REQUEST FOR BID

PROFESSIONALSERVICES

BID NUMBER: / BS/2016/RFB433
CLOSE / Date: / 07 November 2016
Time: / 11h00
DESCRIPTION: / Appointment of a service provider to provide Kuyasa Learnership Certificate in Management.
BRIEFING SESSION: / Yes / X / No

Respondent details

(Use this as a cover page for response document and envelope)

Company Name:
Completed by:
Company Postal address
Email:
Telephone:
Mobile number:
Date:
Original copy of documents or copy - Mark with X / ORIGINAL / COPY
  1. BANKSETA BACKGROUND

The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) is a statutory body established through the Skills Development Act of 1998 to enable its stakeholders to advance the national and global position of the banking and micro-finance industry. As guided by its mandate the BANKSETA is as such an agent of transformation and seeks to promote employment equity and broad-based BEE through skills development.

BANKSETA is an enabler of skills development and transformation in the broader banking & microfinance sector and supports people development through partnerships, skills development, alleviating unemployment, creating a brighter future and enabling change. BANKSETA focuses on SMEs, the youth, adult education, continuous professional development and research.

Skills development has been identified as a key requirement for economic growth in South Africa, as a result, the Skills Development Act provides a framework for the development of skills in the workplace. Amongst other things, the Act makes provision for skills development by means of a levy-grant scheme, and the establishment of 21 sector-specific Sector Education and Training Authorities – or SETAs – to administer the scheme’s funds, and manage the skills development process. Each separate economic sector has one SETA, and BANKSETA is the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority. BANKSETA is widely regarded as one of the best SETAs in South Africa. Successive years of unqualified audits confirm BANKSETA’s commitment to carrying out its mandate in a professional and accountable manner.

  1. BACKGROUND ON THE PROJECT/REQUIREMENT

The BANKSETA is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified service provider/s who is/are located in South Africa to provide training services for learnership initiatives, namely Kuyasa.

Any alliances between service providers will be entertained in this application, provided that evidence of formally agreed upon contracts form part of the proposal. The BANKSETA will not be responsible for establishing or managing any relationship formed as part of a joint venture or sub-contracting process. For example, the lead provider may need to source in another provider whose expertise entail training of learners with disabilities.

Whilst the BANKSETA is issuing this request for bid (RFB) in good faith, it reserves the right to cancel or delay the selection process at any time without explanation, and reserves the right not to select any of the respondents to this RFB, again without explanation. Further the BANKSETA reserves the right to only accept portions of a Vendor's proposal.

2.1Overall Reasons for the project.

KUYASA– The banking sector has indicated a continuing need for a post graduate programme to give unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain practical skill in the Banking and Micro Finance Sector.

2.2Overall objective(s) for the project.

The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) is seeking to appoint an accredited provider for a Certificate in Management qualification. The qualification should be registered with SAQA on NQF level 5 and should have a learnership registered for it.The number of KUYASA learners will be dependent on funding and is expected to range from 100 to 500 learners. This learnership is aimed specifically at unemployed learners with a valid Degree or three-year tertiary qualification with majors in financial accounting, economics, business economics etc., so that they gain a relevant qualification plus experience in the world of work and become more employable for careers within the Banking and Micro Finance Sector.

2.4Compliance requirements.

The BANKSETA is informed by a regulatory framework that includes and not limited to:

2.4.1Skills Development Act, No 97 of 1998 as amended by the Skills Development Act, within the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) framework;

2.4.2Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999 as amended by Act 29 of 1999);

2.4.3Treasury Regulations;

2.4.4The BANKSETA Policies and Procedures.

  1. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS SUBMISSION

This document sets out terms of reference for the request for proposals from external service providers for the KuyasaLearnership Programmein the broader banking and Inclusive Banking Sector.

  1. RFB TIMELINES

Activity / Time / Date
Compulsory briefing session. / 10h30 / 17October2016
Closing date / 11h00 / 07November 2016
Tender evaluation, Bidder Verification and Due Diligence / T.B.A / 08 – 18November 2016
Clarification presentations by Service Providers if required/ Due Diligence / T.B.A. / 21 – 25November 2016
Provisional Contract Award / T.B.A / 02December2016
Contract Signatures / T.B.A / 09December 2016
  1. SCOPE OF WORK

The qualification for the Kuyasa project is a Certificate in Management. A learnership should be registered towards the achievement of the qualification.

The programme should consist of six blocks of structured modules. For each module the learners are expected to successfully complete an assignment and an examination based on the academic content of the module

The course content should include but is not limited to the following:

  • Management and Leadership
  • Financial Management
  • Project Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Strategic Management

The project must cover the following:

a)Planning - The submission of a comprehensive overall training course plan and programme.

b)Training & Development – Development, Management and Delivery of training.

c)Learner Support - Mentoring, coaching and counselling of learners in all matters pertaining to the theoretical components of the learnership.

d)Certification and Graduation –All costs associated with certification and graduation. This includes all logistical arrangements such as academic gowns, transport of BANKSETA marketing collaterals to all graduation venues etc.

  • The delivery of learning must include contact sessions. Programme delivery refers to the delivery of training including taking responsibility for the logistical arrangements for the delivery including but not limited to the venue, lecturer and material towards the registered qualification that the learnership will culminate.Programme should also include an academic orientation and exit component.Provide the learners with the approved time schedule on the first day of the induction course.
  • The assessment addresses the theoretical and practical components and provision should be made for re-assessment of learners who are not yet competent after the first assessment.
  • The provider will be responsible for all cost and logistics arrangements in respect of graduations but not limited to venues, catering gowns, photography, video banners and etc.
  • The proposal must also include an exit programme to enable the learners who are not employed in the formal economy upon completion of the learnership to seek alternative income generating activities.
  • The proposal must include a brief outline of the time schedule for learning the programme outline including specific out comes for each module, details of the material that will provided to the learner and details of the learner support mechanisms.
  • The provider need to provide learners support. Learners support refers to mentoring, coaching and counselling of learners in all matters pertaining to the theoretical component of the learnership.
  • The provider needs to provide a toolkit for the mentors / coaches from the organisation where the learners will be hosted to enable them to support the learners with projects / assignments in the work place.

5.1.Duration of the contract.

5.1.1.The duration of the contract will be 3 years; subject to paragraph 5.1.2 and 5.1.3.

5.1.2.Bankseta reserves the right to renew the contract annually based on availability of funds, provider performance and continued need.

5.1.3.In all cases bidders notice is drawn to the following: In terms of its licensing agreement, BANKSETA has existing rights until 31 March 2018. All services/goods required in this request for bid extending beyond this date are subject to renewal of its license agreement. BANKSETA therefore reserves the right to terminate any services that could extend beyond 31 March 2018 unless explicitly approved by the BANKSETA CEO or his delegate.

5.2.BANKSETA Specific requirements relating to the scope of the project:

The service provider must adhere to the following requirements:-

5.2.1.The BANKSETA Project Management Methodology as we subscribe to the PRINCE 2 project management processes.

5.2.2.Ability to meet BANKSETA deadlines.

5.2.3.The service provider must be able to attend meetings in Johannesburg monthly and be available on adhoc should issues need to be resolved.

5.2.4.Venue requirements are:

  • Central and within walking distance from public transport.
  • Facilities must be conducive to learning.
  • The venue need not include catering but learners must have reasonable access to facilities that provide a variety of food taking special dietary requirements into account
  • Must be approved by the BANKSETA before booking.

5.2.5.The provider must make arrangements to accommodate the needs of learners with disabilities. Bidders are to explain how they intend to support learners with disabilities (partially sighted/ partially deaf etc) in how they design and deliver their curriculum. Details of the nature of disability will be provided in due course.

5.2.6.Vendors are expected to be sufficiently resourced by way of experienced permanent and experienced temporary staff to be able to cope with peak and variable work periods, and variable numbers of learners depending on development initiatives in place at any time and NSF funding available.

5.2.7.The actual number of learners will be dependent on the availability of funds. The service provider must adhere to the BANKSETA program timeline.

5.2.8.The notice of bidders is specifically drawn to Section 2 – SPECIAL CONDITIONS THAT THE BIDDER NEEDS TO ACCEPT: PORTION 2, which contains further specific information surrounding this RFB.

5.2.9.Bidders are specifically requested to supply a project plan showing all activities for the first 6 months from Contract Start.

5.2.10.Bidders are specifically requested to provide details of perceived risks and on steps the bidder would suggest are taken to mitigate these risks.

5.3.GENERAL COMPETENCY AND EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS

The successful bidder will be expected as a minimum to have the following competencies:

5.3.1.Excellent knowledge of all applicable legislation governing SETAs and the entire learnership process;

5.3.2.Excellent knowledge of the SETA environment;

5.3.3.Excellent knowledge of the BANKSETA and its sector;

5.3.4.The financial stability and resources to perform the required services to the required level;

5.4.PRICING

  • The attached pricing sheets must be completed in full. The BANKSETA will not entertain pricing adjustments after the signing of any contracts, and it is therefore most important that all pricing elements are disclosed.
  • Per the pricing sheet all pricing should show VAT separately.
  • Sufficient detail should be included to enable the BANKSETA to fully understand the make-up of the overall pricing. It is critically important to detail all exclusions. All baseline assumptions and numbers must be clearly stated.
  • The BANKSETA encourages bidders to actively de-escalate the price per learner as the volume of learners increase i.e. economies of scale should be apparent in bidders pricing.
  • All pricing assumptions, excluded costs and estimated costs must be clearly documented. The BANKSETA assumes that the pricing document as supplied is complete and covers all costs associated with this project.
  • Whilst complying with normal commercial confidentiality requirements, the BANKSETA reserves the right to discuss aspects of the pricing with other SETAs to satisfy itself that the pricing as contained in any received proposal avoids fruitless and wasteful expenditure and is regarded as fair and equitable for the services offered.
  • The BANKSETA requires transparency concerning the financial aspects and will work closely with the prospective Vendor to ensure a fair and equitable pricing regime for the required services.
  • The Vendor/s are expected to provide all required equipment and consumables e.g. PCs, laptops, paper, diskettes etc. associated with them providing their deliverables of this project
  1. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  2. One hardcopy must be the original submission, clearly marked "Original" andone (1) copied version of the original and a soft copy. All submissions must be delivered in individual envelopes.
  3. Respondents should take particular care to ensure that there are no discrepancies between all submissions to the BANKSETA. The BANKSETA reserves the right to reject any submissions if there are discrepancies.
  4. A two-envelope system will be applicable to this submission, whereby all documents relating to pricing should be separated from the actualsubmission proposals.
  5. Each individual envelope must be clearly marked with the following information:
  6. Description of the Submission:Kuyasa Project.
  7. Submission Bid Number:BS/2016/RFB433
  8. ORIGINAL or COPY 1 etc.;

6.5Submissions that are faxed, sent via telex, and/ or electronic mail delivery will not be accepted.

6.6All submissions received by BANKSETA will become the property of the BANKSETA and will not be returned to the respondent.

6.7The submissions must be inserted into the SUBMISSION BOX available at the Reception Area of BANKSETAOffices at the following address:-

Thornhill Office Park

Building 22

94 Bekker Road

MIDRAND

6.8Respondents are invited to observe the closing of theon the closing date and time of the submission as per the advertisement

6.9Unsuccessful submissions will be informed in writing when the process is concluded.

6.10A submission will be considered late if received after the specified date and time. Respondents are therefore strongly advised to ensure that submissions be despatched allowing enough time for any unforeseen events that delay the delivery of the submission.

7ENQUIRIES/COMMUNICATION

7.1Contact person for allenquiries regarding the submission document:

Mr Rapula Sathekge

Specialist: Supply Chain Management

Email:

All clarifications or enquiries must be made in writing and received by the BANKSETAat leasta week before the closing date of the submission. Telephonic requests for clarification will not be accepted.

  1. SUBMISSION EVALUATION/ADJUDICATION

Submissions will be evaluated inthree (3) phases:

8.1 Compliance/eligibility;

8.2 Technical/Functionality;

8.3 Pricing and B- BBEE contribution level.

8. 4Bidders that score 70 points and above will be requested to provide pricing based on the final specification that will be provided to them.

8. 5The abovementioned bidders will be requested for presentation by the BANKSETA.

9.1Compliance/Eligibility Evaluation

Respondents who do not meet the requirements below will be immediately disqualified.

Description
Submission of the Mandatory requirements.
REQUIREMENTS / Comply Yes/No
Proof of relevant accreditation as an education and training provider with the relevant ETQA, Department of Higher Education and Training or Council of Higher Education. The accreditation status must include this qualification.
Minimum of 7 years experience in providing training for learner ships.
*The relevant learnership experience must be indicated in your company profile.
Submission of the following fully completed and signed returnable documents:
-SBD 1 Invitation to submission
-SBD 4 Declaration of interest
-SBD 6.1 Preference point claim form
-SBD 8 Declaration of respondents’ past supply chain management
-SBD 9 Certificate of independent bid determination
-Pricing Schedule (BANKSETA template)
Special Conditions that the bidder needs to accept: Portion 2
Contract Form : Rendering of Services
Submission of company registration documents
Submission of valid original tax clearance certificate
Submission of the latest audited Annual Financial Statements not older than a year (2)
CV’s of the proposed project team(Project Manager and Facilitator)
One hardcopy must be the original submission, clearly marked "Original" and one (1) copied version of the original and a soft copy. All submissions must be delivered in individual envelopes.

9.2Technical/ Functionality Evaluation

The functionality evaluation conducted as per the criteria contained in the table below:

CRITERIA – PHASE 1 / Weight / Score from a scale of five.
5/5
1.Functionality / 100
National Foot Print / 5
The bidder must provide proof of existence/residence /presence / ability to deliver in each province.
0 Provinces = 0
3 Provinces = 1
5 Provinces= 2
6 Provinces = 3
7 Provinces and 8= 4
9 Provinces = 5
NB: The bidder must provide proof of residence/Lease etc.
Full details of ability to deliver all components of this programme nationally with no added cost to the delegate.
Capacity and infrastructure to meet BANKSETA deadlines / 10
The bidder to commit and demonstrate readiness to commence training by 1st of Feb 2017 (Has the following but not limited to ;
  • Provisional Class time table(1)
  • Training venues(1)
  • Facilitators(1)
  • Materials (2)

Track record of the bidder. / 10
Provide proof of previous experience on similar assignments. References on work experience with blue-chip and other SETA’s organisations in designing, developingand delivery of training material according to outcomes-based educational principles.
1 Reference = 1
2 References = 2
3 Reference = 3
4 References = 4
5 References = 5
Proof: - a list of clients where a similar project has been successfully completed with contactable references on the clients Letter head.
NB: Reference must be for the company not the employee.
Experience of Project Team / 10
The bidder must provide at least seven (7) CVs with references which details the learnership programme experience:
Less than 3-year experience = 0
Between 3 and 4 years experience = 1
Between 5 and 6 years’ experience = 2
Between 7 and 8 years’ experience = 3
Between 9 and 10 years’ experience = 4
10 years’ experience = 5
Name / Experience / Points




NB: The average score will use to score the Project Team.
Project plan (PP) / 5
Service Provider must provide a project plan which will indicate the following:
  • A high level project plan showing major deliverables and milestones, covering all aspects specified in the Service Definition and Proposed Course Schedule
If no information provided = 0
If all information is provided = 5
Learner Registrations (LR) / 10
Service Provider must demonstrate in the proposal how learner registration will be conducted in line with the following requirements:
  • Ensure that entry requirements to the qualification are met. = 1
  • Assist the learners with the registration process as per Service Provider requirements = 1
  • Collaborate with the Recruitment Service Provider and LASA to administer the pre-enrolment learner selection assessment. = 1
  • Collaborate with the Recruitment Contractor prior to selection of any learners with disabilities to ensure reasonable accommodation in the training environment = 1
Provide written confirmation to the BANKSETA that it is able to accommodate all the requirements of learners with disabilities and what measures have been taken to accommodate this.
Programme Design(PD1) / 5
Service Provider must demonstrate in the proposal how the following services will be achieved:
  • Customise / design the material and provide BANKSETA with: = 3
-The learning material for the qualification.
-The academic orientation.
-The exit programme.
-Provide BANKSETA with the schedule for training.
- Provide BANKSETA with details of the selected venue.
- Provide the learners with the approved time schedule on the first day of the induction course
  • Provide the Learner Administration and Support Agency with alllearning material. = 1
  • Provide the Learner Administration and Support Agency with the time schedule for learning. = 1

Quality assurance. (QA) / 5
Service Provider must demonstrate in the proposal how the following services will be achieved:
  • The Service Provider and the BANKSETA will agree to a quality assurance process within the 1st 20 working days after contract signature. = 1
  • Document and submit to the BANKSETA the agreed QA process and procedures. = 1
  • Develop and maintain an accurate database covering: = 3
  • Learner achievements
  • Learner details
  • All learner records must be captured on the National Record Database(NLRD).

Delivery of the programme (DP2) / 15
Service Provider must demonstrate in the proposal how the following services will be achieved:
  • Provide the learners with the approved time schedule on the first day of the induction course
  • Deliver training according to the signed off time schedule
  • Provide the learner Administration and Support Agency with an attendance register at the end of each contact session.
  • Notify the Learner Administration and Support Agency on a daily basis of any learner absenteeism
  • All facilitators have train the trainer session and will be provided with facilitation guides for consistency

Assessment of the programme. (AS1) / 5
The Service Provider must demonstrate in their proposal how assessment of the programme will be achieved in line with the following:
  • Make use of an automated learner management system(LMS) to facilitate the assessment process. = 1
  • Provide BANKSETA/ Learner Administration Agency with the assessment strategy(including re-assessment) tools and schedule. = 1
  • Provide the learners with detailed, written feedback reflecting the result of each assessment within 3 days of receipt from BANKSETA. = 1
  • Submit monthly reports of learner progress according to the report template provided by BANKSETA within 5 working days prior to the monthly service provider progress meeting. = 1
  • Moderate the final assessment results within 2 weeks of final assessment. =1

Certification and graduation (CG) / 5
The Service Provider must demonstrate in their proposal how certification and graduation will be conducted in line with the following:
  • Issue the learner with a certificate reflecting the learner's successful completion of the qualification at a ceremony to be arranged and funded by the training provider and Ensure that the learner certification meets all ETD Legislative requirements.= 1
  • Report final learner achievements relating to the qualification to the BANKSETA in the required format. = 1
  • Provide BANKSETA with a register of learners who attended the graduation ceremonies. = 1
  • Assist BANKSETA with the hand out of BANKSETA participation certificates. = 1
  • All costs associated with certification and graduation are included and agreed with BANKSETA prior to finalisation. = 1

Learner support (LS) / 5
The Service Provider must demonstrate in their proposal how learner support will be conducted, in line with the following:
  • Implement the policy as per learner requirements. = 1
  • Submit a monthly report to the Learner Administration and Support Agency as per the reporting guidelines. = 1
  • Submit signed learner agreement for all learners to the BANKSETA. = 1
  • Ensure that all Learner information pertaining to attendance, behaviour, changes etc. are accurately and timeously communicated in writing to the LASA for incorporation in the LASA systems and reports. = 1
  • Submit a policy on learner support to the Learner Administration and Support Agency.= 1

Contingency Plans (CP) / 5
The service provider must demonstrate in their proposal how a provision for any eventualities that may arise in the duration of the project such as but not limited to:
  • No show of facilitators.
  • Possible political strikes.
To cater for unexpected absence. Leave etc., sufficient “back-up “facilitators should be available.
If no information provided = 0
If all information is provided = 5
Learners with disabilities / 5
Provide examples of how your organisation willaccommodate the needs of learners with disabilities in the design and delivery of the curriculum.
1______= 1
2______= 1
3______= 1
4______= 1
5______= 1
Elimination of non-qualifying Bids (score below the minimum threshold of 70%).

VALUES