Research and advisory services for the finance environment (RFQ 10415546)

Rand Water's Finance Division requires research and advisory services to support the transition of the Finance function into a future-fit, insights-driven, digitally enabled operating model. Services include strategic finance advisory, technology insights and ERP optimisation, governance/risk/audit advisory, operating model redesign, data and analytics maturity, talent development, on-demand research tools, AI in finance, metrics and reporting, cost management, growth planning, CFO leadership, transformation leadership, digital finance maturity, fintech roadmap, M&A, sustainability reporting, and more. The provider must be an established research organisation with a verifiable client base of over 5,000 enterprises and provide 3 user licences.

Closing date: 01 October 2026 at 11:00

Issue date: 28 September 2026

Briefing session: Not applicable (non-compulsory briefing not applicable)

Buyer

• Contact: Betty Sithole
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 011 682 0411

Sourcing Manager

• Contact: Tshepo Morare
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 011 682 0724

Submissions must be emailed to [email protected].

Submission method: email

Submission email: [email protected]

Closing time: 01 October 2026 at 11:00

Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided, not re-typed. Late bids will not be accepted. Clarifications, addenda or closing date extensions will be issued no later than one calendar day before closing.

Compulsory returnable documents (must be completed and signed):

• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses whether any director or shareholder is employed by an organ of state or connected to anyone at Rand Water; false declarations disqualify.
• Company Resolution Letter: proof of authority to sign.
• COIDA Certificate.

Scoring returnable documents (non-submission scores zero for that criterion, but does not disqualify):

• B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate (SANAS approved), sworn affidavit for EMEs/QSEs, or the dtic B-BBEE certificate.
• Functionality evaluation supporting documents.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to disclose all CSD-registered active companies linked to directors.
• Failure to price all items in the pricing schedule.
• Late submission.

Evaluation stages:

1. Pre-qualification: Not applicable.
2. Functionality evaluation (minimum qualifying score: 70/100).
3. Preferential points: 80/20 system (80 price, 20 specific goals).

Functionality criteria (total 100 points):

• Previous Related Experience (25 points): signed reference letters on client letterhead or completion certificates for comparable finance transformation projects. Rating: None=0%, Weak=33.3% (1 reference), Moderate=66.7% (2 references), Good=100% (3 or more references).
• Human Resource Capacity (25 points): organogram showing project team structure, key resources, reporting lines, roles and responsibilities. Required roles: Project Manager, Accounts Manager, relevant SMEs. Rating: None=0%, Weak=33.3%, Moderate=66.7%, Good=100%.
• Equipment Resource Capacity (25 points): on-demand research tool, governance/risk/audit advisory frameworks, AI (e.g. chatbot). Rating: None=0%, Weak=33.3%, Moderate=66.7%, Good=100%.
• Work Breakdown/Schedule/Project Programme (25 points): credible schedule with clear project duration within estimated timelines. Rating: None=0%, Weak=33.3%, Moderate=66.7%, Good=100%.

Preference points (specific goals):

• B-BBEE Level 1 = 20 points, Level 2 = 18, Level 3 = 14, Level 4 = 12, Level 5 = 8, Level 6 = 6, Level 7 = 4, Level 8 = 2, Non-compliant = 0.
• Bidders without a B-BBEE certificate or affidavit are not disqualified but score zero for the 20 points.

Rand Water's Finance Division requires research and advisory services to support the transition of the Finance function into a future-fit, insights-driven, digitally enabled operating model. The provider will offer on-demand strategic guidance across financial transformation, digital finance, risk, governance, ERP optimisation and talent professionalisation.

Core services required:

• Strategic finance advisory and transformation roadmaps aligned to public sector mandates.
• Technology insights and ERP optimisation (e.g. Oracle), including automation (RPA, blockchain, process mining), change management and finance tech portfolio optimisation.
• Governance, risk and audit advisory frameworks (e.g. BarnOwl), internal controls, compliance, audit modernisation and enterprise risk management.
• Operating model redesign using agile principles, Shared Services, Centres of Excellence and performance systems.
• Data and analytics maturity: dashboards, BI tools, data governance.
• Talent development and professionalisation: competency models, leadership frameworks, upskilling pathways.
• On-demand research tools: portals, toolkits, maturity models, peer insights, cost optimisation frameworks.
• AI in finance: adoption trends, strategy, roadmap, use cases, skills.
• Metrics, storytelling and management reporting: KPIs, dashboards, data visualisation.
• Cost management: reduction tactics, benchmarking, allocation.
• Growth planning and capital budgeting: strategic planning, M&A best practices, due diligence.
• CFO role and leadership effectiveness.
• Transformation leadership: team design, planning, change management.
• Digital finance maturity assessment.
• Fintech roadmap aligned to organisational objectives.
• Mergers and acquisitions: research, valuation and diagnostics across sectors (utilities, chemical manufacturing, IT, operational technology).
• Sustainability reporting: frameworks and metrics for ESG reports.

Mandatory requirements:

• Provider must be an established research organisation with a verifiable client base of over 5,000 enterprises.
• A total of 3 user licences required.
• Maximum of one supplier will be awarded this RFQ.

Bidders must demonstrate proven experience in supporting Finance transformation initiatives from strategy development to execution and implementation of mission-critical Finance priorities. Evidence required: signed reference letters on client letterheads or completion certificates for comparable projects, including project description, client contact details, commencement and completion dates, contract value (where permissible), and confirmation of services rendered. Track record of supporting senior finance executives in large public sector entities or similarly scaled organisations is required. Human resource capacity: organogram showing project team structure, key resources, reporting lines, roles and responsibilities. Required roles: Project Manager, Accounts Manager, relevant subject matter experts.

Pricing schedule must be completed in full; failure to price all items results in disqualification. Line items: Annual Research and Advisory access, User Licenses (3), Conferences and peer meetings, ERP/Tech Advisory (Oracle, CaseWare, etc.), Objective technology research and insights, Talent Development/Competency Framework Design and Document Review Service, Management research and best practices, Benchmarks and diagnostics, Access to experts, Toolkits and guides. Format: subtotal exclusive of VAT, VAT or other applicable taxes, total inclusive of all taxes. Prices deemed to include all taxes; no VAT may be added after award. Bidders must be registered for VAT with SARS where applicable.

Pricing schedule: complete all line items; failure to price all items results in disqualification.

Line items:

• Annual Research and Advisory access
• User Licenses (quantity: 3)
• Conferences and peer meetings
• ERP / Tech Advisory (Oracle, CaseWare, etc.)
• Objective technology research and insights
• Talent Development / Competency Framework Design and Document Review Service
• Management research and best practices
• Benchmarks and diagnostics
• Access to experts
• Toolkits and guides

Pricing format: subtotal exclusive of VAT, VAT or other applicable taxes, total inclusive of all taxes. Prices deemed to include all taxes, duties and statutory obligations. Bidders must be registered for VAT with SARS where applicable. Bids excluding VAT cannot add VAT after award.

Payment terms: no advance payments; payment within 30 days after submission of monthly statement. Fixed prices, no adjustments unless agreed in writing.

CSD registration: required; supplier registration number (MAAA) and tax compliance status PIN must be recorded.

Tax compliance: valid tax compliance status; VAT registration with SARS where applicable.

B-BBEE: SANAS accredited B-BBEE certificate, sworn affidavit for EMEs/QSEs, or the dtic B-BBEE certificate required to claim preference points. Non-submission scores zero for B-BBEE but does not disqualify.

COIDA: valid COIDA certificate required.

SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): mandatory; discloses employment by organ of state and relationships with procuring institution.

Company Resolution Letter: proof of authority to sign.

No pre-qualification criteria apply.

Specific goals: Rand Water's specific goals are to empower previously disadvantaged designated groups, evaluated using SANAS accredited B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit for QSE/EME or the dtic B-BBEE certificate. Points awarded per B-BBEE status level: Level 1=20, Level 2=18, Level 3=14, Level 4=12, Level 5=8, Level 6=6, Level 7=4, Level 8=2, Non-compliant=0. Bidders not submitting a certificate will score zero for B-BBEE but will not be disqualified.

Sustainability reporting: the provider must supply reporting frameworks and measurement metrics for sustainability reports and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) framework/reports.

General terms and conditions of the Purchase Order include:

• Fixed prices, no adjustments unless agreed in writing.
• Delivery times are fixed; Rand Water may cancel orders for late delivery without cancellation fees.
• Rand Water may reject defective or non-conforming goods within 7 days of delivery; replacement at bidder's cost.
• Penalty and performance clause: daily penalty deductions for each day a failure persists.
• Force majeure: bidder must notify Rand Water in writing within 48 hours of becoming aware.
• Guarantee and warranty: 12 months from acceptance, free from defects; repairs/replacements carry same warranty.
• Payment: no advance payments; payment within 30 days after monthly statement.
• Termination for convenience: Rand Water may terminate with written notice; bidder submits claim for equitable adjustment within 30 days.
• Termination for default: Rand Water may terminate if bidder fails to cure within 10 days of notice.
• Confidentiality: bidder must treat all information as confidential.
• Insurance: bidder must maintain adequate insurance including professional indemnity.
• Compliance with laws and Rand Water procurement policies.
• Governing law: South African law; jurisdiction of South African courts.
• POPIA compliance for processing personal information.
• Authority to bind: contract only valid if signed by delegated authorities of both parties.

The RFQ is evaluated on functionality criteria (total 100 points): Previous Related Experience (25 points) - signed reference letters or completion certificates for comparable finance transformation projects, rated on a four-point scale (None=0%, Weak=33.3% for 1 reference, Moderate=66.7% for 2 references, Good=100% for 3+ references); Human Resource Capacity (25 points) - organogram and roles for Project Manager, Accounts Manager, and relevant SMEs, rated on a four-point scale; Equipment Resource Capacity (25 points) - on-demand research tool, governance/risk/audit frameworks, and AI chatbot, rated on a four-point scale; Work Breakdown/Schedule/Project Programme (25 points) - credible schedule with project duration, rated on a four-point scale. Minimum functionality score of 70% required to proceed. 80/20 preferential point system: 80 points for price, 20 for specific goals (B-BBEE status level).