Quotations are hereby invited for the following: Appointment of a suitably qualified service provider to perform a forensic investigation within the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). Scope: The desired objectives of this engagement are to a. Review all the files (internal and external) from 2018/19 to 2023/24 financial years to establish whether proper process was followed; b. Establish the legitimacy and veracity of the complaint regarding the allegations of embezzlement of monies; c. Analyse all the files processed for payment and evaluate whether due process was followed from 2018/19 to 2023/24 financial years; d. Verify and analyse all accounts from which the disbursements were made to ensure if there aren’t further cases of embezzlement from 2018/19 to 2023/24 financial years; e. Perform data analytics techniques into the payments of funds between 2018/19 to 2023/24 financial years to establish whether there are material irregularities due to mismanagement of funds or fraud; f. Examine whether there are any officials involved in fraudulent or corrupt activities for personal gain from 2018/19 to 2023/24 financial years; g. Determine whether conflict of interest exist amongst employees and external stakeholders from 2018/19 to 2023/24 financial years; h. Evaluate the veracity into the allegation of embezzlement; i. Gather the relevant facts, through performance of investigation procedures such as i. examination of documentary evidence, and/or ii. interviewing of the implicated officials and other role players within and outside of the EC DPWI; j. Provide progress reports every thirty (30) business days to the Project Manager of this engagement, which is the Chief Risk Officer of the EC DPWI and/or as and when required by the department; k. Provide a full comprehensive report to the Accounting Officer within hundred and twenty (120) business days from the date of assumption of duty; l. Provide an overall review of the process from application phase to the completion of the term of the awarded candidate(s). Your review should include but not limited to: i. The verification of the application process; ii. Review of the preparation of master list and determination of selection process for awarding candidates; iii. Payment process, including reconciliation of accounts from the individual payments of accounts to the total allocated funding for each financial year (2018/19 to 2023/24 financial years); m. The total number of personal files expected to be reviewed for this project is approximately 100; n. Provide/recommend improvement in the process in relation to the alleged irregularities in order to eliminate/reduce any other future fraud and corruption opportunities; o. Table findings based on facts and quantity of value that the department lost (if any) as a result of these allegations should they be confirmed; p. Recommend to the Accounting Officer actions to be taken against the implicated stakeholders and improvements that will ensure full compliance with all the relevant prescripts regulating the environment under review. (Tender №91573404)