Microsoft Power Platform & AI Chatbot Platform Services

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) is seeking a service provider to supply Microsoft Power Platform licensing for 36 months and to design, implement, migrate and support a modernised digital public engagement platform with AI-powered chatbots. The FPB currently runs a Hotline Reporting Portal (including a WhatsApp reporting channel) and a Complaints Portal for reporting harmful online content, including child sexual abuse material, cyberbullying, revenge pornography and online harassment. Both platforms are integrated with the Halo ITSM system. The project aims to replace these legacy platforms with a responsive, cloud-based solution built on Microsoft Power Pages, Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse and Copilot Studio, and to maximise the FPB's existing Microsoft 365 investment.

The scope covers the full solution lifecycle. The successful bidder must supply and manage all required Microsoft licences for 36 months, migrate and modernise the Hotline and Complaints portals, and build Android and iOS mobile applications that are published through the official app stores. It must also deliver a public AI chatbot across the FPB website, portals, mobile apps and WhatsApp Business, plus an internal Copilot assistant that gives FPB officials role-based access to policies, procedures and knowledge articles. The Complaints Portal must include a centralised complaints register, automated tracking against the prescribed 60-day resolution period with escalation alerts, and configurable dashboards and reporting. Integration with Halo ITSM, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365 and approved FPB APIs is required, as is compliance with POPIA, the Films and Publications Act, the Cybercrimes Act, MISS and applicable government ICT security standards. Training includes an initial implementation programme and biannual refresher sessions over the three-year term. Full source code, configuration files, architecture documentation and unrestricted access to the solution are to be handed over to the FPB at project completion.

The project is planned over roughly 12 months, covering licensing and environment setup, solution design, portal migration, mobile app development, AI chatbot delivery, UAT and go-live, and then support and knowledge transfer. Bids are evaluated in three gates: mandatory pre-qualification documents (including CSD registration, tax compliance and SBD forms), a functionality assessment with a minimum score of 70 out of 100, and an 80/20 price and B-BBEE preference evaluation. The functionality assessment weighs company experience (30), project methodology (20), project manager qualifications and experience (20) and technical team capability (30). Bidders must provide reference letters for similar implementations. Note: the eTenders listing shows a closing date of 2 December 2026, while the bid document states 30 November 2026 at 11:00. Prospective bidders should confirm the closing date with the FPB SCM division at tenders@fpb.org.za before submitting.