Request for Proposals (RFP) For External Auditor at TA Connect

Issue Date: 20/06/2023

Submission Deadline: 27/06/2023

ATTN: procurement Committee 

Contact Person for Questions    

innocent.philips@taconnect-ng.org
martins.onore@taconnect-ng.org
chinedu.madukwe@taconnect-ng.org
abdulrahmanyakubu@taconnect-ng.org

SOLICITATION SCHEDULE

Scheduled Item    Scheduled Date
RFP Issued    20/06/2023
Submission deadline    27/06/2023 (17:00 WAT)
 

PURPOSE:

Technical Advice Connect (TACONNECT) is inviting qualified professional audit firms with experience in theory, principles, and applications of standard accounting and audit practices to submit proposals wishing to be considered for appointment as external auditors (the “External Auditor”)

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Technical Advice Connect LTD/GTE (TACONNECT) is an innovative Technical Assistance (TA) delivery platform, conceptualized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and incubated by DAI Nigeria to respond to State TA priorities to promote sustainable improvements in State Primary Healthcare (PHC) systems' performance, Group Anti-natal care (G-ANC) and increase the uptake of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services.

TAConnect employs an innovative approach aimed at delivering TA services to state governments while strengthening the capacity of state institutions for enhanced PHC service delivery and holding accountability for financial and programmatic results to both donors and the State Government.

TAConnect operates by matching requests for TA from states to compatible TA supplies from donors and TA providers. The enhanced coordination of TA deployments would, in turn, lead to increased cost efficiency, technical efficacy, more effective system strengthening and ownership by states, long-term sustainability, and increased local capacity

SCOPE OF SERVICES:

The objective of the audit is to express an opinion as to whether the financial statements of TACONNECT present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations, and changes in cash flow, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This will be for the financial year ending 31st December 2022. The period of the audit exercise shall be within one week of the commencement of the audit exercise.

During the engagement, the Auditor(s) will report:

• Any significant or unusual transactions
• Any deficiencies in internal controls that are of sufficient importance to merit the attention of Management and/or the Board of Directors
• Any disagreements with Management about matters which are significant to the organization’s financial statements.
• Any lack of compliance with TACONNECT Operating Manuals.
• Any lack of compliance with Generally Acceptable Accounting Principles
• Any lack of compliance with donor/award agreements/requirements
• Any lack of compliance with financial, accounting standards or other relevant national legislations; and/or
• Any lack of accountability in the use and management of TACONNECT’s assets.

All reports will be presented through an audit management letter.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:

The Auditor will:

• Prepare an auditor’s report in a format consistent with generally accepted auditing principles/standards.
• Provide a management letter that identifies areas of concern or weaknesses, recommendations for improvement, and management’s response to any concerns identified.
• Discuss the auditor’s report and management letters with Management and the Audit Committee prior to their distribution.
• Schedule in-person clarification and catch-up meetings with TACONNECT; and
• File all relevant financial documents with the government and obtain a tax clearance certificate TCC as appropriate for the relevant year.

PRICE SCHEDULE/BILL OF QUANTITIES:

Full specifications of the provision of audit and assurance services shall be provided on the price schedule.

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS:

The most promising responses will be evaluated in detail. Additional information may be sought from the Firm(s). Firm(s) may be asked to present and explain their proposals. TACONNECT reserves the right to waive non-material deficiencies in any proposal.

Proposals will be evaluated by TACONNECT, who reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. The following will serve as the basic criteria for the selection of the successful vendor:

1. Understanding of the work required as evidenced by the proposal and the ability of the audit firm to deliver in a timely manner. The completeness of the proposal will be critical.
2. The qualifications of the company.
3. The scope of the services offered.
4. Completeness and responsiveness to the requirements of the RFP.
5. Experience, qualifications, and competency in providing audit and assurance services.
6. Good service and good value shall weigh heavily in the selection process.

SUBMISSION AND INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS:

• One electronic copy (Adobe Acrobat format) should be submitted to info@taconnect-ng.org on or before 27th June 2023 at 17:00 WAT, at which the advert will be closed.
• A cover letter shall be included with the proposal on the firm’s letterhead with a duly authorized signature and company stamp/seal. The letter will include the Name of Business, Address, Contact Person, Phone Number, and Email Address.
• Proposals will be evaluated based on what is deemed to be in the best interests of TACONNECT Ltd/Gte, including such factors as the bidder’s experience and expertise in the provision of tax and audit services, the flexibility of the proposal, and total cost. The cost will not be the sole factor in evaluating bids.
• Please note that TACONNECT Ltd /Gte is asking for a full proposal for the provision of audit and assurance services.
• Firm will certify a validity period of 30 days for the prices provided.
• Provide an overview of your company, including a brief description of your company’s history, ownership structure, financial stability, philosophy/culture, and approximate number of employees.
• Describe your expertise in our industry, outlining your ability to provide expertise and experience in the areas of health benefit plan analysis and design.
• Please indicate any other services, capability, designation or experience that differentiates your organization from the competition.
• List three current (not more than 2 years ago) clients for whom you have provided audit and assurance services in the Nongovernmental Organization or Not for Profit making sector/industry. For each client, the list must specify the type of work performed by your company and the period retained as a client. For each client, include the name, title, address, and phone number of a contact person who TACONNECT Ltd/Gte may contact as a reference.
• Each proposer must submit a proposal that indicates the price of the service. The price proposal must only include the price schedule for the provision of audit and assurance and filing of annual returns services.
• Tender documents submitted late shall be rejected.
• All submissions must be in English language and services will be provided in Nigeria and payment made in Naira.
• Failure to comply with the instruction(s) and provide any required document(s) may automatically result in disqualification.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This RFP shall not be construed to be a commitment on the part of TACONNECT, nor shall it entail the applicant to make any claim(s) whatsoever and/or seek any indemnity from TACONNECT, by virtue of such applicant having responded to this RFP.

TACONNECT will not be responsible for any cost or expenses incurred by any interested party in connection with any response to an inquiry nor shall it entitle any party submitting documents to claim any indemnity from TACONNECT.

TAConnect is not bound to shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the bidding process at any time without incurring any liabilities and assigning any reason.