Invitation for Expression of Interest from Prospective Information and Communication Technology Firms in Respect of the Implementation of a VAT Deduction at Source Solution for the Telecoms Sector at Federal Inland Revenue Service (IFRS)
Federal Inland Revenue Service (IFRS)
15 Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, P.M.B 33, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
Invitation for Expression of Interest from Prospective Information and Communication Technology Firms in Respect of the Implementation of a VAT Deduction at Source Solution for the Telecoms Sector
(1.0) Introduction:
In line with its responsibility for assessing, collecting and accounting for revenues accruable to government, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is desirous of implementing an automated VAT collection system in the Telecoms Sector. The current collection practice is largely manual; thus, despite the fact that VAT is collected on behalf of FIRS, these payments are not always remitted as and when due and often not completely when they are remitted. Hence, the need for having a system to monitor the process of collection at source and prompt remittance becomes imperative.
The FIRS now seeks to implement an automated VAT collection system leveraging the automated collection billing system used by the Telecommunication firms in Nigeria to automatically deduct at source the 5% VAT element from the sales of airtime vouchers and remitting the collections to FIRS designated accounts, preferably to the relevant account in the Central Bank of Nigeria
The FIRS consequently announces a two stage bidding process for the implementation of an automated VAT collection for the deduction at source of the 5% VAT element from sales of airtime and VATable transactions within the Telecommunications sector. The Expression of interest represents the first stage of the selection of participants for the implementation of the solution required by the FIRS.
The effective date of this stage (Expression of Interest (EOI) is from 11th May 2015 to 26th May 2015.
(2.0) Scope: Features of the VAT Collection System for VAT deduction from TELCOs.
The VAT Collection System for VAT deduction at source from TELCOs is expected to have the following functionalities/capabilities:
(a) To provide FIRS with an automated system for monitoring the collection and remittance of VAT by Telecommunication Firms in Nigeria.
(b) To provide FIRS with a system that would ensure compliance by all Telecommunication companies in Nigeria; and remittance of all collections to FIRS designated accounts, preferably to the Central Bank of Nigeria, through NIBSS.
(c) To provide a system that would ensure user access interfaces to the TELCOs and that VAT collected from them are remitted accordingly.
(d) Provide reconciliation access interfaces for both FIRS and the TELCOs.
(e) Provide reporting according to the criteria set by FIRS.
(f) Integrate the VAT collection system with the FIRS Web Portal, Data warehouse and ITAS Solution.
(h) Provide a platform for “deduct at source regimen”.
(g) Solution should comply with all statutory and other legal requirements for the installation, integration, running, operation and maintenance of an automated VAT collection service as specified in this Expression of Interest.
(i) Provide high security measures against fraudulent act.
(3.0) Eligibility Criteria for this Expression of Interest
The basis for selection for this EOI is the eligibility criteria employed to establish the ability of responding firms to satisfactorily carry out the required services which are stated below:
To this end, Information and Communications Technology firms are to forward the requisite information and declarations establishing their compliance with the eligibility criteria by way of comprehensive profiles which shall be evaluated in line with the following categorization of mandatory and professional selection criteria:
Pre-requisite Criteria
(a) Copy of certificate of Incorporation/Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
(b) Copy of genuine 2015 current Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) of the firm. The certificate should reflect the true turnover of the company in the relevant tax periods and taxes paid
(c) Evidence of having fulfilled all obligations with regards to pensions and health insurance contributions as provided in the Pensions act and NHIS act.
(d) Evidence of compliance with the Industrial Training Fund Act 2011.
Others
(e) A sworn affidavit that the firm is not bankrupt, in receivership or under liquidation or involved in any litigation which can potentially affect the company’s ability to conclusively participate in this engagement
(f) Sworn affidavit of disclosure to indicate if any of the officers (or related persons) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is a Chairman/Director of the company and that the company does not have any Chairman/Director who has been convicted in any country for any criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety.
Professional Selection Criteria Quantitative
Verifiable documentary evidence of experience with similar jobs successfully executed within the last five years based on the following:
(a) List of similar assignment of comparable functionality with supporting details comprising brief description, contract value, implementation role, size and current status of project.
(b) Proof of implementation across the various phases such as outline proposal, detailed proposal and final design realization; tender action through to practical completion: – supported by letters of commission or request for submissions; consultancy agreements and payment certificates.
(c) Proof of continuous professional reliability for the last five years.
(d) Verifiable documentary evidence of adequacy of human and technical resources in line with the following:
- Personnel requirement backed by a functional organogram reflecting the attainment of baseline staffing needs (Number of staff/qualifications); with possession of technical resources to execute the design in terms of appropriate computer hardware and software.
- Evidence to show that the firm has prior experience in providing ICT services and other relevant technology segments.
(e) Copy of the audited account of the firm for the last three years.
(4.0) Submission of Expression of Interest
Participating ICT firms are advised to carefully study the eligibility requirements conveyed in the Expression of interest solicitation documents and comply fully with all requirements therein. Failure to provide mandatory information will lead to disqualification. All compilation/ profiles responding to Expression of interest must be sealed and should be marked: “Expression of Interest for the Implementation of a VAT Deduction at Source Solution for the Telecoms Sector” and Hand Delivered to:
The Head,
Procurement Department,
Federal Inland Revenue Service,
Revenue House (Room 128)
15, Sokode Crescent, Off Michael Okpara Street,
Wuse Zone 5, Abuja
(5.0) Submission closing date and time for Expression of Interest:
The deadline for Submission of Expression of Interest shall be 12:00 noon on 26th May, 2015. Any EOI document submitted after this deadline shall be rejected.
(6.0) Opening Date and Time for Expression of Interest:
Opening of Expression of Interest (EOI) documents received commences immediately after close of submission on 26th May, 2015 in the presence of representatives who choose to attend the opening at Conference Room, 4th floor Revenue House, 15, Sokode Crescent, off Michael Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
(7.0) Information: Regarding the Expression of Interest
For all enquiries regarding this Expression of Interest, please email/call firsprocurement@firs.gov.ng , 08074983355
(8.0) Disclaimer:
- The Federal Inland Revenue Service reserves the right to verify claims made by any Service Provider.
- Submission of Expression of Interest document does not commit FIRS to awarding contracts to a Service Provider.
- Submitting false documents is an offence and will lead to disqualification and prosecution.
Signed:
Secretary, First Tenders Board
For: Acting Executive Chairman FIRS
