Develop a technical proposal for the following RFQ: social development

Department:

Social Development

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

TERMS OF REFERENCE TO APPOINT A SERVICE PROVIDER TO DEVELOP A SOCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY FOR CHILDERN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

1. PURPOSE OF THE QUOTATION

The aim of this request for quotation is to appoint a service provider to develop a social assistance policy for children and adults with disabilities.

2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

2.1 The Department of Social Development is mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to provide social assistance. According to the Constitution Section 27 (1) (c) everyone has the right to have access to social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants, appropriate social assistance. To that effect, Care Dependency Grants (CDG) and Disability Grants (DG) are provided to children and adults with disabilities by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

2.2 The Social Asstance Act 13 of 2004 and the Regulations of 2008 as amended make provision for children and adults wiith disabilites to access CDG and DG provided they meet eligibility criteria.

2.3 According to the Social Assistance Act, the CDG is awarded to a parent, primary care giver or foster parent of a child who requires and receives permanent care or support services due to his or her physical or mental disabilities. The Act further states that the child must not be cared for in an institution funded by state on a 24-hour basis for more than 6 months. DG is awarded to a person who has

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attained the age of 18 years, has a physical or mental disability; he or she is a South African citizen, permanent resident or a refugee; and the disability is confirmed by an assessment

2.4 The value of the CDG and DG is currently R1990 with increases anticipated as per budget allocations for the financial year 2022/23.

2.5 Although social assistance has contributed immensely to the reduction of poverty, it is critical to have a framework that will guide and strengthen the provision of social assistance (CDG and DG) and thus enhance and improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

3. PROBLEM STATEMENT AND RATIONALE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

South Africa is currently experiencing a serious challenge as far as unemployment, poverty and inequality is concerned. Generally, children and persons with disabilities are regarded as the most vulnerable members of society. The situation is even more dire particularly for children with disabilities who require care and support from parents and care givers.

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Despite the provision of CDG and DG, many children and persons with disabilities are still excluded and continue to suffer the effects of poverty, unemployment and inquality facing the country.

According to the Social Pensions (SOCPEN) database, 153 768 children and 1004 798 adults were in receipt of the CDG and DG at the end of March 2022. These numbers are relatively low when considering the large number of children and adults with disabilities.

Only children and adults with physical or mental disabilities qualify for CDG and DG, those with other forms of disabilities are excluded. These forms of

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3.4


3.5

disabilities affect children's overall development and cause children to require ongoing health, personal care and or other services into adulthood.

Concerns have been raised by caregivers and the disability sector that many children and adults with disabilities are excluded from accessing CDG and DG due the current definition of disability and eligibility criteria for CDG and DG which is limited in scope.

3.6

The identification of major gaps in the provision of CDG and DG is critical to improve the provision of Social Assistance to children and adults with disabilities.

3.7 The presenting challenge is that the Department of Social Department (DSD) does not have a policy that provides a framework for the provision of social assistance to children and adults with disabilities, since the Social Assistance Act and Regulations as amended were enacted.

SCOPE OF THE TASK

4.

The successful service provider will be expected to develop policy for children and adults with disabilities for the purpose of accessing social assistance (Care Dependency Grants and Disability Grants). The policy should include the following:

4.1 A historical background of social assistance provision for children and adults with disabilities.

4.2 An overview (prevalence) and situational analysis of children and adults with disabilities in the country.

4.3 An overview of the number of children and adults with disabilities that are excluded from accessing CDG and DG.

4.4

4.5

Outline challenges affecting access and coverage for both the CDG and DG. Analysis of the performance/trends of CDG and DG provision of over the years. Highlight problem statement for the proposed policy.

4.6

Proposed intervention (s)

4.7

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4.9 Objectives of the policy

4.10 Legislative mandates both international and regional giving effect to the provision of CDG and DG to children and adults with disabilities.

4.8 Rationale and purpose.

4.11 Identify principles that should guide the implementation of the social assistance policy for children and adults with disabilities.

4.12 Identify linking and integration possibilities with other government services including employment if possible.

4.13 Identify policy options, provide pros and cons for each option. Recommend and provide rationale for the chosen option for both CDG and DG.

4.14 Consult with relevant stakeholders on proposed policy options.

4.15 Outline and make recommendations on key legislative, administrative processes, costs, human resources, communication, monitoring and evaluation interventions required to ensure successful implementation of this policy to improve access, coverage and administration of the CDG and DG for children and adults with disabilities.

4.16 Constitutional and legal implications for proposed interventions for improvements.

4.17 Identify key policy, implementation and administrative implications for DSD and SASSA.

4.13 Identify any contingent risks and mitigation thereof for DSD.

5. DELIVERABLES

The service provider will be expected to provide:

5.1 A project plan and an inception report.

5.2 Draft policy (in a hard copy and a soft copy format), and to brief the project team on the draft policy.

5.3

5.4

Progress reports on the status of the project indicating the milestones. Comprehensive draft policy and a summary report (in a hard copy and soft copy) and to present the findings to DSD in the form of a meeting.

5.5

Copies of all reference material relied upon to execute the work.


5.6 To consult and meet with the DSD during various stages of the study and to submit two progress reports.

5.7 Produce a copy of the comprehensive draft policy (design and print at least 40 copies).

6. WORK PROCEDURES

6.1 In pursuance of this project, the service provider will be expected to meet with the Department of Social Development.

6.2 The service provider is expected to provide a detailed proposal, outlining the processes and methodology to be followed.

6.3 The service provider must provide brief comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV's) of the professionals that will be assigned to this project and the project execution plan. The CV's must reflect track record of conducting research for government policies.

6.4

A list of reference organizations. The DSD reserves the right to contact or visit any persons on the reference list in order to obtain information regarding the quality of services provided by the service provider.

7. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Reporting will be scheduled as follows:

7.1 Inception report.

7.2

Progress reports submitted to the project team.

7.3

Meetings with the project team to assess progress and provide feedback on the content and methodology.

7.4

Documents for discussion must be submitted at least a week prior to the arranged meeting.

Submission and presentation of a draft report.

7.5

7.6

Submission and presentation of the final report.

7.7 All documentation compiled by the service provider shall be subject to quality control by the Department officials prior to it being accepted by the Department.

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7.8

The service provider will report to the Deputy Director: Care Dependency Grants and Disability Grants (DSD). Acting Chief Director: Social Assistance (DSD).

8.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

8.1

The service provider should demonstrate the following skills and experience: Knowledge and clear understanding of the Department of Social Development policies and social protection policies geared towards children and adults with disabilities.

8.2

Demonstrable experience in social policy and social security systems directed at persons with disabilities.

8.3

Demonstrable research skills including cost benefit analysis. Demonstrable experience in project management.

8.4

8.5

Demonstrable experience of conducting research for government. Experience in formal report writing.

8.6

DURATION AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROJECT

9.

9.1 The duration of this project is six (6) calendar months from the date of signature of the service level of agreement.

9.2 The appointment of the service provider is subject to the conclusion of a contract with the Department of Social Development.

10. ASSUMPTIONS

10.1 Communication channels between the service provider and DSD are open and constructive.

10.2 The service provider will have enough knowledge and experience to effectively undertake the exercise.

11.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

11.1 The service provider, on submitting his/her business plan, shall also provide a detailed budget (including consulting, support and other). The service provider will charge for his/her services per attainment of specific key performance areas

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and milestones as agreed upon with the Department. Proof of good financial standing shall be submitted upon request.

11.2 Payment will be made in proportion to the work completed and upon acceptance by the Department in accordance with the contract and work done.

12. GENERAL CONDITIONS

12.1 The general conditions of the service level agreement as prescribed by National Treasury will be applicable in all instances.

12.2 The Department of Social Development will become the owner of all information, models, documents compiled by the service provider in the execution of this project.

12.3 The copyright of all documents compiled by the service provider will vest in the Department and may not be reproduced or distributed or made available in any

other way without the written consent of the Department of Social Development. 12.4 The service provider is entitled to general knowledge acquired in the execution of this agreement and may use it, provided that it shall not be to the detriment of the department of Social Development.

12.5 The prospective bidders must submit an all-inclusive price copy.

13. EVALUATION CRITERIA

13.1 The evaluation of the bids will be conducted in three stages:

a) Firstly, the proposals will be evaluated on functionality. An evaluation panel will allocate points (scale 1-5) in respect of functionality according to the criteria setup in paragraph 13.A. Proposals scoring less than 60% in respect of functionality will be disqualified and not be evaluated further.

b) Thereafter, only the qualifying bids will be evaluated in terms of the 80/20 preference points system as contemplated in the Preference Procurement Regulations 2017 issued in terms of Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000).


14. CONTRACT

14.1 A service level agreement will be drawn and signed between a successful service provider and the Department. The Department reserves the right to cancel the contract and seek remedies, should the service provider not conform or adhere to contractual obligations.

15. CONTRACT PERIOD

15.1 The duration of service would be the maximum of six (6) months to deliver on all the deliverables. Prior to beginning work the preferred service provider will be expected to meet with the Department to set out the specific work requirements and assumptions in respect of the project.

15.2 The successful service provider should commence with work within one week after the receipt of the acceptance letter or an order number and should be completed within six months.

15.3 The service provider must at all times comply with the departmental policies and procedures as well as maintain a high level of confidentiality of information.

PROPRIETARY RIGHT 16.

The Department of Social Development will become the owner of all information, documents, advice and reports collected and compiled by the service provider in the execution of this agreement. 16.1

16.2 The copyright of all documents and reports compiled by the service provider will vest in the Department and may not be reproduced or distributed or made available in any other way without the written consent of the Department.

16.3 All information, documents, and reports must be regarded as confidential and may not be available to any unauthorized person or institution without the written consent of the Department.

16.4 The service provider is entitled to general knowledge acquired in the execution of this agreement and may use it, provided that it shall not be to the detriment of the Minister of Social Development or the Department.