Internal Audit Specialists Framework

{
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PWVM-4844-NRQH",
    "name": "Essex County Council"
  },
  "date": "2025-10-07T09:32:08+01:00",
  "id": "062709-2025",
  "initiationType": "tender",
  "language": "en",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05a92c",
  "parties": [
    {
      "address": {
        "country": "GB",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "locality": "Chelmsford",
        "postalCode": "CM1 1QH",
        "region": "UKH36",
        "streetAddress": "County Hall, Market Road"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "andrew.beaver@essex.gov.uk"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "description": "Public authority - sub-central government",
            "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE"
          }
        ]
      },
      "id": "GB-PPON-PWVM-4844-NRQH",
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PWVM-4844-NRQH",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "name": "Essex County Council",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "planning": {
    "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "Early engagement notice published September 2024 on Contracts Finder to explore opportunities to develop how it can\nmeet its requirements for Contract and Procurement Specialist Auditor work."
  },
  "tag": [
    "tender"
  ],
  "tender": {
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "awardPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2025-11-20T23:59:59Z"
    },
    "coveredBy": [
      "GPA"
    ],
    "description": "The scope of this requirement is to create a Framework of Internal Audit Specialists to support ECC\u0027s existing Internal Audit function in providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services for the council.\nIt is proposed that the Framework would be procured on terms which would allow access for Unitary, City, Borough and District Councils. These Contracting Bodies will be responsible for ordering of, and payment for, their own services through this agreement.\nThe Framework will be split into the following Lots.\nLot 1 - Contract Audits\nLot 2 - Project and Programme Audits\nLot 3 - Technology Specialists\nLot 4 - General Audits\nBidders can bid for any Lot or all Lots if they can meet the requirements.\nSuccessful bidders will be placed on a ranking list which will be based on the total score awarded following the evaluation of bids received (Please refer to the Bidder Guidance for details on the evaluation process).\nThe requirements will be met through a capability assessment process, as and when a new requirement is identified the capability assessment will be issued to the top ranked bidder in the specific Lot under which the requirement sits. Where that bidder is unable to meet the requirement, the next ranked bidder will be issued the capability assessment and so on until a bidder is chosen.\nAny Contracting Body using this Framework shall abide by the same process for fulfilling their requirements.\nThe initial term of the Framework is three (3) years with an option to extend for a further period of 12 months.\nThe government\u0027s English Devolution White Paper, Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth, published on 16 December 2024, states that the government wants all remaining two-tier areas in England to be eventually restructured into single-tier unitary authorities and is termed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).  This reorganisation is part of a broader devolution strategy to simplify local government structures, save public funds, and improve local accountability. LGR will impact the County of Essex as it currently operates a two-tier Local Government structure.\nIt is anticipated, that during the life of this framework, the LGR process will commence and/or progress potentially impacting this framework.  Impacts may include, but are not limited to, modifications such as a transfer of the legal entity you currently contract with, significant increases and/or decreases in the services required due to the change in size/scope of the Contracting Authority, and/or changes to the scope of the nature of services required. Although any contract scope changes should broadly relate to the nature of the existing scope, new services of a related nature may be required that were not previously included.\nThe scale and exact timing of the changes are unknown at this point, but it is known that LGR will impact the County of Essex. All suppliers who work with the Authority need to be aware and where possible, work with the Authority to adapt to any changes/modifications as required to ensure smooth transition and continuity of services.",
    "documents": [
      {
        "description": "Not published",
        "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
        "id": "conflictOfInterest"
      },
      {
        "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "A-5951",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-5951"
      },
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        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "A-5952",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-5952"
      },
      {
        "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "A-5953",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-5953"
      },
      {
        "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet",
        "id": "A-5954",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-5954"
      },
      {
        "datePublished": "2025-10-07T09:32:08+01:00",
        "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "tenderNotice",
        "format": "text/html",
        "id": "062709-2025",
        "noticeType": "UK4",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062709-2025"
      }
    ],
    "enquiryPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2025-10-21T17:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "id": "E005PA",
    "items": [
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "description": "Internal audit services",
            "id": "79212200",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          }
        ],
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKH3"
          }
        ],
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1"
      },
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "description": "Internal audit services",
            "id": "79212200",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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        ],
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKH3"
          }
        ],
        "id": "2",
        "relatedLot": "2"
      },
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "description": "Internal audit services",
            "id": "79212200",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          }
        ],
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKH3"
          }
        ],
        "id": "3",
        "relatedLot": "3"
      },
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "description": "Internal audit services",
            "id": "79212200",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          }
        ],
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom",
            "region": "UKH3"
          }
        ],
        "id": "4",
        "relatedLot": "4"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "scheme": "UKPGA",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
    },
    "lotDetails": {
      "awardCriteriaDetails": "Bidders can bid for any Lot or all Lots if they can meet the requirements."
    },
    "lots": [
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "Price",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 30,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "price"
            },
            {
              "name": "Quality",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 70,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "quality"
            }
          ]
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2028-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "maxExtentDate": "2029-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "startDate": "2025-12-05T00:00:00Z"
        },
        "description": "These audits scrutinise third-party contracts and procurement activities to ensure value for money, compliance with terms, and effective contract management. They may include supplier performance reviews, contract lifecycle assessments, and post-award evaluations.\nRecommended Qualifications:\n\u2022\tCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualification.\n\u2022\tLegal or commercial contract management certification.\n\u2022\tInternal audit qualification with procurement audit experience.\nExpertise:\n\u2022\tDeep understanding of contract lifecycle, procurement regulations, and supplier performance.\n\u2022\tExperience in post-award audits, value-for-money assessments, and compliance reviews.\n\u2022\tAbility to identify risks and inefficiencies in third-party arrangements.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "1",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "title": "Contract Audits",
        "value": {
          "amount": 118750.0,
          "amountGross": 142500,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "Price",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 30,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "price"
            },
            {
              "name": "Quality",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 70,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "quality"
            }
          ]
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2028-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "maxExtentDate": "2029-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "startDate": "2025-12-05T00:00:00Z"
        },
        "description": "These audits evaluate the effectiveness of project and programme management practices. They assess delivery against objectives, budget control, governance structures, risk management, and benefits realisation. Suitable for capital programmes, transformation initiatives, and strategic projects.\nRecommended Qualifications:\n\u2022\tPRINCE2 Practitioner or MSP (Managing Successful Programmes).\n\u2022\tAPM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.\n\u2022\tInternal audit qualification (CIA, CMIIA) with project audit experience.\nExpertise:\n\u2022\tExperience auditing large-scale programmes and transformation initiatives.\n\u2022\tUnderstanding of project governance, risk management, and benefits realisation.\n\u2022\tAbility to assess delivery against objectives, timelines, and budgets.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "2",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "title": "Project and Programme Audits",
        "value": {
          "amount": 118750,
          "amountGross": 142500,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "Price",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 30,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "price"
            },
            {
              "name": "Quality",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 70,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "quality"
            }
          ]
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2028-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "maxExtentDate": "2029-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "startDate": "2025-12-05T00:00:00Z"
        },
        "description": "Focused on IT systems, digital services, cybersecurity, data governance, and infrastructure. These audits require specialist knowledge to assess risks related to system integrity, data protection, and technology resilience. They may include penetration testing, system configuration reviews, and IT project assurance.\nRecommended Qualifications:\n\u2022\tCertified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).\n\u2022\tISO 27001 Lead Auditor or equivalent.\n\u2022\tCyber Essentials or similar accreditation.\nExpertise:\n\u2022\tProficiency in IT risk assessment, cybersecurity, and data governance.\n\u2022\tExperience with auditing cloud platforms, infrastructure, and digital services.\n\u2022\tKnowledge of public sector IT compliance and digital transformation.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "3",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "title": "Technology Specialist Audits",
        "value": {
          "amount": 118750,
          "amountGross": 142500,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "Price",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 30,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "price"
            },
            {
              "name": "Quality",
              "numbers": [
                {
                  "number": 70,
                  "weight": "percentageExact"
                }
              ],
              "type": "quality"
            }
          ]
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2028-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "maxExtentDate": "2029-12-04T23:59:59Z",
          "startDate": "2025-12-05T00:00:00Z"
        },
        "description": "These audits cover broad assurance activities across ECC\u0027s operations, including governance, risk management, and internal controls. They assess compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations, and provide recommendations for improvement. Typical areas may include Finance, HR, and operational processes.\nRecommended Qualifications:\n\u2022\tChartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIA) qualification or equivalent.\n\u2022\tACCA, CIPFA, or ICAEW membership with internal audit experience.\n\u2022\tDemonstrable experience in public sector internal auditing.\nExpertise:\n\u2022\tStrong understanding of governance, risk, and control frameworks.\n\u2022\tExperience auditing core business functions (e.g., finance, HR, procurement).\n\u2022\tAbility to produce clear, evidence-based audit reports and recommendations.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "4",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "title": "General Audits",
        "value": {
          "amount": 118750,
          "amountGross": 142500,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      }
    ],
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
    "status": "active",
    "submissionMethodDetails": "Your ITT (including PSQ) submission must be submitted to the Authority electronically by publishing through this ITT (including PSQ) DN789700 E005PA Internal Audit Specialist Framework at https://procontract.due-north.com/Login",
    "submissionTerms": {
      "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
      "languages": [
        "en"
      ]
    },
    "techniques": {
      "frameworkAgreement": {
        "buyerCategories": "The following Borough, City, District and Unitary authorities in Essex.\nBasildon\nBraintree\nBrentwood\nCastle Point\nChelmsford\nColchester\nEpping Forest\nHarlow\nMaldon\nRochford\nTendring\nUttlesford\nThurrock\nSouthend on Sea",
        "buyerLocationRestrictions": [
          {
            "gazetteer": {
              "identifiers": [
                "UKH3"
              ],
              "scheme": "GB-ITL"
            }
          }
        ],
        "description": "Bidders are required to complete and submit a full Pricing Matrix demonstrating their costs associated with delivering the requirement as set out in the Pricing Matrix. This consists of a scenario based on an assignment and the overall cost of that assignment will be used to evaluate Price.\nBidders will also be required to complete a rate card, the rate(s) provided will then be the maximum rate chargeable during the lifetime of the framework.\nSuccessful bidders will be placed  on a ranking list which will be based on the total score awarded following the evaluation of bids received (Please refer to the Bidder Guidance for details on the evaluation process).\nThe requirements will be met through a capability assessment process, as and when a new requirement is identified the capability assessment will be issued to the top ranked bidder in the specific Lot under which the requirement sits. Where that bidder is unable to meet the requirement, the next ranked bidder will be issued the capability assessment and so on until a bidder is chosen.\n The capability assessment will focus on completing the work within a given timescale and budget.",
        "method": "withoutReopeningCompetition",
        "type": "open"
      },
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2025-11-06T16:00:00Z"
    },
    "title": "Internal Audit Specialists Framework",
    "value": {
      "amount": 475000.0,
      "amountGross": 570000,
      "currency": "GBP"
    }
  }
}