TENDER ADVERT: APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL AUDITORS

RDG Collective Limited

Tender Outline

Introduction
RDG Collective Zambia is seeking the services of a reputable and experienced external auditor to provide independent audit services. The successful tenderer will play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management practices. This tender document outlines the scope of work, requirements, and evaluation criteria for the appointment of an external auditor. We invite interested and qualified audit firms to submit their proposals in response to this tender.

Background
RDG Collective Zambia is a pioneering company that has been operating in the emerging market environment of Zambia since 2018. Our mission is to “Empower the future” by providing low-cost energy resources and related products to peri-urban areas, currently servicing eight (8) provinces within Zambia. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are now poised to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of our strategic growth plans.
In this critical phase of our expansion, the appointment of an External Auditor will play a vital role in shaping our financial future. We are seeking a reputable and experienced audit firm to provide independent assurance on our financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management practices. The successful tenderer will be instrumental in helping us maintain transparency, accountability, and good governance as we continue to empower the future for our customers, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.”

Scope of Work
The External Auditor will be responsible for providing independent audit services to RDG Collective Zambia, including but not limited to:

• Conducting annual audits of our financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Conducting audits in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA)
• Issuing audit reports and opinions on our financial statements
• Providing assurance on the fairness and accuracy of our financial reporting
• Identifying and reporting on any material weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal controls
• Evaluating the effectiveness of our risk management practices
• Providing related services such as tax advice, drafting of annual financial statements, and IT reviews

The External Auditor will be expected to:

• Conduct audits with professionalism, integrity, and objectivity
• Maintain independence and impartiality in their work
• Communicate effectively with our management and stakeholders
• Provide actionable recommendations for improvement
• Ensure confidentiality and data security in their work

The expected duration of the audit services is approximately 8 weeks, commencing from the date of the financial year end.

Requirements
The successful tenderer will be required to demonstrate the following:

• A strong reputation and experience in auditing companies in the energy sector, Paygo environment, Off grid pioneering companies and/or emerging markets
• A team of experienced and qualified auditors with expertise in IFRS and ISA
• A thorough understanding of the regulatory environment in Zambia and the DRC
• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality services
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain independence and impartiality in their work
• Familiarity with emerging market challenges and opportunities
• Experience in providing value-added services such as tax advice and IT reviews

The tenderer should also have:

• A valid practicing certificate from ZICA (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants)
• Registration with PAAB (Public Accountants and Auditors Board)
• Professional indemnity insurance coverage
• A quality control system in place to ensure high-quality services

Audit Team Leaders:

• Should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in leading audit teams
• Hold a relevant professional certification (e.g. CA, ACCA, CPA)
• Demonstrate expertise in IFRS and ISA
• Possess strong leadership and project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Submission Requirements

Interested tenderers are required to submit their proposals in electronic format (PDF document) to philip@rdg-home.com and ronald@rdg-home.com. The submission should include:

• A cover letter introducing the tenderer and their team
• A detailed proposal outlining their approach, methodology, and fees
• A company profile, including experience and qualifications
• Contact information for at least two professional references
• A declaration of any conflicts of interest

The submission should be labeled as “RDG Collective Zambia – External Auditor Tender – [Name of Firm]” and should include the tenderer’s key contact/partner’s name and contact information.
Please note that the proposal should be submitted as a single PDF file, with a maximum file size of 5MB.

Also, please ensure that the proposal is formatted in a clear and easy-to-read manner, using a standard font (e.g. Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and font size (e.g. 11-12 points).
The deadline for submission is 30 August 2024 at 16:00 (CAT). Late submissions will not be accepted.

Please note that all submissions will be treated as confidential and will only be used for the purpose of evaluating tenders.”

Evaluation Criteria

The tender submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Experience and reputation (40%)

– Demonstrated experience in auditing companies in the energy sector, Paygo environment, Off grid pioneering companies and/or emerging markets
– Strength of professional team and reputation

Technical expertise and methodology (25%)

– Quality of proposed audit approach and methodology
– Ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality services

Fees and value for money (20%)

– Competitiveness of proposed fees
– Value-added services offered

Quality of proposal and presentation (15%)

– Clarity, completeness, and coherence of proposal
– Effectiveness of presentation and communication

The evaluation criteria will be used to assess the tender submissions and select the successful tenderer. The evaluation committee reserves the right to request additional information or clarification from tenderers as needed.”

Timeline

The following timeline applies to this tender process:

• Tender advertisement: 2nd August 2024
• Submission of questions: 15 August 2024
• Submission deadline: 30 August 2024
• Evaluation period: 30 September 2024
• Shortlisting and interviews: First 2 weeks of October 2024
• Appointment of external auditor: End of October 2024
• Commencement of audit services: Mid-January 2024

Please note that the timeline is subject to change, and tenderers will be notified of any changes in writing.”

Contact Information

For further information and to request a tender document, please contact:

Philip Phiri – Managing Director
philip@rdg-home.com
+260 9786 11530
Ronald Mushonga – CFO
ronald@rdg-home.com
+27 83 737 9891 (SA)

Tender Submission Form

Tenderers are required to complete this form and submit it with their proposal. Please provide all the required information and sign the declaration at the end.

1. Tenderer’s Details:
– Name:
– Address:
– Contact Person:
– Email:
– Phone:

2. Proposal Details:
– Proposal Title:
– Proposal Description:

3. Experience and Qualifications:

Please provide a brief overview of your experience and qualifications in auditing companies in the energy sector, Paygo environment, off grid pioneering companies and/or emerging markets.

4. Technical Proposal:

Please provide a detailed technical proposal outlining your approach, methodology, and fees.

5. Declaration:

I/We hereby declare that the information provided in this tender submission is true and accurate.
I/We understand that any false or misleading information may lead to disqualification.

I/We agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this tender.

Signature: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Appendices

The following appendices are provided to support our tender proposal:

Appendix 1: Company Profile

Brief overview of our company history, mission, and values
Description of our experience and expertise in auditing companies in the energy sector, Paygo environment, Off grid pioneering companies and/or emerging markets

Appendix 2: CVs of Key Personnel

CVs of the lead auditor and other key team members
Highlights of their experience, qualifications, and expertise

Appendix 3: Case Studies

Examples of previous audits conducted in the energy sector, Paygo environment, Off grid pioneering companies and/or emerging markets
Brief summaries of the scope, approach, and outcomes of each audit

Appendix 4: Certifications and Accreditations

Copies of relevant certifications and accreditations held by our company and key personnel
Evidence of our commitment to quality and professionalism

Appendix 5: References

Contact details of previous clients who can provide references
Brief summaries of the services provided, and the outcomes achieved