Hiring of Third-Party Review and Performance Audit Firm for PSQCA

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Islamabad, is procuring consultancy services for a comprehensive third-party review and performance audit of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). This assignment focuses on evaluating PSQCA's legal, operational, institutional, technical, and human resource frameworks, including detailed audits of its units and laboratories across Islamabad. The scope covers assessment of quality control infrastructure, certification marks schemes, compliance with international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, and financial sustainability. The technical scope includes reviewing governance structures, operational workflows, HR capabilities, and suitability of laboratory equipment. The consultant will also analyze PSQCA's standardization and certification mark services, stakeholder satisfaction, and alignment with international benchmarks. Deliverables include inception and baseline reports, stakeholder engagement plans, governance reviews, operational assessments, financial analyses, gap identification, and actionable reform proposals focusing on digitalization, business process re-engineering, and KPI-based performance management. Eligible bidders must be reputed firms, organizations, joint ventures, or consortia registered with the latest EPADS 2.0 system, with valid FBR registration and ATL listing. A minimum of five years' experience in audits or reviews of public sector or scientific organizations is mandatory. Firms must not be blacklisted and international firms must have a local partner registered in Pakistan. The technical bid must demonstrate methodology, work plan, and qualified key experts. The financial bid will be evaluated on a least cost basis among technically qualified bidders. Bids must be submitted electronically via EPADS 2.0 before 11:00 AM on 7th April 2026. The technical bids will be opened online at 11:30 AM the same day in the presence of authorized representatives. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 1st April 2026 at 1:00 PM at MoST Islamabad. Earnest money in the form of a 2% bid security in favor of DDO, MoST, must be submitted in hard copy before the closing date. The contract duration is three months with payments linked to deliverables. The Ministry reserves the right to accept or reject any bid as per PPRA rules. A practical tip for bidders is to ensure complete and compliant submission of all required documents including firm registration, audited financial statements, technical staff CVs, and affidavits regarding blacklisting status. Early preparation and thorough understanding of the Terms of Reference will enhance chances of success in this competitive procurement.