NLRD Application Redevelopment and Modernisation

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is seeking a suitably qualified service provider to redevelop and modernise the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD) application, currently built in VB.NET. The appointed provider will assess, redesign, rebuild or re-platform, migrate, test, deploy and support the application to ensure compatibility, stability, security, scalability and long-term supportability. The engagement runs for 12 months and follows six phases: Discovery and Assessment; Design and Architecture; Development and Build; Data Migration; Testing; and Go-Live and Support. Discovery includes 14 to 16 hours of requirements workshops with SAQA subject matter experts over two or three days. The provider must document current business processes, data structures and integrations, and catalogue all VB.NET screens, forms, reports, batch processes, file inputs and outputs, external dependencies, user roles and audit requirements. SAQA will supply source code for analysis, along with database schema objects, packages, jobs, triggers and views, and the source code must be hosted on SAQA's infrastructure.

The target solution is a web-based application using PHP for the back end and front-end technologies. The provider must define a target logical architecture on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), covering database schema design and high-level network design, and the architecture must support Single Sign-On with SAQA's on-premises Active Directory. The provider must also migrate legacy data safely and accurately, propose high-level database migration options to MSSQL, implement integrations with stakeholders, and ensure compliance, security, auditability and scalability. Knowledge transfer and ongoing support are included. Service levels apply: failure to deliver to the agreed scope and timeline attracts a penalty of 15% of the monthly invoice fee per incident.

The bid is evaluated in three stages. Stage 1 checks administrative compliance, including signed standard bid documents and a Central Supplier Database (CSD) report or supplier number. Stage 2 is pass/fail: bidders must provide two reference letters confirming successful PHP framework application development, and a CV for the Lead Developer showing at least four years of relevant practical experience, submitted on SAQA's compulsory CV template with supporting qualification copies. Stage 3 applies the 80/20 preference system, with 80 points for price and 20 for B-BBEE ownership (15 points for at least 51% black ownership and 5 points for at least 30% black women ownership). Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF to rfq@saqa.org.za by 11:00 on 28 October 2026, must include an index and numbered dividers, and must remain valid for 90 days. Pricing is provided per phase, both as a total and as hourly rates, and the project timeline will be agreed with the appointed provider. The value of this engagement lies in replacing a legacy desktop system with a maintainable, cloud-hosted platform that supports SAQA's role as custodian of the National Qualifications Framework.