit and Risk Committee.

7. Content of the proposal

i. Company profile and relevant experience.

ii. Full and comprehensive description of similar work, including fee per project undertaken in

the past 5 years.

iii. Client reference letters where the bidder has successfully concluded similar audit work

within the public sector in terms of scope and complexity.

iv. Composition of the project team.

Bidders must note that the proposed engagement partner and engagement manager will be the

contracted resources. The project team must at least have the following experience.

Team member Qualification/Experience

Two (2) Partners, Quality reviewer Registered Auditor, with 10 years of experience for each

partner

Senior Audit Manager Registered CA(SA), 5 years of experience

Trainee Accountant BCom: Accounting and SAICA article registration

Should the proposed team members be replaced during the tenure of the contract, they should have

similar qualifications and experience to the previous resource.

v. Abridged CV of each member of the proposed team

(qualifications, experience, expertise, nationality).

vi. Evidence of registration with IRBA.

vii. The latest satisfactory IRBA firm-level review results or the engagement partners’ latest

satisfactory IRBA review score (attained in respect of the inspection conducted in the last

three (3) years).

viii. Detailed statement on the independence of the bidder and the proposed external audit

team as per Annexure B.

ix. Company registration documents and ID of registered directors.

x. Latest Audited Annual Financial Statements (2024/25 financial year)

b. For the Financial Proposal, the following is required:

i. The Financial Proposal must indicate the proposed annual cost for the service, which gives

an indication of the following:

1. Overall fixed price for the three - year fixed period must be inclusive of VAT and

disbursements.

2. A breakdown of these anticipated out-of-pocket expenses (disbursements) must be

provided.

8. Evaluation Process

After the closing date, an appointed Bid Evaluation Committee will evaluate the proposals received.

The following evaluation process shall be followed:

a. Submission of procurement documents.

• Latest National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) report. It must be noted that

no contract with a service provider will be entered if such a service provider is not

registered on the CSD,

• Completed and signed standard bidding documents, SBD 4 and SBD 6.1 forms.
• The disclosure in the SDB 4 Form must be true and complete in every respect (Take

specific note of Paragraph 2.3 of the disclosure).

• Company registration documents.
• Signed General Conditions of Contract.

b. Mandatory Requirements:

• Minimum of three (3) contactable reference letters.
• Attach evidence of registration with IRBA for a minimum of two (2) partners.
• Joint ventures must provide signed agreements/resolution between the two parties.
• The latest satisfactory IRBA firm-level review results or the engagement partners’ latest

satisfactory IRBA review score (attained in respect of the inspection conducted in the last

three (3) years).

• Detailed statement on the independence of the bidder and the proposed external audit

team as per Annexure B.

• Attach the latest audited financial statements. (2024 to 2025 financial year)
• Completed Price Schedule.

Nb: failure to meet any of the mandatory requirements above will lead to the bidder

To be disqualified.

c. Evaluation

i. Phase 1: Technical Specification and Functionality Evaluation

The bids shall first be evaluated for functionality. A minimum score of 75% must be obtained on

functionality before a proposal is considered for further evaluation. Details of the functionality

scoring and how the points shall be allocated are as follows:

Criteria for functionality weight scoring guideline

At least three contactable reference letters where 0 contactable reference letters relevant to the

similar services rendered within the past 5 years in assignment = 0 points

the public sector, external audit. (40)

40 1 contactable reference letter relevant to the

The reference letters must have the following:

assignment = 1 point

Company letterhead, contact name, contact details,

duration of contract, a brief description of the

2 contactable reference letters relevant to the

services that you provided, and a good level of

assignment = 2 points

satisfaction.

3 contactable reference letters relevant to theNB: Contactable reference letter must comply with

assignment = 3 pointsall the requirements as stated above.

4 contactable reference letters relevant to the

assignment =4 points

5 and more contactable reference letters relevant to the

assignment = 5 points

Capacity

The bidders must submit, as part of its proposal the Engagement or Audit Partner

following:

Years IRBA IRBA and any

experience registered other relevant

professional

30 registration

10 Score = 3 Score = 4

12- 14 Score = 4 Score = 5

14 Score = 5 Score = 5

Criteria for functionality weight scoring guideline

Audit Manager

Years Not SAICA IRBA and

experienc registered any other SAICAThe structure and composition of the proposed

e profession

registeredteam, clearly outlining the main disciplines/ al

specialities of this audit and the key personnel registratio

n relevant

responsible for each speciality. Please refer to

to the

Annexure A of this document for the format in assignmen

which the required information must be provided. t

• Two (2) Audit partners (15) Below 5 Score = 0 Score = 2 Score = 3

5 Score = 1 Score = 3 Score = 4

• Audit Manager (10)

6 Score = 2 Score = 4 Score = 5

• South African Trainee Accountants

7 and Score = 3 Score = 5 Score = 5

(5)

more

Submit the condensed CV’s of the key resources to South African Trainee Accountants

work on the project. Bidder Must provide a minimum of three (3) Trainee

Accountants with an Accounting degree or

equivalent.

No South African Trainee Accountants = 0 point

One (1) to two (2) South African Trainee Accountants =

1 point

Three (3) and above South African Trainee

Accountants = 5 points

Criteria for functionality weight scoring guideline

The bidder MUST confirm that

• They will not be over-reliant on

Proposed audit fee more than 15% of the bidder's total

ASA audit fees (i.e., audit fees

30 revenue as per submitted AFS = 0 points

from ASA must not exceed 15% of

its total revenue). In other words,

Proposed audit fee less than 15% of the bidder’s the independent external auditor

revenue as per submitted AFS = 5 points

should be a going concern without

depending on ASA’s audit fees.

(30)

Total 100

The following formula will be used to convert the points scored against the weight:

So

Ps= (Ms) X weighting percentage for section under consideration

Where:

Ps = Percentage scored for functionality by bid under consideration

So = Total score of bid under consideration

Ms = Maximum possible score

Service providers will be expected to achieve a minimum threshold score of 75% in order to proceed

to Phase 2.

ii. Phase 2: Calculation of points

Please note for acquisitions below or equal to R50 Million, ASA evaluates these in terms of the 80/20

preference point system where:

80 points are allocated for price and 20 points will be awarded based on the specific goals.

Points for price will be calculated for all shortlisted service providers in accordance with the

following formula:

 Pt − P min  Ps = 80 1 − 

 P min 

Where:

Ps = Points scored for the price of the quotation under consideration

Pt = Price of the quotation under consideration

Pmin = Price of lowest acceptable quotation

Preference points for the specific goals will be allocated as follows:

NO. specific goals preference points supporting evidence to be submitted

Allocated points allocation

1. SMMEs 5 points - A B-BBEE certificate /sworn affidavit as

supporting evidence

• CSD report.

2. 50% Black female 5 points - CSD report or,

ownership - Company registration certificate, as

issued by the CIPC, clearly indicating

the percentage shareholding of all

owners

3. 50% Black youth 5 points - CSD report,

ownership - Company registration certificate, as

issued by the CIPC, clearly indicating

the percentage shareholding of all

owners, or

• Identification Documentation of all

owners

4. 50% People with 5 points - CSD report,

disabilities ownership - Company registration certificate, as

issued by the CIPC, clearly indicating

the percentage shareholding of all

owners, or

• Identification Documentation of all

owners

The final points will be calculated as follows:

Criteria weighting points

Price 80

Specific goal 20

Total 100

ASA also reserves the right to conduct an investigation of the bidder’s financial position, previous

contracts carried out, availability of skills or knowledge, existing workload, etc.

A recommendation for award will then be formulated for approval by the relevant delegated

authority.

9. Terms of contract and service level agreement

Before the bid is awarded, the successful bidder shall be required to enter into a Service Level

Agreement (SLA) with Agrément South Africa (ASA). The SLA shall form the contractual basis for

the delivery of the service as well as how performance shall be measured. Contract extensions are

at the sole discretion of ASA.

10. Price schedule.

Category No of audit Hours per Total hours Rate per hour Total

personnel resource

(A) (B) (C = A x B) (D) (C x D)

Engagement or Audit Partner

Second partner review (if

applicable)

Engagement Quality

Control reviewer

(AGSA Pre-Issuance Reviewer)

Senior Audit Manager

IT Audit Manager

Audit Senior

Audit Assistant/ Trainee

Accountant

Other (specify)

Total excluding VAT

Vat @ 15%

Total audit costs inclusive of VAT

• Year 1

Total audit costs inclusive of VAT

• Year 2

Total audit costs inclusive of VAT

• Year 3

Total

Fees must be quoted at an inclusive rate for the different levels of proposed resources to be utilised,

as listed below:

11. Copyright and intellectual property rights.

In consideration of the fees paid, the service provider expressly assigns to ASA any copyright arising

from the works the consultant produces while executing this contract. The consultant may not use,

reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorise others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works

without prior consent from ASA.

12. Final approval

ASA reserves the right not to accept the lowest bid. ASA also reserves the right to reject any or all

of the proposals, and/or not to appoint any service provider.

13. Procedure for submission of proposals.

14. 1 All proposals must be submitted electronically to [email protected].

13.2 Respondents must use the RFP number as the subject reference number when submitting their

bids.

13.3 All documents submitted electronically via e-mail must be clear and visible.

13.4 All proposals, documents, and late submissions after the due date will not be evaluated.

Proposals and documents not received by ASA by closing date and time will not be considered.

Nb: NO hard copies or physical submissions will be accepted

14. Validity period of proposal

Each proposal shall be valid for a minimum period of 150 days calculated from the closing date.

15. Appointment of service provider

15.1 The contract will be awarded to the bidder who scores the highest total number of points

during the evaluation process, except where the law permits otherwise.

15.2 Appointment as a successful service provider shall be subject to the parties agreeing to

mutually acceptable contractual terms and conditions. In the event of the parties failing to

reach such agreement, ASA reserves the right to appoint an alternative supplier.

15.3. Awarding of contracts will be announced on the National Treasury website, and no regret

letters will be sent to unsuccessful bidders.

15.4. Awarded bidder will be appointed following conformance of AGSA.

16. Enquiries and contact with asa

16.1 Any enquiry regarding this RFP shall be submitted in writing to ASA at

[email protected] with RFP NO: ASA 01/2026 “The provision of external auditors for

the provision of external audit to Agrement South Africa for a period of 3 years”.

16.2 Any other contact with ASA personnel involved in this Proposal is not permitted during the RFP

process other than as required through existing service arrangements or as requested by ASA as part

of the RFP process.

17. Medium of communication

All documentation submitted in response to this RFP must be in English.

18. Cost of proposal

Tenderers are expected to fully acquaint themselves with the conditions, requirements, and

specifications of this RFP before submitting proposals. Each bidder assumes all risks for resource

commitment and expenses, direct or indirect, of proposal preparation and participation throughout

the RFP process. ASA is not responsible directly or indirectly for any costs incurred by tenderers.

19. Correctness of responses

19.1 The bidder must confirm satisfaction regarding the correctness and validity of their proposal

and that all prices and rates quoted cover all the work/items specified in the RFP. The prices

and rates quoted must cover all obligations under any resulting contract.

19.2. The bidder accepts that any mistakes regarding prices and calculations will be at their own risk.

20. Verification of documents

20.1 Bidders should check the numbers of the pages to satisfy themselves that none are missing or

duplicated. ASA will accept no liability concerning anything arising from the fact that pages are

missing or duplicated.

20.2 Only one electronic copy of the proposal must be submitted via email to

[email protected]. If the bidder sends more than one proposal, the first submission

shall take precedence should it not have been recalled/withdrawn in writing by the bidder.

21. Additional terms and conditions

21.1 A tenderer shall not assume that information and/or documents supplied to ASA, at any time

prior to this request, are still available to ASA, and shall consequently not make any reference

to such information document in its response to this request.

21.2 Copies of any affiliations, memberships and/or accreditations that support your submission

must be included in the tender.

21.3 An omission to disclose material information, a factual inaccuracy, and/or a misrepresentation

of fact may result in the disqualification of a tender, or cancellation of any subsequent contract.

21.4 Failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions as set out in this document will invalidate

the proposal.

22. Asa reserves the right to

22.1 Extend the closing date.

22.2 Verify any information contained in a proposal.

22.3 Request documentary proof regarding any tendering issue.

22.4 Appoint one or more service providers, separately or jointly (whether or not they submitted

a joint proposal).

22.5 Award this RFP as a whole or in part.

22.6 Cancel or withdraw this RFP as a whole or in part

23. Disclaimer

This document is only an RFP is a request for proposals only and not an offer document. Answers to

this RFP must not be construed as acceptance of an offer or imply the existence of a contract between

the parties. By submission of this proposal, tenderers shall be deemed to have satisfied themselves

with and to have accepted all Terms & Conditions of this RFP. ASA makes no representation, warranty,

assurance, guarantee or endorsements to tenderer concerning the RFP, whether with regard to its

accuracy, completeness or otherwise and ASA shall have no liability towards the tenderer or any other

party in connection therewith.

24. Popia.

Protection of Personal Information - All bidders agree that personal information of persons related to

or linked with bidders or respondents to this request for proposals may be required to fulfil the

requirements for submitting a bid. All bidders agree that the ASA may collect, keep and process such

information provided that the aforesaid uses shall be for purposes of evaluating the bid submitted.

Where the information is sought to be used for other purposes, further and specific consent shall be

obtained.

Price Schedule: The bidder must complete a price schedule with categories for personnel (Engagement/Audit Partner, Second partner review, Engagement Quality Control reviewer, Senior Audit Manager, IT Audit Manager, Audit Senior, Audit Assistant/Trainee Accountant, Other), number of audit personnel, hours per resource, total hours, rate per hour, and total. Fees must be quoted at an inclusive rate for the different levels of proposed resources. The schedule includes totals for each year and overall total, with VAT at 15%.

Minimum functionality/qualifying score: 75%

minimum score of 75%

CSD report

CSD report or,

CSD report,

Central Supplier Database (CSD) report

of fact may result in the disqualification of a tender, or cancellation of any subsequent contract.

All bidders must please note that ASA is classified as a small audit in terms of Auditor- General

Points Allocation: 80 points

B-BBEE Details: e awarded based on the specific goals.

Points for price will be calculated for all shortlisted service providers in accordance with the

following formula:

Terms of Reference

 Pt − P min  Ps = 80 1 − 

 P min 

Where:

Ps = Points scored for the price of the quotation under consideration

Pt = Price of the quotation under consideration

Pmin = Price of lowest acceptable quotation

Preference points for the specific goals will be allocated as follows:

NO. specific goals preference points supporting evidence to be submitted

Allocated points allocation

1. SMMEs 5 points - A B-BBEE certificate /sworn affidavit as

supporting evidence

• CSD report.

2. 50% Black female 5 points - CSD report or,

ownership - Company registration certificate, as

issued by the CIPC, clearly indicating

the percentage shareholding of all

owners

3. 50% Black youth 5 points - CSD report,

ownership - Company registration certificate, as

issued by the CIPC, clearly indicating

the percentage shareholding of all

owners, or

• Identification Documentation of all

owners

4. 50% People with 5 points - CSD report,

disabilities ownership - Company registration certificate, as

issued by the CIPC, clearly indicating

the percentage shareholding of all

owners, or

• Identification Documentation of all

owners

The final points will be calculated as follows:

Terms of Reference

Criteria weighting points

Price 80

Specific goal 20

Total 100

ASA also reserves the right to conduct an investigation of the bidder’s financial position, previous

contracts carried out, availability of skills or knowledge, existing workload, etc.

A recommendation for award will then be formulated for approval by the relevant delegated

authority.

9. Terms of contract and service lev

[email protected]

Terms of Reference

1. Background

The Agrément South Africa Act was accented to by the Honourable President of the Republic of South

Africa as Act No from 1 April 2017. Agrément South Africa was established as a Schedule

3A entity on 1 April 2017. The entity operates under a delegation of authority from the Minister of

Project timeframe: The term of the appointment is for a period of 3 years, subject to annual re-appointment in line with the Public Finance Management Act, Public Audit Act, and the annual performance review by the Audit and Risk Committee.

Cost of Proposal: Tenderers are expected to fully acquaint themselves with the conditions, requirements, and specifications of this RFP before submitting proposals. Each bidder assumes all risks for resource commitment and expenses, direct or indirect, of proposal preparation and participation. ASA is not responsible for any costs incurred by tenderers.

Expertise and Capacity: The bidder must have knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the public sector and ASA's regulatory universe; demonstrate sufficient in-house capacity to perform statutory audits; not be over-reliant on ASA audit fees (fees from ASA must not exceed 15% of total revenue); have a minimum of two partners including the engagement partner; provide evidence of satisfactory IRBA firm-level review results from the past three years; maintain independence and objectivity with no conflict of interest; not assign the audit contract to third parties; be bound to the Code of Conduct and confidentiality per International Auditing Standards; and have a quality control system in place as required by ISQC 1.

8. Evaluation Process

After the closing date, an appointed Bid Evaluation Committee will evaluate the proposals received.

The following evaluation process shall be followed

satisfactory IRBA review score (attained in respect of the inspection conducted in the last

c. Evaluation

i. Phase 1: Technical Specification and Functionality Evaluation

The bids shall first be evaluated for functionality. A minimum score of 75% must be obtained on

functionality before a proposal is considered for further evaluation. Details of the functionality

scoring and how the points shall be allocated are as follows

Criteria for functionality weight scoring guideline

similar services rendered within the past 5 years in assignment = 0 points

assignment = 2 points

assignment = 3 pointsall the requirements as stated above.

assignment =4 points

assignment = 5 points

10 Score = 3 Score = 4

12- 14 Score = 4 Score = 5

14 Score = 5 Score = 5

• Two (2) Audit partners (15) Below 5 Score = 0 Score = 2 Score = 3

5 Score = 1 Score = 3 Score = 4

6 Score = 2 Score = 4 Score = 5

owing formula will be used to convert the points scored against the weight

Ps = Percentage scored for functionality by bid under consideration

So = Total score of bid under consideration

Ms = Maximum possible score