Scope
Reference
E005PA
Description
The scope of this requirement is to create a Framework of Internal Audit Specialists to support ECC's existing Internal Audit function in providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services for the council.
It 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.
The Framework will be split into the following Lots.
Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Lot 4 - General Audits
Bidders can bid for any Lot or all Lots if they can meet the requirements.
Successful 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).
The 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.
Any Contracting Body using this Framework shall abide by the same process for fulfilling their requirements.
The initial term of the Framework is three (3) years with an option to extend for a further period of 12 months.
The government's 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.
It 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.
The 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.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £475,000 excluding VAT
- £570,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 December 2025 to 4 December 2028
- Possible extension to 4 December 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79212200 - Internal audit services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
Bidders can bid for any Lot or all Lots if they can meet the requirements.
Lot 1. Contract Audits
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.
Recommended Qualifications:
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualification.
• Legal or commercial contract management certification.
• Internal audit qualification with procurement audit experience.
Expertise:
• Deep understanding of contract lifecycle, procurement regulations, and supplier performance.
• Experience in post-award audits, value-for-money assessments, and compliance reviews.
• Ability to identify risks and inefficiencies in third-party arrangements.
Lot value (estimated)
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Project and Programme Audits
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.
Recommended Qualifications:
• PRINCE2 Practitioner or MSP (Managing Successful Programmes).
• APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.
• Internal audit qualification (CIA, CMIIA) with project audit experience.
Expertise:
• Experience auditing large-scale programmes and transformation initiatives.
• Understanding of project governance, risk management, and benefits realisation.
• Ability to assess delivery against objectives, timelines, and budgets.
Lot value (estimated)
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Technology Specialist Audits
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.
Recommended Qualifications:
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
• ISO 27001 Lead Auditor or equivalent.
• Cyber Essentials or similar accreditation.
Expertise:
• Proficiency in IT risk assessment, cybersecurity, and data governance.
• Experience with auditing cloud platforms, infrastructure, and digital services.
• Knowledge of public sector IT compliance and digital transformation.
Lot value (estimated)
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. General Audits
Description
These audits cover broad assurance activities across ECC's 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.
Recommended Qualifications:
• Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIA) qualification or equivalent.
• ACCA, CIPFA, or ICAEW membership with internal audit experience.
• Demonstrable experience in public sector internal auditing.
Expertise:
• Strong understanding of governance, risk, and control frameworks.
• Experience auditing core business functions (e.g., finance, HR, procurement).
• Ability to produce clear, evidence-based audit reports and recommendations.
Lot value (estimated)
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation 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.
Bidders 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.
Successful 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).
The 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.
The capability assessment will focus on completing the work within a given timescale and budget.
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
The following Borough, City, District and Unitary authorities in Essex.
Basildon
Braintree
Brentwood
Castle Point
Chelmsford
Colchester
Epping Forest
Harlow
Maldon
Rochford
Tendring
Uttlesford
Thurrock
Southend on Sea
Contracting authority location restrictions
- UKH3 - Essex
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Contract Audits
Lot 2. Project and Programme Audits
Lot 3. Technology Specialist Audits
Lot 4. General Audits
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
21 October 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
6 November 2025, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
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
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
20 November 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 70% |
| Price | Price | 30% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
Early engagement notice published September 2024 on Contracts Finder to explore opportunities to develop how it can
meet its requirements for Contract and Procurement Specialist Auditor work.
Documents
Associated tender documents
E005PA IASF Specification V1.0.docx
E005PA IASF Bidder Guidance V1.0.docx
E005PA IASF PSQ.docx
E005PA PA23 Assessment Matrix V1.0.xlsx
Contracting authority
Essex County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Email: andrew.beaver@essex.gov.uk
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government