Consultancy - Quality Assurance and Project Manager

Request for Quotations - Quality Assurance and Project Manager Consultancy

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INTERNAL AUDITOR (OCIA)

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)

CONSULTANCY - QUALITY ASSURANCE AND PROJECT MANAGER

MIXED DELIVERY - REMOTE AND ONSITE

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT QUOTATIONS: July 21, 2025

 1.      OVERVIEW 

The Office of the Chief Internal Auditor (OCIA) plays a critical role in the governance framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG). The Chief Internal Auditor’s  (CIA) role as per section 13 (6) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is to carry out internal audit reviews of Ministries, Departments and Statutory Bodies within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) to ensure good governance and that public finances are regulated, controlled and supervised in accordance with the PFMA and any other Act.

The OCIA carries out its activities within two (2) lines of responsibility – Administration and Functional.

The OCIA seeks to continue the implementation of a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), which is a requirement under the IIA Global Internal Audit Standards (Standards). As defined in the Standards, a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program is - “A program established by the chief audit executive to evaluate and ensure the internal audit function conforms with the Global Internal Audit Standards, achieves performance objectives, and pursues continuous improvement. The program includes internal and external assessments.”

The OCIA is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced individuals or firms to provide consultancy services for Quality Assurance and Project Management.

2.      PROJECT OBJECTIVE

Through the Quality Assurance Improvement Program (QAIP), the CIA aims to meet the following key objectives:

1. 1.      Increased conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards and other professional standards.

The internal audit function must adhere to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), which includes the Global Internal Audit Standards issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The CIA seeks to increase the Department’s compliance with principles such as independence, objectivity, professional competence, and due professional care.

This QAIP also includes the OCIA being in compliance with the CFE Code of Professional Standards issued by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and OCIA’s Departmental policies and procedures.

1. 2.      Achieving OCIA’s Strategic and Operational Objectives. 

The internal audit function must meet strategic goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to add value to the TCI Government. The CIA seeks to improve the Department’s operational functions and activities in key areas such as:

• Efficiency: Timely completion of audit projects and tasks and other Departmental assignments.
• Effectiveness: Proactively identifying and mitigating risks to enhance the daily activities of the Department in meeting the strategic and operational targets.
• Quality: Accuracy, clarity, and thoroughness of audit projects, administrative projects, tasks and other activities.
• Value Addition: The delivery of audit assignments which lead to improved governance, process improvements and risk mitigation across all Ministries, Department and Statutory Bodies within the TCI Government.

1. 3.      Pursuit of Continuous Improvement.

The internal audit function should engage in ongoing learning, innovation, and enhancement to remain effective and aligned with the evolving business needs of the TCI Government. The CIA seeks to ensure the staff is continuously involved in growth and development activities. These include:

• Regular training & professional development: Upskilling internal auditors to keep pace with emerging risks and technologies.
• Benchmarking: Comparing internal audit practices against industry best practices.
• Follow-up on Assigned Training: Monitoring and completing training programs recommended by the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) or other relevant bodies.
• Self-Evaluation of Training: Assessing the effectiveness and applicability of completed training to enhance skills and knowledge.

3.      PROJECT FOCUS

This consultancy will focus on the two (2) pillars of General Administration and Non-Technical responsibilities to be carried out by the Office of the Chief Internal Auditor (OCIA). The project scope will cover all units within the OCIA which covers activities across Administration, Assurance, Advisory Services and Special Investigations.

4.      SCOPE OF SERVICES

The services to be provided consist of:

1. Provide project management oversight to internal audit staff and the administrative function.
2. Ongoing monitoring through daily or weekly meetings with team members as required.
3. Assisting with the creation and monitoring of Staff Work Plans on all assignments, tasks and projects
4. Ensure tasks and projects are executed in compliance with OCIA Department Policies and Procedures
5. Supervise the team members to ensure task or project documentation are adequately maintained and records are up to date.
6. Provide guidance, coaching, training and staff development activities to support the team members.
7. Regularly review progress of assignments with each team member to ensure tasks and projects are proceeding within budgeted costs and timelines, planned objectives are being met, and quality standards are being maintained.
8. Oversee the leave and performance evaluation activities of the team members.
9. Act as an End User Reviewer to ensure work performed and work output is accurate, clear, thorough and sound. 
10. Provide regular reporting on the progress of all assignments, tasks and projects to the CIA.

5.      DELIVERABLES

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. A comprehensive Inception Report on the quality and effectiveness of the current project management activities of the OCIA. – Due 30 days after the contract commences.
2. A Project Implementation Plan with timelines and milestones. – Due 60 days after the contract commences.
3. Scheduled daily or weekly online/virtual meetings with team members as required.
4. At least two (2) on site visits per annum, each with a minimum 15 working days. A minimum total of 30 working days onsite.
5. Monthly progress reports to the CIA summarising the activities undertaken and the associated recommendations for the execution of the Implementation Plan.
6. Training materials and records of training sessions conducted with each team member or group sessions.
7. Recommendations to the CIA on quality initiatives and project methodologies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the OCIA’s Operational activities.

6.      DURATION

This project will be delivered over 24 months.

7.      SUBMISSION

The following documents must be submitted for this consultancy:

1. Quotation Letter outlining your interest/proposal to include estimate of costs with breakdown of consultancy fees and anticipated travel, accommodation and transportation costs to meet the 30 working days on site requirement. 
2. A Resumé or Biographical Summary highlighting relevant experiences, qualifications, and certifications.

Submissions shall be directed to the officer below in hard copy or email no later than 4:00 pm July 21, 2025.

To:              

Chief Internal Auditor

Office of the Chief Internal Auditor

1^st Floor, Hibiscus Square

Pond Street, Grand Turk

Submissions received after the deadline may not be considered in this selection process but may be placed on file for future reference.

The selected candidate will be required to comply with all applicable Acts and Regulations within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

We appreciate your interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

8.      CONTRACT AWARD

The TCI Government does not bind itself to accept the lowest priced quotations or proposals. The Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals for services when deemed not to be in its best interest and the interest of the public.